Being chased for unpaid Greek medical bill

carys933

Earlier this year I was in accident while on holiday, in Crete. I came of the back of a bike and hit my head and lost consciousness. I was quickly rushed to hospital, had various treatments done but was let go the next day so I could fly home. At the time of my accident I wasn't made aware of any costs for the treatment I was receiving. I stupidly didn't take out travel insurance, but I had my Ehic card. I don't recall signing anything or being made aware of the cost of treatment. I was first taken to a medical centre in Malia and then transported to the hospital in Heraklion. The medical center have sent me a letter for me to pay 400 euros when I didn't even receive treatment there., they're charging me for the ambulance II wasn't aware you paid for and treatments I didn't have. I've looked into the medical center and it's privately run. I haven't yet head anything from the hospital yet and dread how much that would be as I had various scans and x rays done. I'm looking into paying it but lack the funds to do so at the moment. If i refuse to pay can then take any legal action with me being in the uk?

CM66

EHIC means that you are entitled to health care the same as a person who lives in that country.


Whilst here in the UK its completely free, in Europe a lot of people still have to pay at least something towards any care. This also usually only applies to state hospitals, so as you were taken to a private hospital EHIC probably doesnt apply?


Hindsight is a great thing, but shows how important it is to have travel insurance

Voyager2002

And to answer your question, yes, they can pursue you for a valid debt just the same as any business in the UK (or at least almost the same, since there are minor differences in procedure). I suggest that you write back with a photograph of your EHIC and seek to establish whether any of the treatment you received was part of the State system. You should certainly clarify full details of what treatment you did and did not receive -- apart from anything else your doctor here should be given the full picture to help with follow-up treatment.


Given that they did treat you and probably saved your life before checking that you would pay I think you should make arrangements to settle any valid bills. That does not of course mean paying for treatments that you did not receive but are billed (and it is possible that if the matter ever came to court, that attempt at fraud could lead the judge to be helpful to you). As with any debt, once you have established how much you genuinely owe you need to offer regular payments that you are likely to be able to afford.

Tammykitty

Public health care in Greece seems to be free, so if you were in a state hospital - the EHIC should have covered it - although not sure how it works if you didn't show it to them


https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/healthcare-when-travelling-abroad/healthcare-in-greece-including-greek-islands/

Manxman_in_exile

Make sure you take out travel insurance in future.

Heliflyguy

If your wise enough to take out Travel insurance next time then you had better read to the parts about travelling by motorcycle very carefully before you buy if you intend to get on another one on holiday, quad bikes too.


I wonder if you were at least wise enough to be wearing a half decent crash helmet this time....:cool:

carys933

Thank you for the help, I've had a look and it should cover the emergency treatment from the state hospital which is why I suspected they haven't contacted me yet, where as the medical center was privately run, definitely learn't my lesson for the future! Only time I haven't take out travel insurance as I completely forgot before and look what happens!!