Spanish Medical Bill - Help please!

Itsryanjc

Hey guys,

I just need a little advice. I recently visited Spain in November and had to visit A&E - nothing physically wrong I was worried I caught an Infection. The guy in A&E told me to come back tomorrow and handed me a prescription, so I did. When I handed in my prescription they asked me for my EH11 euro card, I didn’t have it on me (stupidly) and the guy said it’s okay and handed my the prescription... and that was it.

Today I received a letter billing me for €300 for the A&E. I’m shocked because they didn’t say there would be any charge and I didn’t have anything happen to me at all... he simply told me to come back tomorrow and provided me with two tablets so I could start the course of meds that day.

I’m just worried because I’m young and I can’t afford €300. What will happen if I don’t pay? Can I visit Spain again? I know it’s a little off topic but I just need some help

Thanks guys.

PeacefulWaters

On the bright side, at least it was Spain and not the USA. I got clobbered for $2,200 for a bit of dental treatment.

Send them a copy of your EHIC card.

Itsryanjc

Jesus! You had to pay that much?

My EHIC card says expiry date 2015? Shall I order another and send that?

Thanks for replying!

k3lvc

Itsryanjc wrote: »

My EHIC card says expiry date 2015? Shall I order another and send that?

Good luck with that :rotfl: - what about claiming on your travel insurance ?

Itsryanjc

I didn’t have any travel insurance - ugh. I know. I was only there for two days. I guess this an exspensive life lesson.

I just don’t get how they charge €300 for telling me to come back tomorrow?

Can’t I renew my EHIC card and send them a picture of it when it arrives?

Robin9

Although there is a mutual agreement within the EEC there is nothing to say treatment is free.

Itsryanjc

I didn’t have any treatment? I mean, I got a prescription and talked to a doctor for 5 minutes...

k3lvc

Itsryanjc wrote: »

Can’t I renew my EHIC card and send them a picture of it when it arrives?

Of course you can - but given it wasn't valid when you incurred the EUR300 charge then you might want to brace yourself for whatever the cost of fraud is

Itsryanjc

I don’t know what to do then. Nobody told me there it’d cost the doctor only talked with me in A&E and the guy said don’t worry about the prescription.

I don’t have a job anymore and I can’t afford the €300. What will happen? I can’t afford to pay this.

k3lvc

Others may tell you different if you say who the medical company is but in my experience they're not likely to give up wanting their money.


Depending how far they take it you may find it challenging to book accomodation/enter the country in future and woe betide you if you do return and need medical assistance

Itsryanjc

The title on the letter is “servicio canario de la salud”

Yeah I don’t know what to do