Paying medical bills abroad

[KKRocks]

I had 2 heart attacks in Belgium 2 weeks ago, had a stent fitted and was hospitalised - I don't have insurance and have no idea how to proceed - the bills are starting to come through and I'm extremely stressed - Can anyone help or point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.

[Calliope153]

This may help you -

Can I be required to pay for unplanned medical treatment abroad, even after providing my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

MAYBE - if patients are charged for medical care in the country where you're staying, you'll have to pay the same amount as a local resident. However, if medical care is free of charge for locals, you shouldn't have to pay either.

While I was visiting another EU country, I fell ill and was hospitalised for emergency treatment. I showed my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). A month later a bill arrived at my home. People living in the country I visited don't have to pay for treatment - so do I really have to?

NO. The hospital should treat you on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of the country you're visiting. The bill should be settled by the country where you're insured. If you received a bill after your return which you paid, apply to your national health insurer for reimbursement.

[Calliope153]

Try this link for information:

europa.eu/youreurope/citize...

[judes]

EHIC cards only apply if you were in a state hospital if it was a private hospital unfortunately you’re not covered.

Not sure about Belgium but in a lot of European countries they would automatically take you to a private hosp as they do in Spain.

When I was ill in Italy I had to insist they took me to the local state hosp, which was very good.

J

[Dickyticker26]

I broke my left arm in Belgium in 1996 and had pins inserted in Jette hospital in Brussels

They were absolutely fantastic they all spoke excellent English and the surgeon told me he had been trained at Roehampton

Kingston hospital took the pins out and said nice things about the Belgian surgeon's work

Later I got a bill for I think 2,000 Belgian francs which I felt was a very reasonable contribution for the skill and care and overnight stay in hospital

I still have one of the pins

(On the way back Eurostar were very insistent that they could offer me no assistance whatsoever)

[pippadee]

Holiday in USA,car accident(not my fault) in hospital 3weeks had a heart attack 2 stents fitted,hospital bill $800,000,medical insurance paid bill in full,please,please never go abroad with out insurance.