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Hola @ebrandtWe got COVID on our recent camino. We holed up in Astorga and while there went to the Centro de Salud for some medical advice. We weren't sure it was advisable to take a regular decongestant or antihistamine and my husband's nose was running like Niagra Falls (Answer -- over the counter decongestants and antihistamines are fine from a COVID perspective). We also wondered if there was antying else we should be doing other than resting and isolating. (answer: nothing else)
Anyway, we tried to pay but they were not set up to take payment. When we got home we had a bill in the mail for 90 euros. I need to pay this but I am not sure how to do so. Can I just sent a US check to Spain? Any advice would be appreciated.
LizB
That sounds interesting - have you used it yourself ?You could use https://wise.com/ .
This system allows you to send money from your credit card directly to a Spanish bank account and the fees are much less than an international transfer typically would be.
An international transfer is not the best option from the USA We just don’t do bank transfers here often. Fees can be half the charge you’re paying. If you ask, the hospital can send you a link and you can pay via credit card or atm card. I do it all the time when I’m paying for reservations. It’s also the way I paid my recent hospital billHola @ebrandt
Sorry to hear about your fight with COVID but unfortunately its "par for the course".
Now how to pay your account. There should be bank account details on the account - Account Name, Account Number and BSB Number. Since yours is now going to be an international transfer it might be a bit more involved. If there is a telephone number you may be able to phone, ask to speak to someone who has reasonable English and ask if you can pay via credit card (MC/VISA/AMEX). if this option is not available I suggest that you go to your bank and ask their advice about arranging an international transfer.
Back in 2015 I had to go to the University Hospital in Salamanca. At the end of my treatment they gave me an account (with all the above info). I asked if I pay in cash and was advised Yes. I came about two hours later with the E104.90 and paid the cashier directly, she gave me a receipt and marked my account as paid.
Good luck
I will check this out. I have never heard of it. Thank youYou could use https://wise.com/ .
This system allows you to send money from your credit card directly to a Spanish bank account and the fees are much less than an international transfer typically would be.
I always use this firm; excellent rates and service.You could use https://wise.com/ .
This system allows you to send money from your credit card directly to a Spanish bank account and the fees are much less than an international transfer typically would be.
There is also a Wise app you can download, and it is very easy to make international transfers that way. I’ve done it a few times in preparation for the current Camino we’re going on, to pay deposits, etc. You just need to know the bank account information for the person or business you’re sending money to, as you normally would for an international transfer. It is much cheaper and easier than going to your bank.That sounds interesting - have you used it yourself ?
Im in the group of those (pre Covid ) going to a Centro de Salud and wanting to pay on the spot ; but having them say: no, we need your insurance details. I complied but would have preferred to pay then.
Months later.. I received an account from Centro de Salud for around 350 euros which I arranged for my bank to transfer to spain : to bank account info on invoice.
It just wasn’t worth nit picking again through the insurance / plus the excess would have been almost this value.
Good luck Liz.
Yes, I use the Wise app all the time to make international transfers, and sometimes even to make national transfers here in Portugal because it's just easier than with my Portuguese bank. I have a Wise credit card too, which is incredibly convenient for withdrawing from ATMs abroad. Highly recommend.You could use https://wise.com/ .
This system allows you to send money from your credit card directly to a Spanish bank account and the fees are much less than an international transfer typically would be.
Liz, I can help you. Please email me a copy of the bill and I will pay via my Spanish account.We got COVID on our recent camino. We holed up in Astorga and while there went to the Centro de Salud for some medical advice. We weren't sure it was advisable to take a regular decongestant or antihistamine and my husband's nose was running like Niagra Falls (Answer -- over the counter decongestants and antihistamines are fine from a COVID perspective). We also wondered if there was antying else we should be doing other than resting and isolating. (answer: nothing else)
Anyway, we tried to pay but they were not set up to take payment. When we got home we had a bill in the mail for 90 euros. I need to pay this but I am not sure how to do so. Can I just sent a US check to Spain? Any advice would be appreciated.
LizB
I have used it. My brother sent some money from Germany. It was very easy and just cost a few cents.I will check this out. I have never heard of it. Thank you
Yes, works a charm and is cheap. I sent some money to a Spanish charity.That sounds interesting - have you used it yourself ?
Hi (I don’t like to call you Dough or doughnut thoYes, works a charm and is cheap. I sent some money to a Spanish charity.
I also have their debit card and app.
No, they don't promise to refund ATM fees.Would you say the debit card is similar the the USA ‘charles Schwab’ card ? Ie does it refund fees incurred in taking cash at machines in Europe /camino etc.
I am attaching some screenshots showing fees for international transfers in NZD and AUD and a screenshot about ATM fees. They recently increased their ATM fees.a percentage fee .. frustrating when you want it all to go to the recipient.
Have you tried Paypal??Thanks for the tips. I don't have an email but the invoice gives bank transfer info. I'd like to avoid a wire transfer as it will cost me $25. So the Wise app sounds like an option. That or a phone call.
i thought I would add that we went to a private hospital in Burgos when my husband injured his knee. They gave us the cost info up front and we paid with a credit card. An emergency room consult, X-rays, and an orthopedic specialist consult cost only $350!
Hi. In 2019 (pre-Covid) I got a flu and had a fever in Ferrol before beginning the English Camino with my husband. I needed a prescription for antibiotics. We went to the Medical Center and under the advise of a very nice Brazilian girl that was living there I was told to register as a pilgrim and to mark the option of desplazada, as I didn't have a fixed address in Spain.This is an additional comment about medical that may or may not be helpful to future pilgrims, at least for a time. I went to the health center in Sarria, (not COVID related) was seen in 15 minutes by a doctor, and was told that there is an agreement between Galicia and our State Department that the visit for a pilgrim would be free. I even offered to run it through our insurance, but I was told that would complicate things. Could this be the insurance that Galicia bought for pilgrims? No explanation as to how long this is in effect. So if you can get injured or sick in Galicia, that is preferred, in my opinion, to other parts of Spain. Or limp there. Of course, in the case of COVID, and not wishing to make others ill, that is not a good option. Perhaps it would be helpful to other pilgrims, if someone with firsthand knowledge could explain how this worked.
Wise is great. I have used it regularly to send funds to my son studying in Spain.That sounds interesting - have you used it yourself ?
Im in the group of those (pre Covid ) going to a Centro de Salud and wanting to pay on the spot ; but having them say: no, we need your insurance details. I complied but would have preferred to pay then.
Months later.. I received an account from Centro de Salud for around 350 euros which I arranged for my bank to transfer to spain : to bank account info on invoice.
It just wasn’t worth nit picking again through the insurance / plus the excess would have been almost this value.
Good luck Liz.
Paypal is too expensive and I dislike many of their policies.Have you tried Paypal??
Have you tried Paypal??
And generally hospitals don't take PayPal.Paypal is too expensive and I dislike many of their policies.
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