Tourist Owes Mexican Hospital $40K - Claims They Won't Let Her Leave

Fox News reports that a retired Idaho Teacher, who got sick while on vacation in Mexico, now owes $40,000 to the Mexican Hospital.  Her son claims they won't release her until she pays the balance owed. About $8,000 has been paid so far.

The article does not state whether the 67-year-old is covered by Medicare or a retiree health plan.  Either way, it seems that her domestic health insurance isn't going to do much on her behalf (they are using a GoFundMe to try and raise the balance).  Certainly not until she returns home and files claim forms.  

Stories like this are a good reminder of the importance of global health insurance coverage when traveling abroad.  Insurance companies like GeoBlue provide benefits in over 180 countries and handle any claims in the host country.    

Fox News Article

Dave

www.davefluker.com

UPDATE

May 17, 2017.  Follow up article says she was allowed to leave last Friday and is now home in Idaho.  

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