Anyone going to the USA - make sure your travel insurance is up to date

[ediemay]

I've just got back from working in New York with DS, who was taken ill there and we had a very unpleasant time at a New York Emergency Room.

Our travel insurance company were great and I just wanted to remind anyone going to the USA to make sure you have good medical cover on your insurance and that it is all up to date.

The most basic check-ups cost just under $500 and the antibiotic prescribed cost a further $98.

Hi

You are certainly correct re the warning about having adequate health insurance for the US.
I hope your son went on to make a full recovery.

Am not unfortunately totally surprised at the cost. Probably one of the first things they asked you as well was how are you going to pay?.

I would also add that the policyholder should phone the insurance company themeselves to get their agreement to pay out. Do not rely on the hospital to make that call for you.

Hi Meerkats

What was worse, in a way, was that they didn't mention payment until we were discharged and sent to a payment counter, so it might be possible for someone in a worried state to forget about this and forget, as you say, to contact the insurance company before paying.

I phoned mine before going to the ER to ask which one to go to and find out the payment procedure. I agree, this is vital - thanks. I just hope this saves someone else from the worry.

Thanks, DS is on the mend now but had bacterial pneumonia.