Dealing with Medical Debt Collection as an International Visitor
Hi, Reddit community. I’m looking for advice on how to manage a medical debt that’s been sent to collections.
Here’s the background: My wife, who was my fiancé at the time, currently lives 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 ID here. Back in June 2023, while she was visiting me in California, she faced a medical emergency that required a two-day hospital stay. The bill ended up being an astonishing $25,000 for what was fairly minimal treatment. She had travel medical insurance that covers her year-round, but it only applies to the first 45 days of a trip. Regrettably, her hospital stay fell on Day 47, which left us with an uncovered bill.
After returning to her home country, all notices regarding the hospital bills were sent to my address since I provided my info at the time. While I attempted to work with her insurance company to find coverage options, the hospital eventually transferred the debt to collections around eight months later. In hindsight, I realize I should have been more proactive in communicating with the hospital—a mistake I take responsibility for.
Now, the collection agency has been contacting me for the last six months, having only my information. The original $25,000 bill has accumulated interest and is now even larger. We’re not in a position to pay the full amount upfront, but we’re open to negotiating a resolution. I’m also a bit confused because I recently received outreach directly from the hospital.
I would really appreciate any advice or guidance on how to tackle this situation. Has anyone else faced something similar or have any suggestions on how to proceed? Thank you for your help!
Navigating medical debt collections, especially with the added complexities of international situations, can be challenging. Here are some steps you might consider to address this issue:
Communicate with the Collection Agency: Start by reaching out to the collection agency to clarify the details of the debt. Request a written validation of the debt, which they are legally required to provide upon your request. This will confirm that the debt is legitimate and that they have the right to collect it.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all correspondence with the hospital, insurance company, and collection agency. This documentation may come in handy in disputes or negotiations later on.
Negotiate a Payment Plan: Since you mentioned that you cannot pay the full amount upfront, propose a payment plan to the collection agency. Many agencies are open to negotiating and may accept a reduced amount if you can make payments over time.
Contact the Hospital Directly: Since you’ve received outreach from the hospital directly, you might want to contact them to discuss the situation. Explain your wife’s visitor status and the circumstances surrounding the bill. They may have options available or be willing to provide assistance or a reduced payment agreement.
Assess Your Legal Options: Depending on your financial situation and the total debt, it may be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in debt collection or consumer rights. They can help you understand your rights and obligations, especially since this is an international scenario.
Look into Financial Assistance: Some hospitals have financial assistance programs for patients experiencing hardship. Check if the hospital has a charity care program or other resources that could help reduce the amount owed.
Explore Insurance Options: Although your wife’s travel insurance did not cover the visit, it may still be worth revisiting with the provider to see if there are any options they can offer based on her circumstances.
Understand the Impact on Credit: Be aware that if the debt remains unpaid, it could impact your credit score. If payment is made or negotiated, ensure that any reported information reflects the current status accurately.
Seek Counseling: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking to a financial advisor or credit counseling service. They can help you develop a strategy to manage this debt and any other financial challenges you may face.
Stay Informed: Finally, make yourself knowledgeable about your rights concerning medical debt and collections. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) offers protections against harassment and unfair practices by collectors.
It’s understandable to feel stressed about such a large debt, but taking proactive steps can help you navigate this situation more effectively. Good luck!