Swiss debt collector chasing unpaid U.S. medical bill

Caliden

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Fred Swanson

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Caliden

My fear was that the Swiss debt collector could get a judgement in Switzerland for the debt.

I didn't realise it had to be obtained in the country of origin for the debt. Thanks

NUTLEY BOY

Side bar question if you don't mind.

Did you ever challenge the insurers over their decision ? (The conduct of insurance companies is just a hobby horse of mine :mad:)

Caliden

No.

Looking back I should have but an initial bill of $405 arrived which I naively thought was the total cost of the visit so chalked it down to experience.
When the larger bill arrived it was months later and even making the initial claim was heartache as I had to fax them forms and follow up daily via EMAIL (no phone number) and it just wasn't worth the stress.

Next time I'll just keep my mouth shut and let the doctor figure it out for himself. He actually rolled his eyes and shook his head when he heard my accent and the word Vegas. Extremely racist but in my mind it would be hard to argue with a doctor's findings unless I paid for a second opinion.

jacknife

debts do not stop at borders. A irish or swiss court will recognise the US debt as owing, even if the debt was created under US law, not irish law. Accordingly, the Irish court can grant judgment if they find money is lawfully owing.

As well there is the effect on your credit rating this may be held against you down the line

It is unlikely they will pursue it through the court as they have little prospect of retrieve

I'd get advice to see will it affect your credit rating

Fred Swanson

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Kristopherus

Caliden wrote: »

No.

Looking back I should have but an initial bill of $405 arrived which I naively thought was the total cost of the visit so chalked it down to experience.
When the larger bill arrived it was months later and even making the initial claim was heartache as I had to fax them forms and follow up daily via EMAIL (no phone number) and it just wasn't worth the stress.

Next time I'll just keep my mouth shut and let the doctor figure it out for himself. He actually rolled his eyes and shook his head when he heard my accent and the word Vegas. Extremely racist but in my mind it would be hard to argue with a doctor's findings unless I paid for a second opinion.

Contact the Swiss outfit and tell them you have no contract with them and that you will only deal with the Hospital and Insurance Co concerned. Don't admit to anything to them.

jacknife

Fred Swanson wrote: »

Rubbish! Only members of the ICB can affect your credit rating. Swiss debt collectors are not on that list.

Can you quote any legal sources or precedents for your assertions?

I recommend getting advice to see if it will affect his credit rating

Fred Swanson

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dissed doc

Kristopherus wrote: »

Contact the Swiss outfit and tell them you have no contract with them and that you will only deal with the Hospital and Insurance Co concerned. Don't admit to anything to them.

Whatever he signed in the hospital may have allowed the hospital to sell any unpaid debts as they see fit. He may very well have a contract with them, and not even know it. That is also how the student debts in the US get sold and re-sold.

Fred Swanson

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dissed doc

Fred Swanson wrote: »

As Switzerland is outside the EU, I am at a loss as to what authority they have in Ireland.

It is not about authority. There may well be EU-Swiss collection agency agreements that are less well known, I don't know. But, I would not presume anything!

In Switzerland, debts are registered in a each canton individually. The OP can probably contact the debt registry office of the listed canton to see if he is actually listed. Otherwise, they may be on some sort of fishing exercise and it is not actually a registered debt in Switzerland.

garhjw

you need to challenge this withh your insurer f you think hey are incorrect.

filing that i would suggest you pay your debts. perhaps agree a payment plan with them - €50 or €60 per month? or do you think it is ok not to pay for goods or services?

garhjw

you need to challenge this withh your insurer f you think hey are incorrect.

filing that i would suggest you pay your debts. perhaps agree a payment plan with them - €50 or €60 per month? or do you think it is ok not to pay for goods or services?

Fred Swanson

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Disgruntled Badger

You should get legal advice. Chances are though, they won't come after you for such a small amount. Letters are cheap. Would cost them a packet to really come after you in an Irish court, especially as they likely bought your debt for a tenth of what you allegedly owe. Can they actually ID you legally, PPS number etc....if not I'd forget about it.

Pat Mustard

Caliden wrote: »

I had insurance but my insurer refused to pay it

I would consider sending a letter to the insurance company, saying that you want them to pay the bill on your behalf and that you want to go through their complaints procedure so that matters can be referred to the Financial Services Ombudsman, if necessary.

I'd keep an extremely sharp eye on the time limit, also.