challenging a hospital bill when on holiday as a non-resident

creditcardbaby

Flugelhorn said:

Brie said:

Hopefully insurance will cover it, bar the excess.  But $600 doesn't seem a lot considering how the US medical system works.  I had a severe cold sore in Canada probably 15 or more years back and just to see a doctor was $50 then and then there was the full cost of the prescription on top.  So over $100 in the end for what was a £5 tube of Zovirax as it's prescription only there.  Antibiotics would have been much more expensive.   (I always pack Zovirax now when I travel)

we charged £75 in GP land for consultations for overseas visitors (and that was many many years ago) - medication used to be on a standard prescription though 

Pen V is cheap as chips but they probably gave something more fancy (and expensive) 

yes good that you take zovirax is OTC these days

Made a mistake on application form - was unaware / did not disclose my daughter took medication for anxiety in last 2 years - 100% my fault I know

SiliconChip

See OP's previous thread for background.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6630295/travel-insurance-not-disclosing-medical-condition-careless-or-reckless

There's an article here about challenging medical bills, don't know if it'll be of any help but probably worth a look.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/medical-bills-cost-negotiate-errors-study-rcna168808

QrizB

creditcardbaby said:

QrizB said:

$600 seems a bargain.

I was expecting you to say four figures!

creditcardbaby said:
Unsure insurance will pay

Have you told your insurance company? Have they said anything to you?

Made a mistake on application form - was unaware / did not disclose my daughter took medication for anxiety in last 2 years - 100% my fault I know

What about the other questions:

Have you told your insurance company?

Have they said anything to you?

creditcardbaby

sheramber said:

This is your third time posting on the same topic. Are you hoping to get an answer you like more?

First time I have posted this question. New topic. 

creditcardbaby

QrizB said:

creditcardbaby said:

QrizB said:

$600 seems a bargain.

I was expecting you to say four figures!

creditcardbaby said:
Unsure insurance will pay

Have you told your insurance company? Have they said anything to you?

Made a mistake on application form - was unaware / did not disclose my daughter took medication for anxiety in last 2 years - 100% my fault I know

What about the other questions:

Have you told your insurance company?

Have they said anything to you?

Yes but they have indicated they will not pay.
I'm now hoping to go to hospital direct and get a discount / challenge the bill and was wondering if that was feasible.

la531983

On what basis?

They wont care that your travel insurance arent prepared to cover it.

QrizB

creditcardbaby said:

QrizB said:

creditcardbaby said:

QrizB said:

$600 seems a bargain.

I was expecting you to say four figures!

creditcardbaby said:
Unsure insurance will pay

Have you told your insurance company? Have they said anything to you?

Made a mistake on application form - was unaware / did not disclose my daughter took medication for anxiety in last 2 years - 100% my fault I know

What about the other questions:

Have you told your insurance company?

Have they said anything to you?

Yes but they have indicated they will not pay.

Won't pay because of the undisclosed medical history? Or because of some other reason?

TELLIT01

From what I hear about the cost of medical treatment in the USA, not first hand experience, a $600 bill comes as no surprise.  Question the charge by all means as you have nothing to lose by so doing.  Expect to be disappointed.

creditcardbaby

la531983 said:

On what basis?

They wont care that your travel insurance arent prepared to cover it.

On the basis the bill seems excessive / unreasonable. 

la531983

creditcardbaby said:

la531983 said:

On what basis?

They wont care that your travel insurance arent prepared to cover it.

On the basis the bill seems excessive / unreasonable. 

Not for the USA it doesnt.