Can I charge back if I didn't consent to the sum?

8 Posts

Hi,
A medical clinic charged my card with several hundred pounds because apparently the procedure was not covered by my medical insurance (exemption was buried in the small print).
At the clinic I signed some document, agreeing to pay something if there's an issue with the insurance. I don't have a copy of that document yet.
However, at no point I was advised of the cost of the procedure which happened to be unaffordably large. Am I allowed to make a chargeback based on the fact that I never consented to the amount of the charge?
I feel the situation when someone can charge a consumer's card for absolutely any amount without consumer's authorisation as fundamentally unfair.
I am investigating what can be done through the insurance company, but that's a separate topic - I am kindly requesting that you only answer about the chargeback component if you know the answer. Thank you in advance!
A medical clinic charged my card with several hundred pounds because apparently the procedure was not covered by my medical insurance (exemption was buried in the small print).
At the clinic I signed some document, agreeing to pay something if there's an issue with the insurance. I don't have a copy of that document yet.
However, at no point I was advised of the cost of the procedure which happened to be unaffordably large. Am I allowed to make a chargeback based on the fact that I never consented to the amount of the charge?
I feel the situation when someone can charge a consumer's card for absolutely any amount without consumer's authorisation as fundamentally unfair.
I am investigating what can be done through the insurance company, but that's a separate topic - I am kindly requesting that you only answer about the chargeback component if you know the answer. Thank you in advance!
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In reality you signed to underwrite the amount and they've taken it - your chance to question this was before you signed
It looks like using any medical services on a private insurance is essentially a gamble - you have to underwrite the amount and then see if the insurer is able to apply any exemption clause from their tons of small print. An uphill battle, and not very consumer friendly.
In real terms, and ignoring pre-existing conditions the process tends to be very low risk. You get an initial referral and your insurers authorise an initial consultation with a named doctor and normal some basic investigations. After than the doctor submits a treatment plan to the insurer who approve or decline it. As its all pre-approved there is little risks unless the Dr goes off plan or you demand they go off plan.
A chargeback is an almost certain failure because the T&Cs will be such that the private hospital/doctor isnt, to use your words, underwriting the process if the insurer refuses to pay. There may other grounds for complaint/action but that really depends on what has happened and where the process has fallen down.