Travel insurance problem

eink

Hi

I am a british citizen and last February I visited the USA for a short birthday holiday (california and washington).
The day before my birthday I stumbled across a herb store whilst walking in seattle, and since marijuana is legal there I decided to buy my first spliff.
Long story short whilst in my apartment I felt very unwell after smoking it (hallucinations, confusion dizziness, paranoia, raised heartbeat) and decided I needed a doctor, and so I called 911.
Whilst in the emergency department for 2 or 3 hours I was diagnosed with cannabis intoxication and was given a few hours for the effects to wear off. I wasn't worried about the treatment costs because I knew I had insurance (WRONG). However I genuinely had good reason to call for an ambulance, and I have never had to call for an ambulance in my life.

Anyway a month later I received a medical bill from the hospital bank that is partnered with a swiss bank (760 USD). And after contacting my insurance company they had told me that they don't cover drug or alcohol intoxication and that I would be liable to pay the full amount.

I'm not sure what to do and whether I can fight it out with my insurance company or ignore the request from the hospital. Can they send a debt collection agency to my home, will it effect my visit to the USA again? Or should I just cough up, and arrange a spread of payment. However according to the hospital bank in switzerland, they will only split the balance in 2, so I pay half on the first month and half on the second.

I'm not sure what to do.

I've heard that the US hospital cannot do anything if I refuse to pay, except send me letters. However I'm also a very reasonable and honest guy, and would also prefer to settle what I owe. But if refusing to pay is an option, it is very tempting as long as it doesn't effect my visit to the USA.

[Deleted User]

Have you read the policy document? Does it say drugs and alcohol are excluded?

stephen160

I am shocked the charge was only $760

eink

DELETED USER wrote:

Have you read the policy document? Does it say drugs and alcohol are excluded?

I phoned my insurance company and he said the policy doesn't cover for Alcohol or drug intoxication, he seemed pretty sure about that statement and it seems logical. I haven't yet read the terms and conditions but I'm sure it will mention it somewhere.

SeniorSam

The liability is yours and may be enforced, so suggest you pay up. If you try and avoid it, you may find that you cannot get future insurance as insurance companies tend to advise each other of problem clients. Drug and alcohol abuse are excluded with all policies, otherwise anyone could get stoned and abuse the system, so policies would cost far more.

Nasqueron

stephen160 wrote: »

I am shocked the charge was only $760

Even the US hospitals can't take the mick with costs if they don't actually treat you, plus it might have been a cheaper medicare type place not a private one


OP - your policy almost certainly does not cover anything related to drug use whether legal or not so you will need to pay this. Lesson learned - talk to the shop and advise them you are a new user and need something weak

MEM62

eink wrote: »

I'm not sure what to do.

You pay the bill. As far as I know, all travel insurance policies exclude claims raising from self-inflicted intoxication. The coverage is for accident and illness, not for dealing with the consequences of getting stoned.

stripeyfox

Insurance won't cover it. Compared to some medical bills, you should be grateful it is only $760.

Pay it. Move on