If I'm hospitalised in the US without insurance - can they make me pay?

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This was published 5 years ago

If I'm hospitalised in the US without insurance - can they make me pay?

By Michael Gebicki
Updated
Take out travel insurance if you're heading to the US.

Take out travel insurance if you're heading to the US.



According to Bessie Hassan, Travel Insurance Expert at finder.com.au:

"Sad reality is that uninsured travellers can encounter medical issues overseas and end up in thousands of dollars of debt. As a way of safeguarding against this, hospitals sometimes ask for an upfront payment before a procedure takes place to ensure the patient can afford their services.

"However, in an emergency this may not be an option. The United States is known for its expensive medical costs and in extreme cases, travellers may have difficulty leaving the country until the bill is paid. However, typically the debt will follow you home to Australia and you'll have to find the money somehow.

"In a best-case scenario, travellers can negotiate down the cost, or arrange to pay in instalments. If desperate, you can contact the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate for further advice. Travel insurance should not be an afterthought. Prevention is important when planning a trip."

See finder.com.au/travel-insurance

See also: Airlines have found a new way to squeeze more seats onto planes

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