Visitors in USA - no medical insurance?

Question

I have my parents visiting me from abroad and my father needs to go see a Doctor immediately for Heart Condition.
He does not have any insurance in US. What can we do? Are the hospitals OBLIGED to see any patient, regardless of coverage?
Will I get roped into the whole process?
Please guide.

I have read conflicting messages at the Hospital - On one hand the boards say that they HAVE TO take care of the patient no matter what, and on the other, the boards also say that "Entire Payment is due at the time of service".

He does have a visitors insurance, bu that does not cover pre-condition(he has had BP and heart related issues since past 7 years )

Answer 1

If he's not having an emergency, try an urgent care clinic. They may be able to give him an EKG & a prescription, and send him on his way. If he doesn't have insurance, he'll have to pay for some or all of it...

Or, take him to the ER. He'll still have to pay for some or all of it.

So, I'm not sure what your question is... Are you asking if there's a way to receive free health care, in the US, for a non-citizen, with no insurance or travel coverage?

The answer is no. They'll request to see his travel visa, or some other proof of identity. They may ask to have you agree to be a point of contact, because he has no address or insurance...
He won't qualify for state or federal aid... They'll probably let him pay a reduced rate because he's not a citizen, and has no address, and obviously needs care...

They'll see him, if he's having an emergency. If he's not, they'll see him, and send him home...

You will, in some way, be roped in. Good luck...

Answer 2

Visitors Insurance Usa

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

I suggest that you visit this website where you can get quotes from different companies: http://INSURE-HELP.COM/index.html?src=3YAPNQ38VOxFOH

RE :Visitors in USA - no medical insurance?
I have my parents visiting me from abroad and my father needs to go see a Doctor immediately for Heart Condition.
He does not have any insurance in US. What can we do? Are the hospitals OBLIGED to see any patient, regardless of coverage?
Will I get roped into the whole process?
Please guide.
Update: I have read conflicting messages at the Hospital - On one hand the boards say that they HAVE TO take care of the patient no matter what, and on the other, the boards also say that "Entire Payment is due at the time of service".
Update 2: He does have a visitors insurance, bu that does not cover pre-condition(he has had BP and heart related issues since past 7 years )
Follow 12 answers

Answer 5

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RE Visitors in USA - no medical insurance?

I have my parents visiting me from abroad and my father needs to go see a Doctor immediately for Heart Condition.
He does not have any insurance in US. What can we do? Are the hospitals OBLIGED to see any patient, regardless of coverage?
Will I get roped into the whole process?
Please guide.

Answer 6

A hospital is required to see anyone that needs emergency care whether they have insurance or not. I advise you not to sign anything (at all), because this could make you responsible for your father's bills during the care/treatment. Does your father have travel insurance, most of them cover medical care while away from home. The hospital can also be asked to arrange from a payment schedule; you can ask to see someone from their financial office for aid, or see if they even will accept his form of insurance from home.

I repeat "DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING" even an admittance form because this may make you responsible for the bills. They can not hold you responsible for your fathers bills, unless you give consent by signing on the dotted line.

Answer 7

Deja vu...

My father in law came to the US last July as a US immigrant. He also had a pre-existing heart condition. Because of his status, he was not eligible for the state health insurance plan at the time (MassHealth) but he was able to receive free clinic services. They scheduled an EKG in September as soon as he was approved, which took two weeks. He never made his appointment.

Two days before that appointment my FIL was admitted to the hospital for a heart attack. Because of his emergency condition, the initial costs were covered by FreeCare. However, the ancillary (ambulance) and subsequent costs (intubation, other surgical procedures) would've gone against him, and they were starting to pile up by the thousands. In fact, while he was still in the hospital, one of the specialists billed him for services one week after the heart attack, which upset my wife greatly.

Since he had no other health insurance and he had no other assets, I and my family would eventually have to pay the hospitals to help him out.

Unfortunately, he died four weeks after being admitted. At that point, the hospitals involved waived all costs incurred during his stay through their charity care accounts.

While I was involved in ensuring that everyone involved knew the financial status of my FIL, I made it very clear that the financial burden was legally his, not mine, and that while I was providing support, I was not legally responsible for his debts.

Get your dad the help he needs. God bless you.

Answer 8

Hospitals should take him if it is an emergency. I would call his insurance company and say that this is an emergency and give them the details. After you see what they say then most hospitals will except pymts. I think ins companies out of country will refund him, He should ask.

Answer 9

I suggest that next time they visit the US, purchase a comprehensive visitors insurance. Please visit http://www.insubuy.com and enter your criteria. You will see various plans and their quotes. You can compare them side by side and make an instant purchase online. For further help, talk to a licensed insurance agent, 7 days a week at (866) INSU-BUY.

Answer 10

Public Hospitals emergency rooms are obligated to see everyone.

Private Hospitals can turn people away unless they are the only hospitals in town.