Dealing with Medical Debt Collections as an International Visitor
Hello, Reddit community. I’m looking for some advice on how to handle a medical debt that has gone to collections.
Here’s the story: My wife (who was my fiancé at the time) is currently living outside the United States. We got married in August 2024, but she doesn’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), a U.S. address, or any legal identification here. In June 2023, while visiting me in California, she faced a medical emergency that required a two-day hospital stay. The resulting bill was a staggering $25,000 for what turned out to be relatively minor treatment. Although she had comprehensive travel medical insurance that is valid year-round, we found out that it only covers the first 45 days of a trip. Unfortunately, her hospital visit was on Day 47, leaving us with an uncovered bill.
After returning to her home country, all correspondence regarding the hospital bills was sent to my address (which I provided as a contact). While I was in touch with her insurance provider to explore coverage options, the hospital eventually transferred the debt to collections after about eight months. Looking back, I realize I should have been more proactive in communicating with the hospital to keep them updated—this is my oversight.
Currently, the collection agency has been contacting me for the past six months using only my information. The original $25,000 debt has increased due to interest. We are not in a position to pay the full amount right away, but we are willing to negotiate a resolution. Now, I’m confused because I recently received outreach directly from the hospital regarding this matter.
I would appreciate any advice or guidance on how to tackle this situation. Have any of you experienced something similar or do you have suggestions on steps we can take? Thank you for your help!
Navigating medical debt collections can be quite stressful, especially when it’s involving an international visitor. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation:
Verify the Debt: Ensure that the debt is valid and accurate. Request a detailed breakdown of the charges from the hospital and the collection agency to confirm that the amount owed is correct.
Communicate with the Collection Agency: Reach out to the collection agency to discuss the debt. Explain your situation and express your willingness to negotiate. Be clear about what you can potentially pay and ask if they can provide you with any payment plan options.
Contact the Hospital: Since you mentioned that the hospital is now reaching out to you, it might be beneficial to have a direct conversation with them as well. Explain the circumstances, including your wife’s insurance situation and her residency outside the U.S. See if they have any financial assistance programs or can offer a reduced settlement amount.
Negotiate a Settlement: Many collection agencies are open to negotiation, especially if you can offer a lump sum that is less than the total debt. Be prepared to negotiate and assertively propose what you can afford.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with both the collection agency and the hospital. Document dates, times, names of representatives you spoke with, and the details of your conversations. This documentation can help if any disputes arise later.
Explore Financial Assistance: Some hospitals have financial assistance programs for patients who can demonstrate financial hardship. Check if the hospital has a financial aid or charity care program that might apply to your case.
Seek Legal Advice: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney or a nonprofit credit counseling service. They can provide guidance on your rights and potential options for handling the debt.
Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to understand your rights when dealing with debt collectors. This can help ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process.
Plan for the Future: Consider how to prevent similar situations in the future, such as ensuring that any travel medical insurance adequately covers your wife’s stay and exploring options for international visitors.
Remember, you are not alone in this, and it’s okay to reach out for help. Best of luck, and I hope you can find a resolution that works for you and your wife.