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2012 I had the same experience in Leon. 4 days RICE and pain killers. Eventually I got an invoice emailed and I paid via bank draft. Mine was around 100 EurosHi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
Hi. I went to a clinic on the Camino Francis because I had a very bad case of bed bugs (all over my body). I was given a cortisone and antihistamine shot. I wanted to pay for the visit either by cash or credit card but they said they will bill me. I did receive a bill by registered mail. It is all in Spanish and they are looking for a wire transfer. I took it to my bank and there was not enough information to pay. My daughter in law called the clinic as she could speak Spanish and they said that they would get back to her. Still haven’t heard. Frustrating!Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
It sure does sound that way from many of the replies on this thread.The "moral" of the story seems to be that practices vary throughout Spain; bureaucracy rules; and above all, Insurance companies try to avoid paying up if at all possible.
From my experience, if you are coming from a country outside the EU and have insurance, it's best to go to a private hospital where you can pay at time of service and receive a bill upon discharge to send to your insurance company for reimbursement.The "moral" of the story seems to be that practices vary throughout Spain; bureaucracy rules; and above all, Insurance companies try to avoid paying up if at all possible
Hi ElaineHi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
That includes UK citizens too! Well the 27 EU countries. And it’s based on residency not nationality. Also worth checking if your country has any reciprocal health agreements. As well as with EU countries, the UK does with whole host both Europe and further afield. There’s also some countries who seem to treat foreign tourists free irrespective of nationality in their state systems. For example Argentina.Remember that for all citizens of EEA countries and Switzerland, all treatments are free of charge (see European Health Insurance Card)
If you a foreign national resident in an EU country you don't get EHIC benefits in Switzerland and Demark, I think.That includes UK citizens too! Well the 27 EU countries. And it’s based on residency not nationality. Also worth checking if your country has any reciprocal health agreements. As well as with EU countries, the UK does with whole host both Europe and further afield. There’s also some countries who seem to treat foreign tourists free irrespective of nationality in their state systems. For example Argentina.
Ah ok. Thank you!If you a foreign national resident in an EU country you don't get EHIC benefits in Switzerland and Demark, I think.
Anyone who is insured by or covered by a statutory social security scheme of the EEA countriesIf you a foreign national resident in an EU country you don't get EHIC benefits in Switzerland and Demark, I think.
Factual clarity always a good thing so thank you. I am both a UK and EU citizen resident in the UK but the EU part wouldn’t have been of any use if UK hadn’t negotiated it as part of withdrawal agreement! as residency is the key!I was literally looking this up today for myself as a UK citizen resident in the EU.
Sure some people have! Key Is making sure you are clear on what you are buying and what’s included and what is not. I don’t know if credit card insurance is more generic and whether you can adapt it as I have never used it! As you get older it gets tougher for many. I used to have a a million options but more recently due to changing corcimstances I am down to a couple!Hi, my father in law is pretty tight and relies solely on the insurance attached to his credit card, which did cover extensive hospitalisation and medical care in Italy.
Has anyone relied on and used this form of insurance successfully, or otherwise in Spain please?
Buen Camino
HiHi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
That sounds similar to my experience at the hospital in Santiago in 2018. The doctor just had me move my leg in different directions, and asked if it hurt. Then prescribed me paracetamol. My bill, which came two months later was 361 Euros, and payable only by bank transfer, which cost me $30. (this thread has suggestions on avoiding high fees for bank transfers)Hi
Many years ago I had a visit to ER at Santiago Hospital, eventually saw a doctor for 10 minutes, helped him with Google Translate. Many months later got a bill for almost €300 .... after my shock I made an Insurance claim, paid my excess and paid the hospital. Expensive for just a verbal conversation!
Nomad wont insure over 65 anymore! Just saying. CheersI have GeoBlue Trekker Essential, but I am looking at switching to World Nomads due to their age, altitude & evacuation coverage. Anyone have experience with their claims handling? Thank you!
I am using insurance attached to my credit card - which is covered by Alliance. I read through the documentation pretty thoroughly and it seems pretty much the same as the paid ones I have had in the past - and covers people up to age 80. So paying more doesn't always get you extras. Never made a claim though and hopefully won't need to.Hi, my father in law is pretty tight and relies solely on the insurance attached to his credit card, which did cover extensive hospitalisation and medical care in Italy.
Has anyone relied on and used this form of insurance successfully, or otherwise in Spain please?
Buen Camino
They often treat pilgrims for free.Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
I wouldn't count on it.They often treat pilgrims for free.
When I first started looking at this forum in 2014 it seemed I was reading quite a few stories of pilgrims getting free medical attention on the Camino and was amazed that Spain was so generous. It sounds like things have changed and I'm sure rightly so; they owe us nothing. Possibly "free" service related more to treating blisters.They often treat pilgrims for free.
Thanks Travelling Man. My f.i.l certainly took advantage, it would have been a huge bill, for two lengthy hospitals stays etc.Sure some people have! Key Is making sure you are clear on what you are buying and what’s included and what is not. I don’t know if credit card insurance is more generic and whether you can adapt it as I have never used it! As you get older it gets tougher for many. I used to have a a million options but more recently due to changing corcimstances I am down to a couple!
Probably too late now Margaret, but I would check the fine print.The second clinic was a private establishment in Ponferrada. The doctor gave me a cortisone injection and I paid on the spot. I took the bill home and attempted to claim from my insurance. The company insisted on getting an accredited translation of the medical document (Google Translate not acceptable). This would have cost more than the claim. So I gave up.
Hi Rita, I did to for my Camino in 2018, with no claimsI am using insurance attached to my credit card - which is covered by Alliance. I read through the documentation pretty thoroughly and it seems pretty much the same as the paid ones I have had in the past - and covers people up to age 80. So paying more doesn't always get you extras. Never made a claim though and hopefully won't need to.
So true!A few years ago, suffering from a knee problem, I visited two clinics. In Astorga, it was a government clinic, where they simply prescribed Ibuprofen 600. They wouldn't allow payment on the spot, but sent me a bill to my home address in Australia. The charges for paying by international transfer were higher than the bill, so I didn't pay! A year later, a reminder arrived and I replied that I would pay when I was next in Astorga
The second clinic was a private establishment in Ponferrada. The doctor gave me a cortisone injection and I paid on the spot. I took the bill home and attempted to claim from my insurance. The company insisted on getting an accredited translation of the medical document (Google Translate not acceptable). This would have cost more than the claim. So I gave up.
The "moral" of the story seems to be that practices vary throughout Spain; bureaucracy rules; and above all, Insurance companies try to avoid paying up if at all possible.
Yup. I read them the riot act last year when I found out this glitch. Told them they were ageist and I probably was in better shape than most of their office staff. Funny--I never heard back from them....Nomad wont insure over 65 anymore! Just saying. Cheers
What is this? Do all credit cards cover this? I vaguely remember reading something many years ago about some travel insurance if I bought the plane ticket using the card but I don't recall reading anything about health insurance. Time to investigate!I am using insurance attached to my credit card - which is covered by Alliance. I read through the documentation pretty thoroughly and it seems pretty much the same as the paid ones I have had in the past - and covers people up to age 80. So paying more doesn't always get you extras. Never made a claim though and hopefully won't need to.
Good to hear. Probably worth saying what nationality you are/ where you reside in these posts as that in pretty key!I was hospitalized overnight in Pamplona in 2017 in what I believe was a public hospital. I was treated for Afib. Although I had travel insurance, they never asked for payment, nor billed me.
Spot on! I worked in the travel industry for 32 years and couldn’t agree more. Always disclose pre existing medical conditions (many of them don’t cost that much extra). Undiagnosed symptoms, however minor, make things a lot more tricky! Quirky one from a UK standpoint is residency. For the vast majority of UK policies you have to have been physically resident in the UK for 6 of the last 12 months!As a long retired travel and tourism lecturer with tens of years tourism industry experience, can I remind dear forum members about this ?
It is really important to notify your insurance company of any potential claim as soon as you can because many policies have a strict time limit for claim notifications. Be sure to read the fine print very carefully before you buy your policy because in my experience insurance companies will often look for any reason to avoid a payout. Not knowing is no excuse.
And if you do communicate with any insurance company, try to get your communication in writing or take extensive dated notes.
Unless you are of very wealthy means, I regard travel insurance as a necessary purchase, but in saying that, I'm very, very careful in making sure I absolutely understand the policy I buy and research the reputation of Company behind it before purchase. This is especially important if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Cheers
Graham
Why would they do that? Seems very strange? Do you mean non EU /UK residents?They often treat pilgrims for free.
Everyone who appears to be a pilgrim.Why would they do that? Seems very strange? Do you mean non EU /UK residents?
Thank you! Very interesting.Everyone who appears to be a pilgrim.
I have no direct experience of this, I have merely read about it on the forum. My impression is that it is more a thing of the past, i.e. 10-20 years ago. Reason may be that pilgrims deserve to be treated without charge - they were also housed without charge initially, especially in Galicia by the Galician government - or that doctors and smaller health centres did not know how to deal with the complicated administrative tasks of charging foreign patients or could not be bothered; their administrative systems are not set up for immediate direct payment by patients as we know.
There is one hospital in Ponferrada - Hospital de la Reina - which, as far as I know, upholds their own specific tradition of not charging pilgrims. I guess that they have special funds for it. Because medical treatment is rarely “free”; someone pays for it, even when it is not the patient him/herself.
Yes, it was a total nightmare.Hi, my father in law is pretty tight and relies solely on the insurance attached to his credit card, which did cover extensive hospitalisation and medical care in Italy.
Has anyone relied on and used this form of insurance successfully, or otherwise in Spain please?
Buen Camino
Yes, this is partially correct. As I found out to my subsequent cost. I was very unwell when I was in Ponferrada and I saw a poster on the wall in the albergue advising of the free clinic for Pilgrims and so I attended it.There is one hospital in Ponferrada - Hospital de la Reina - which, as far as I know, upholds their own specific tradition of not charging pilgrims.
I take this to mean he was trying to tell you without actually saying it to come back with your pilgrims passport / credential so you wouldn't be charged for the medical service. Probably spoken in code to keep him from being punished.I listened to him tell me that I could go down the street and bring back a copy of my passport if I wanted.
Oh dear.Yes, it was a total nightmare.
Yeah, the problem wasn't with the card issuer it was with Allianz, the insurer. It got so bad that at one point my case manager, employee of Allianz phoned the hospital pretending to be my wife in order to speak with my doctor.Oh dear.
I think he did have hurdles, paperwork etc, but overall was very satisfied.
That was in Italy, and MCard is all-over, but they would require correct paper-work of course...
This will always remain a mysteryHe speaks into my phone, I read the translation, and he says go down the street, get a copy and bring it back if I wanted.
Thanks, good to know. GeoBlue has various options up to 90 right now.Nomad wont insure over 65 anymore! Just saying. Cheers
Yeah, the problem wasn't with the card issuer it was with Allianz, the insurer. It got so bad that at one point my case manager, employee of Allianz phoned the hospital pretending to be my wife in order to speak with my doctor.
I got quite a surprise when the male nurse rushed down to my bed one night and told me to unplug my oxygen so that I could go with him to talk to my wife who was on the phone calling from New Zealand. I told him that this was impossible but let him wheel me up to the nursing station anyway and when the doctor handed me the phone the person on the other end was my Allianz case manager! Who then lied through her teeth about pretending to be my wife.
I never had bought travel insurance prior to my accident in 2017 (I just tripped going downhill). Now, I would not travel without travel insurance. Zoltar does not always share when our accidents or illnesses will happen.There are 64 posts so far on this thread. Because I have been fortunate to have had no injuries or health problems on any of my five Caminos I never would have thought there have been so many issues while walking, and this forum represents just a drop in the bucket of the big picture.
I always have purchased travel insurance on my international trips and often have used Allianz. Now I'm not sure which company to trust.Yeah, the problem wasn't with the card issuer it was with Allianz, the insurer.
You can save a lot of money when making international calls by using apps like Viber and Skype.My long distance phone calls trying to resolve this matter have now exceeded $15.
Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
I went to a hospital between Burgos and Leon after a spider bite. When I went to pay after the consultation, but was told there was nothing to pay as pilgrims were treated without charge. A few months after arriving home in Australia, I received a bill for 140€. I paid without querying the bill.Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
In 2018, I had a heart attack while getting ready to leave Santiago. Once I got to the hospital, I was seen in Emergency, had a stent placed, and was in the hospital for 6 days or so. I spent several days in the ICU, then a couple of days in a room in the cardiac unit.Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
In 2000 I took a bad fall in Italy and hit my head badly. Decided to go to the ER. A doctor checked me out with x-ray and such. Told me I was fine. (Gotta say the doctor was so handsome -- like someone straight out of the movies.A few years ago, I required medical attention in Italy. It took 8 weeks to get the bill from Italy, which I paid in full via a bank transfer. It then took another 8 weeks for my health insurance to refund approximately 80% of the bill. US or Europe, it still took the exact same time - 8 weeks!
Oh, it was really fun trying to photocopy the hospital bill on European A4 paper size down to US standard 8 1/2 X 11!
-Paul
I had an ER visit to check my feet and was given a document to stay extra days in a large albergue, rx for anti-inflamatory cream. Equivalent of $35. Burgos I think.Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
As far as I know, the health service is free for residents of the EU if they present their identity card of the domestic health insurance. All these European health insurance cards are uniform and have a uniform blue and white back. I had to visit a health centre on my VdP just before Santiago, all examinations and also two injections were free of charge for me. As a hospetalero at the Astorga Albergue, I also accompanied some pilgrims to the health centre, all the procedures were free for the pilgrims, just a lot of paperworkHi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
No payment made at point of service, but not free - Italian taxpayers pay for it."Medical care is free in Italy."
They do, yes. I received a hospital bill 6 months later. I’m sure it’ll get to you.Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
AustralianGood to hear. Probably worth saying what nationality you are/ where you reside in these posts as that in pretty key!
I think that you might find that residents of different regions of Spain value highly their ability to govern their own region's healthcare separately and as they see fit.The variation of experiences with the Spanish health system suggests to me that urgent reform is needed to bring uniformity across the country. (Just as the need for public toilets, given the huge numbers of pilgrims walking on the Camino nowadays).
Bear in mind that the overwhelming majority of the users of the Spanish health care systems - namely people including pilgrims who live in Spain and in the other 26 EU countries - don’t care when or if hospital bills are issued and sent out. They present their tarjeta sanitaria or their EHIC card and that’s it. They don’t get invoices or want to pay by credit card.The variation of experiences with the Spanish health system suggests to me that urgent reform is needed to bring uniformity across the country.
Bear in mind that the overwhelming majority of the users of the Spanish health care systems - namely people including pilgrims who live in Spain and in the other 26 EU countries - don’t care when or if hospital bills are issued and sent out. They present their tarjeta sanitaria or their EHIC card and that’s it. They don’t get invoices or want to pay by credit card.
What interests them are the monthly contributions that they must pay to be covered and to finance “”free”” healthcare. Whether doctors, health centres and hospitals handle their administration for overseas tourists including pilgrims in a uniform way or not has a low priority I’d guess.
Please again- do not trust Allianz- they told me last week that they finally wired the funds for my hospital invoice and i just learned today that they did nothing of the kind and now i am being told i need to pay it myself after having been told they’d pay it since april! every single conversation with an allianz representative has been false information after waiting hours on hold. not good.I always have purchased travel insurance on my international trips and often have used Allianz. Now I'm not sure which company to trust.
I'm surprised that they said that they would pay the hospital directly. All of the travel insurance that I've bought states that I will need to pay the hospital or other provider then submit the invoices to the insurance for reimbursement.Please again- do not trust Allianz- they told me last week that they finally wired the funds for my hospital invoice and i just learned today that they did nothing of the kind and now i am being told i need to pay it myself after having been told they’d pay it since april! every single conversation with an allianz representative has been false information after waiting hours on hold. not good.
This depends on the situation. With smaller costs this is often the approach but with higher costs, especially tens of thousands of dollars then in my experience it is normal for the insurer to pay direct. This does need to be agreed though.I'm surprised that they said that they would pay the hospital directly. All of the travel insurance that I've bought states that I will need to pay the hospital or other provider then submit the invoices to the insurance for reimbursement.
Please correct me if I misunderstood your post.
that was my understanding but they originated they would pay.I'm surprised that they said that they would pay the hospital directly. All of the travel insurance that I've bought states that I will need to pay the hospital or other provider then submit the invoices to the insurance for reimbursement.
Please correct me if I misunderstood your post.
I had a leg infection and I went to a hospital in Leon, not the emergency, but I saw a doctor, he checked my leg, and prescribed some meds, he told me we will mail you the bill, six years later I have not received a bill, I don't think they send it, after all, it is socialised medicine, Don't complain.Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
It's socialized medicine for citizens of Spain who pay taxes for it.I don't think they send it, after all, it is socialised medicine, Don't complain.
As a long retired travel and tourism lecturer with tens of years tourism industry experience, can I remind dear forum members about this ?
It is really important to notify your insurance company of any potential claim as soon as you can because many policies have a strict time limit for claim notifications. Be sure to read the fine print very carefully before you buy your policy because in my experience insurance companies will often look for any reason to avoid a payout. Not knowing is no excuse.
And if you do communicate with any insurance company, try to get your communication in writing or take extensive dated notes.
Unless you are of very wealthy means, I regard travel insurance as a necessary purchase, but in saying that, I'm very, very careful in making sure I absolutely understand the policy I buy and research the reputation of Company behind it before purchase. This is especially important if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Cheers
Graham
My wife fell crossing street in Hondarribia, Spain and injured knee, a passing motorist took us to a local clinic. The Clinic attendant's could stop bleeding and bandage, but were not allowed to give injections. So, they had us transferred by ambulance to a hospital across river on the French side. The Doctor x-rayed, sewed up wound, gave pain prescription, at check out they told us there was no charge, we were guests of the government. Interestingly, we had come to Hondarribia, because of bomb threats against nearby San Sebastian. The people at the hospital, said,"tell the people when you get home that the Basque are good people."Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
Much trouble has been dealt out to Spaniards by Spaniards over this issue. They like to govern/mis-govern themselves and uniformity is not a high priority for them.I think that you might find that residents of different regions of Spain value highly their ability to govern their own region's healthcare separately and as they see fit.
In Oct. 2021, I was taken by ambulance from an albergue on the Camino Francis, to an Urgent Care Center. After an EKG at the Urgent Care, back into an ambulance and taken to Burgos University Hospital ER, then I spent an overnight in an observation ward. My medical issue was 1) dehydration and 2) over-prescribed blood pressure meds (from my doc at home). For 2 ambulance rides, 3 bags of IV fluid, 2 EKG's, a Covid test, blood work and the overnight stay in the hospital I was charged nothing. In the ER, my wife was only asked for my passport. My discharge papers only document: my name, DOB and United States. I had a travel insurance policy from Allianz, which the hospital did not ask about, nor did they ask for any payment upon discharge, nor did they ask for my address, (so there is no place for them to send a bill). I don't know if this is hospital SOP, or if I just fell between the cracks, or if someone simply forgot to get my address, or maybe they just liked my good looks. I guess the "Camino provides". Oh, most importantly, I got first class, compassionate care at every step in the Spanish medical system. Gracias to all who helped me.Hi all - I injured my leg in mid June along the Camino Frances. I went to the hospital in Lugo and was seen in the ER. They xrayed my leg (not broken), checked for an infection (thankfully no) and I received intravenous naproxen for the swelling. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, was told to rest for 2 days and get a prescription for a 7-day course of naproxen filled at the local farmacia. I did all those things.
I gave my home address and travel insurance information to the intake people at the hospital. But to date, I have not received a bill nor do I think anything has been submitted to my travel insurance company on my behalf.
Does anyone have experience with hospital billing in Spain to know what their procedures are? Do they submit a bill to my insurance? Do they just send a bill to me (back in the US)? How much time does all this take?
Thanks, in advance, for any insight or experience you all have.
In my experience, these companies love selling policies and taking your money. They love adding lots of fine print and usually always look for ways to avoid payment of claims even if the claim is legitimate.
The comment made me giggle, actually. But ok we all don't really know how health care costs are financed in Spain, me included - and I am of course aware of discussions about the pros and cons of a universal health care system in other countries that don't have such a system. Needless to say that "universal" does not mean that everyone in the universe is covered but only those who are formally and legally enrolled in the system, which is usually only the inhabitants of a country (note: that's inhabitants and not nationals of the country in question).socialised medicine
My wife fell crossing street in Hondarribia, Spain and injured knee, a passing motorist took us to a local clinic. The Clinic attendant's could stop bleeding and bandage, but were not allowed to give injections. So, they had us transferred by ambulance to a hospital across river on the French side. The Doctor x-rayed, sewed up wound, gave pain prescription, at check out they told us there was no charge, we were guests of the government. Interestingly, we had come to Hondarribia, because of bomb threats against nearby San Sebastian. The people at the hospital, said,"tell the people when you get home that the Basque are good people."
Thank you.The comment made me giggle, actually. But ok we all don't really know how health care costs are financed in Spain, me included - and I am of course aware of discussions about the pros and cons of a universal health care system in other countries that don't have such a system. Needless to say that "universal" does not mean that everyone in the universe is covered but only those who are formally and legally enrolled in the system, which is usually only the inhabitants of a country (note: that's inhabitants and not nationals of the country in question).
Anyway ... a recent article sheds some new light on this topic. If you get never charged for your hospital stay or other medical treatment as a foreign tourist in Spain, it is obviously not your fault that you don't get a bill, and we will rarely know whether this was intentional or not. But see this recent article on the Spanish Antena3 website:
Spain's healthcare system accumulates millions of euros in uncollected medical bills from defaulting tourists: Many international tourists leave without paying their bills at hospitals and health centres in Spain.In most cases, if they are EU tourists, they arrive with a European Health Insurance Card. If they are from a country outside the European Union, they should arrive in Spain with travel health insurance. However, this is not always the case and many of those who need medical attention end up leaving the hospital without paying the bill. By country, the UK is at the top of the list of tourists who do not pay their Spanish health care bills. Outside the EU, the country that pays the least bills is the United States, followed by Argentina.Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
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