Foreign hospitals requiring payment in cash before service?
I have chosen only evacuation insurance, because I am insured for medical expenses through Cigna even when overseas. But Cigna of course requires me to pay up front and submit an itemized bill. So here's the problem:
I read online: 1) Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in CASH prior to providing service 2) Some foreign hospitals charge one inclusive rate (care services, bed and board) thus no itemized bill.
The health insurance policies that travelers can purchase that I have reviewed also state that it's a reimbursement situation. I know health care is less expensive in Europe, but I'm not going to be carrying THAT much cash around. I thought I could use a credit card with a big big limit, but maybe not.
Has anyone had any experience with this?
Holly
Medford, OR USA 7/23/12
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Nigel - actually the top rate is still 50%, it's due to drop to 45% next year. However, as you say, top rate is hardly indicative of what most UK people pay. There are 30 million income taxpayers in Britain, 25 million pay the basic rate, 3.5 million the higher rate and only 300,000 the top rate. So for most it is 20% income tax (actually rather less really because the first portion is tax-free). And also, as you say, there are a lot of people who are not in that 30 million and pay zero % as they earn below the minimum threshold.
Equally, there are other taxes, of course; income tax is only a third of the total taxation raised each year.
Bets, you can look at anyway you want, Nigel asked where I got it and I supplied the link. If you do a search you'll find similar lists.
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