Question
What is the name of your state? NY
I would like some advice on the following scenario:
If a relative was visiting us from a foreign country, and their Health Insurance coverage was not valid outside of the their country; what would happen if that person needed emergency medical attention and they could not pay the bill?
As the relative and the person who took them to a hospital or clinic, would I be liable for the expenses if the relative could not pay? If so, and I were sued by the care giver, would I be covered by an Umbrella Insurance policy?
Thank you for your help.
Answer
If the person injured was an adult, they are their own guarantor. Meaning, they guarantee payment .... no matter if their insurance pays or not.
Now, if the patient is a child (minor) - and you listed yourself as the guarantor at registration, that makes you financially responsible for the bill.
The parents might be able to appeal to their insurance for an exception stating emergency during a vacation - if it was life-threatening, the insurance may consider authorizing coverage. If the parents paid, they might be re-imbursed (some) cost - - -they could submit a bill **************.
I am in NY also, and this happens rare occassion. What area in NY, was the visit ER? What hospital was it?
Answer
As the relative and the person who took them to a hospital or clinic, would I be liable for the expenses if the relative could not pay?
Only if you signed documentation stating that you would be responsible. Just b/c they are your relative (and I am using an adult as the example unless you state it WAS a child) and you brought them to the hospital, you are not responsible to pay their bills for them. If that were true, I need to call up my rich uncle, next time I have a kidney stone, and have him take me to the ER......
Answer
Thank you for the responses.
The situation has not actually occurred, but the person in question is a senior citizen who would like to visit us. Due to their age, the probability of the need for critical medical treatment is quite high, especially after a long and stressful trip.
Hopefully, all will be well, but I wanted to cover my bases in advance so I can avoid as much financial fallout as possible in the event of an emergency.
The location is upstate NY near Rochester.
Answer
The person should maybe then speak to their insurance and let them know they're going to be travelling. that way the insurance can be prepared and if there is a problem, their files will reflect notification of vacation/travel
I live in upstate as well, in rochester
Answer
It's a small world!
I will have them inquire, but I think they are pretty scrict about any coverage outside of the city, let alone the country (it's Brazil, the land of many laws, but laws that are rarely followed and easily bypassed with bribes).
Thanks again!
Answer
There are policies available for foreign nationals traveling to this country.
Check out for more information.
Answer
Thanks for the link, somarco. It was very helpful.
Answer
The person would receive any care necessary to evaluate and stabilize an emergency medical condition, then would be billed for that service.
According to 42CFR489.24,
"An Emergency Medical Condition means--
i) A medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of
sufficient severity (including severe pain, psychiatric disturbances
and/or symptoms of substance abuse) such that the absence of immediate
medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in--
(A) Placing the health of the individual (or, with respect to a
pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child) in serious
jeopardy;
(B) Serious impairment to bodily functions; or
(C) Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part; or..." (The rest refers to pregnant women.)
No health provider is required (by federal regs, that is) to provide non-emergency care no matter what your payment source is. Be aware that your visitor may be in great need of medical care but unable to get it if it doesn't meet the above definition. Why this person would choose to make this visit is really beyond me.
Answer
Only if you signed documentation stating that you would be responsible. Just b/c they are your relative (and I am using an adult as the example unless you state it WAS a child) and you brought them to the hospital, you are not responsible to pay their bills for them. If that were true, I need to call up my rich uncle, next time I have a kidney stone, and have him take me to the ER......
State: CA
Here is another scenario: What if I signed the hospital admission documentation (which includes financial responsibility language) because the patient (my relative from abroad) was medically unable to do so. He/She was in ER in such a bad state that he/she could not sign, and the forms were given to me as accomopanying relative.
Am I still financially responsible?