Ont. man billed $620K following heart attack while in Florida
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- An Ontario man who had a heart attack in Florida is on the hook for a $620,000 hospital bill after his travel insurance denied coverage.
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Never fails with Insurance, they have no problem collecting money but when you need to make a claim they're full of excuses.
This is why they are called Insurance Company !
Bought "comprehensive homeowners insurance" for our house here, I made it absolutely clear I want to be covered for EVERYTHING, Looked it over more carefully. We are not covered for water damage caused by, faulty pipes, seepage, rain, backflow, condensation, flood, roof damage. Pretty much anything that could possibly cause water damage. I have seen an ad of theirs SHOWING a cartoon house flooded out with exploded pipes and a happy unconcerned couple who knows the insurance company will take care of it. You pretty much have to have this crap but I sure as hell wouldn't bet on it actually being there when I need it.
@@canman5060 Taking money and providing nothing in return is more like a Casino,
Its a racket.
@greg6500 which company?? We need to name names
80 grand for the use of the defibrillator. Absolutely disgusting!
Cost of ten defibrillators.
I was wondering if he got to take the defibrillator home with him? At that cost he should own all the equipment used, the hospital bed, and room that he stayed in and the ambulance.😮
No. They surgically inserted an implantable defibrillator because he had a cardiac arrest.
''Pacemaker''
Don’t like Private-For-Profit-Health Care? Don’t vote Conservative.
His wife says his cardiologist said he wasn't fit for travel. It makes sense that his insurance would be void because of that revelation. He took a gamble travelling against medical advice and lost.
If I heard correctly, @1:30 his wife said her husbands’ cardiologist said “he was “A” stable to travel”. What more do you need?
@@jeanniep8816listen again; "WASN'T stable to travel"
@@jeanniep8816she said the cardiologist said he *wasn't* stable for travel, the written news articles regarding this confirm that.
That bill is enough to get a heart attack
Stay in Canada and spend your money in Canada on local Canadian businesses. No need to visit the rodents in Florida.
We have a home in Jupiter and spend November - April there every year and love the beaches and beautiful weather! Just buy excellent insurance. This is avoidable. He had a pre existing condition. I don't know how anyone stays in Canada during the winter. The weather is just awful!
hundreds of thousands less ? still who can pay that kind of money. Travellers beware
Duh
I was once hospitalized in Nevada. I had travel insurance and my insurance told me to go ahead and give details, (I had given the name John Doe.)
I was not drunk, but they had done a blood screen and alcohol showed in the check. My travel insurance company than informed me because I had consumed ANY alcohol I was not covered.
The nurse told me the total (17000) and I laughed as I was flat broke.
The nurse told me to grab my stuff and sneak out. 😂
Did you drink and drive
@@M_SC "But occifer, I only had 4...teen beers. I AM NOT DRUNK!"
- Every drunk driver
@@M_SC no. It was a super hot day, I got heat stroke, but had had a drink hours before.
Travel Insurance.....stay in your room and enjoy the view from your balcony. Anything involving fun on your trip, drinking/swimming not covered. Don't leave the resort/no spicey food, no activities involving paragliding/jet skiing. All of the pre-mentioned and 100 more (fine print) will void your insurance and you be liable (and no s-x, s-x induced heart att-acks are NOT covered).
620k? That's predatory and
profiteering. Insane "shithole."
It's amazing it costs over 600,000, not sure how you add up that bill? Why not 500,000 or 700,000, I think it is just a magical number at that point...
the $20, 011 was for aspirin
My friend from Sudbury Ontario has been living in Florida for 45 years. He has been treated for cancer for 3 years.He has private insurance. He is now an American citizen. His insurance has paid out 3 million dollars in 3 years. One cancer infusion treatment alone is 98,000$. That is what it costs in the USA.
In the USA the medical system is just a business for profit. They charge as much as possible. I had a dizzy spell and went to emergency for a checkup. Big mistake. They couldn’t find anything and thought perhaps it was dehydration. The bill was $6,800 for 3 hours of emergency care. If you are not feeling well don’t go on your trip unless you’re 100 per cent.
@@Dept246 $6800 for that ? That's ridiculous! What state were you in? And did you end up paying it?
They actually itemize everything. They will list and charge for Aspirin and gauze.
He should sue the scammers who sold him the group travel insurance.
If he didn't respect the terms of the contract then he won't get far with that.
@@jptrainorTerms ? 😂 The insurance companies always try to find an excuse to not pay you.
@@dembipor One of the excuses they use is when the insured person isn’t open and honest about pre-existing problems. This guy made a gamble that he wouldn’t get sick on his trip. He lost that bet.
He should have read the contract before paying.
His doctor told him he was not stable to travel, his own fault
If you don’t declare your pre-existing conditions then you may as well not buy the medical insurance at all.
Considering that they had @1:00 group insurance, I am curious to know if specific pre existing medical condition was mentioned when they took group insurance?
Comprehensive unconditional travel medical insurance products are available. Probably worth the expense.
They had that already.
@@paradox_1729 No they didn't. If they did the claim would not have been denied.
Jptrainor you know this because you sell "comprehensive unconditional travel medical insurance"?
@@saritap.5265 I know this because the policy he bought was described in the story and it had conditions. Less restrictive travel health insurance exists.
@@saritap.5265
If it’s unconditional, wouldn’t that mean no conditions?
Serious question.
Always travel with Blue Cross Ins. They ask all the questions BEFORE you travel and are very reasonable with any disputes.
I would not get my insurance from CAA or anyone else. They're eager to get your money initially,, but when something happens it's another story. I have heard stories like this one many times. Do your homework well ! And dont pay the bill. Go after the insurance company !
I always travel with Blue Cross and have had two or rhree claims. They always come through.
If you can afford anything don't ever buy insurance. In the long-run you always lose by buying insurance. I never buy insurance on anything or for anything unless its mandatory.
Never go to the States or any country without comprehensive travel insurance. Even a small injury can cost thousands of dollars in the USA. That is why the number one cause of personal bankruptcies in America is medical expenses. The most expensive care in the world but nowhere near the best. Americans do not know how bad it is compared to other countries. DO NOT go there without proper travel coverage. This is a very common issue for travelling Canadians.
Do not go there period, horrible country.
@@PamelaMacmillan-pc4rxprejudiced ? What does Canada have to brag about these days ? MAID ?
With Blue Cross you're pretty safe
Umm America has the best medical services in the world. They lead the world in research too and Compared to Canada, don’t you think you’re being delusional?
@@christiand1244But those medical services are only for the ultra-rich.
I would do another cardiac arrest with that kind of hospital bill.
Even if the hospital cuts the bill in half he still owes $310,000. Just don't pay.
Just dont eat cholesterol.
It's usually genetic predisposition to high cholesterol that does it
😂😂. Agree. He shouldn’t be paying any cent.
creditors will come for his home and any other valuable assets
@@cdbuilesno they wont. They cant. I know someone this happened to and they cant do anything. Happens to seniors down south lot. The insurance company needs to pay up !
Insurance companies love to take your money but paying out anything is another story. They will look for any excuse to weasel out of their responsibilities. I would urge these folks to lawyer up!
Lawyers are even _more_ expensive than that.
I'm 57 and big... I was told by a doctor that because of my size, even though I have no history of heart, stroke or any medical issues, am not taking any medications, never had a test indicate a problem, if I was to have a heart attack in the states, because of my weight, it could invalidate my insurance so I should get confirmation ahead of time. I am far healthier than others I know that are not big, but smoke, drink etc. and have many issues. They have never been warned of a problem but I wonder if something happened, would they be caught unaware and denied.
Go with Blue Cross. They do the questions by phone. If they determine your a higher risk you might pay a higher premium, but you wont be denied
This is the reason I have not travelled outside of Canada since I was 75. I’m fully aware of all the risks if something should happen while I’m away
Smart Peggy
Only if you go with a private insurance company. Blue Cross is safest. They do an assessment by phone and if you dont meet the criteria youll be denied or pay extra. They are more reliable than any other
You should live your life. In Canada you’ll die waiting for care, besides this county is going downhill fast I rather spend the rest of my time in the USA.
@@xeero24 I agree with that.
Yes, my 86 year old mother won't even go over the line with me to Bellingham anymore (which I do weekly).
This is not even a lottery. So, insurance is not insurance anymore. What to do then?
Insurance can work just fine, just read your policy and don't travel with an unstable pre-existing medical condition against medical orders like this guy did.
Purchase an insurance policy that matches your insurance needs. This guy's policy didn't match his risk.
@@jptrainor Sad but true. It's only human to not think things through perfectly beforehand, but it comes with a potentially great price.
@@imsmeagol911nonsense ! Only private insurance companies do this to seniors. Amost all seniors have some pre existing medical condition.
Go with Blue Cross. They are the most reliable
Maybe don't travel to shithole countries that are going to take you for everything you're worth if you have a medical event?
Sue them $100,000 for each rib they broke .
Proper CPR breaks ribs in most cases
Ribs do get broken during CPR. It is not malpractice, and his life was saved.
lol couldn’t sue
It's common for CPR to break ribs and it saved his life
OHIP pays whatever it cost in Canada but not a cent more, But if the USA is 2-3 times more expensive you have to make up for the difference.
The OHIP out-of-country program only reimburses you for a maximum of $400 per day for emergency inpatient services (meaning an ICU or operational surgery) a maximum of $50 per day for emergency outpatient services.
Wow! This is crazy! Insurance companies are crooks there are always fine lines in contracts and loop holes so they can screw you! And shame on that hospital for that outrageous unnecessary inflated bill!!
My grandma had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital while in Florida a few years ago. When she submitted the claim to her insurance afterwards they refused to pay it because she didn’t inform them she was going to the hospital before she was taken there. So stupid. She paid thousands of dollars for that coverage and couldn’t even use it.
I'd never spend that kinda money on myself.
''Greenshield'' now it all makes sense ... they pay for nothing
They keep all the "green" money and "shield" it from their paying clients.
dont pay,whos going to catch you u & put u in jail
What happens if you simply just refuse to pay?
If they can’t afford it they can look for a settlement. That way they will pay monthly amount.
Nothing. I know someone this happened to and of course he could not pay it. They cant do anything
It happened to my uncle also a few yrs ago and now must pay close to a million!!!!
As bad as Canada is with housing, at least we aren't America with medical debt.
Private insurance exists. If you work, and aren't already riddled with debts from POOR decisions (having children out of wedlock, gambling, drugs etc) you'll be fine as long as you work.
Nothing is free in Canada. We as taxpayers we pay for Canadian poor health , No family doctor, wait years for specialist, years for tests, and then get miss diagnosed or I’m sorry it’s too late. That is a fact and Truth!!!!
@@justbreathe2421 When have you received a 600K medical bill? Even with all the above problems your life will be million times worse when you owe 600K. then you are not eligible for any more medical care, loans, mortgages, school loans, cars.........
@@chrisxl5152Tell that to most Americans who don't have insurance.
Not yet. Ford is working hard to make it happen in Ontario.
600k bill would cause another heart attack
The Number One Mandate on the list for insurance companies is "Try Not to Pay"
That and make rich shareholders who don't need still more money even richer.
They price the insurance based on actuarial risk. If they regularly paid out on policies where the risk they faced was outside the terms of the policy then they be out of business.
And the number one mandate for travelers is to pay as little as possible for travel insurance regardless of whether it will cover their personal requirements.
Of course, when your own greed and/or stupidity costs you $600K, it's far easier to blame an insurance company rather than admit you were wrong.
Lol. I wouldn't pay. What they gunna really do?
He had a precondition and collapsed…and how’s this not his fault?
A sad but common incident. His failing health and lack of intelligence before leaving Canada put him in debt. Be smarter before leaving Canada.
He should have answered the questions truthfully when he purchased the travel insurance.
Did the insurance CEO's pay your for that post ?
@@mateofernando5066 Did the insurance CEO's pay your for that post ?
Gotta be smart enough to not underestimate how stupid American voters are.
It is a mess down there.
@@bitey-facepuppyguy2038 Try again in English
Pre conditions are not usually covered.
I have seen clear evidence of Hospital gouging and padding bills. A relative was in Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC for five nights. He had the DTs. No surgery, just surveillance & asst drugs to keep him quiet. Over $227,000. He had no insurance (no job, no assets), so he was dunned for it for years until he died.
Failure to disclose pre-existing conditions can result in loss of coverage. I don't know what happened in this case, but I do know that his application asked about any health problems, medications, etc. It is the same principle of tearing up your car, and then trying to buy insurance for the damage.
Why $ 620 K for 15 minutes of CPR and a few days of hospitalization? Why? Julian Assange flight bill is a bit cheaper 😂
More than half a million USD could buy a small mansion already.
Just because you fit to travel doesn't mean your preconditions don't exist.
And because he has preconditions, he now owes 620k. Instead of the insurance company doing its due diligence, it's his responsibility to understand every single line of a complicated form that even experts have trouble understanding.
@@ktktktktktktkttrue !
Nearly all seniors have pre existing conditions ; yet they go south every year for health reasons. These cases are not that common, but pretty well always some private unsurance company. Go with Blue Cross to be safe
The mere fact you have a cardiologist means you aren't fit to travel. FYI - you only have a cardiologist because your family doctor has referred you to one because they determined that your are too unhealthy for their level of medical training.
@@wqv5423ln They go south for 'mental health' reasons i.e. it's fun in Florida.
"Pre-existing condition"...always, ALWAYS keep that in mind.
and what if he doesnt pay as long as he stays in canada??
He doesnt have to stay in Canada. The insurance company is liable.
Brutal
This is honestly why at age 38, I decided that 2024 is the final year I travel outside of Canada in my lifetime. It's just too financially risky going forward.
His cardiologist said he wasn't fit to travel?! You can't blame the insurance.
This broken system we live in is all about $$$
Tough way to learn that the fine print is not on your side.
There shouldnt be any fine print. Buyer beware ! Go with Blue Cross
had a ceiling collapse on my house in ontario ...and they told me poor workmanships standards ie didnt use screws (used nails when back when the house was built)....give me a break, excuse after excuse after excuse...Pathetic how they look for loop wholes after giving them your hard earned dollars...its a joke, and if you cancel your insurance, make sure you have a new company before cancelling ...they will consider you HIGH risk...and charge you a premium to re insure your house....Sounds like a monopoly to me!! Corruption on all levels...Pathetic
All the more reason not to travel period. Costs for airfare, accommodations, transportation, personal purchases, dining, entertainment, festivities…the amount of money needed before you even travel will give anyone a heart attack. And insurance companies only care about your money…not you.
Not necessarily, if a person is a multi millionnaire worth about $4 million then it’s OK to travel.
I am willing to travel domestically. Internationally? No thanks, especially to the States.
Yep, stay in Canada and spend your money here in Canada. It's a beautiful place.
@@deletethis6902until you have to visit ER !
@@royjohnson465This guy's hospital stay almost cost a million and all they did was CPR and use a defibrillator...something a teenaged lifegaurd can be trained to do. Try to imagine how high his hospital bill would have been if he needed surgery!
Always check the fine print the one they don’t want you to see or read ‼️
They failed to read the policy that's on them, normally I would be on the side of the patient , but they majorly brain farted.
I’m no expert with insurance but insurance companies usually ask you if there are any pre existing health issues which includes heart problems and you fail to mention it and something happens while your on vacation, insurance companies have the right to deny you claim. My mom usually has to pay more for insurance whenever she travels due to health concerns. I think the reason why insurance companies won’t cover a traveler is due to their age and health conditions and sometimes they’ll advise you not to travel and if you still decide to do so, they’ll say that you’re traveling at your own risk.
P.s Thank you for posting (ITS a wake up call for anyone visiting the USA
Insurance never has a problem taking your money no matter what.
Nothing like having to declare Bankruptcy at that age.
Are they selling travel insurance under false pretences???
No, the policy he was sold states what is covered and what is not. Nearly every policy states clearly that it does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. This guy chose to travel against doctor's orders with a pre-existing heart condition. No way that's covered. On the bright side, he can just not pay and the hospital has little to no recourse other than not admitting him again, so it's not that big a deal.
Pretty much all seniors have pre existing medical conditions. Best to use Blue Cross. They do their questionnaire by phone and if you dont meet the criteria you will either be refused or pay extra.
Avoid private insurance if possible. You are more likely to run into this problem
Robbery.
Another person mistaking "travel Insurance" with "health insurance".
Guy named "Downer" is a news anchor. 😂
Check out his interview with Mike Tyson
This is why you do all your travelling while your young and healthy. My father stopped at 70 and I've got about 6 more years to go!
Greenshields business is not to pay ! I bet the claims adjuster gets a bonus for every denial of service
Why would anyone go to Florida anyway?
I wouldn’t set foot in that country
Whats wrong with florida?
@@30kendel What's "right" is a much much shorter list.
I only have Disney for a positive.
@@30kendel What's wrong with Florida is that it is still above sea level, and hasn't seen a CAT 6, 880 millibar hurricane yet.
For one Florida is a state not a country.
Yiu might change your mind when you get old and have health problems. Unless of course you take JTs medicine and oot out for MAID !
For $620,000 I hope they let him keep the defibrillator
Some insurances do not sell to you if you have a pre-existing condition regardless of what your doctor says. They did not research well.
This is why I filled out a DNR form, because if I lived I could not afford a bill like that.
The Medical establishment is a very profitable business. If the couple did pay, where does that money go? To the doctors who saved him? No ...The hospital? No ...Or to some business CEO some where? 😊
Hospital stay in ICU at least $8000 - 10,000 per day, nursing costs, housekeeping, laboratory tests, every single syringe, gauze, dressing, piece of tape, IV tubings, etc. , medications given, food, X-Ray, anaesthesia, physician fees, administrative fees, laundry. And if it was a private hospital, it would be a for profit center.
sue the ins comp
I’m surprised he didn’t go into cardiac arrest again on this news smh
Lmao 620k for 14mins of treatment
The mere fact you have a cardiologist means you aren't fit to travel. FYI - you only have a cardiologist because your family doctor has referred you to one because they determined that your are too unhealthy for their level of medical training.
be thankful you were somewhere they were able to save you.
I just about had a heart attack when I saw how much they charged him !
One question to all Canadians traveling to the States : Why go on vacations to a country where the medical attention it is not only private, but the most expensive in the world?.
On the other hand we all know , in Canada and all over the world, that the insurance companies will go to virtually any extremes to avoid paying, even if the insured is as fit as a young athlete.
Greetings from Toronto.
Insure you pay …….they won’t they are in the business of collecting not paying
Ridiculous how can one single heart attack cost $620,000 that’s pure extortion….Criminals…Sue them for trying to give you another heart attack once you received that crazy bill…
Not all heart attacks have the same severity. His must have been massive if they gave him about 10 minutes of C.P.R..
It is extortion.
Everything to do with hospitals and medical supplies is very very expensive. It doesn’t need to be that way. it’s an essential service and the cost is ridiculous
Oh my goodness!
Well, should have known anyone who has previously had an event that insurance would not cover it. I'm Canadian and know they don't cover.
What are they gonna do? Extradite him?
No. But they can easily put a lien on his house. If he has no assets then he is judgement proof.
They will sue him in Florida, then they will get a Canadian court to enforce the Florida court judgment for the monies owing. And, for that size bill, there is no way they are going to write that off as a charitable case
Corporate. America at its best, yuk.
I'd be seeking a legal divorce and giving all my assests to my now x wife. After which, I would declare personal bankruptcy.
@@worer850 not a chance. Judges are not stupid.
Just don't pay it! I wouldn't.
I hope that he reviews OHIP’s website/calls and ask about out-of-country emergency coverage.
When you fill out those health questionnaires you better be truthful and thorough. Otherwise this will happen.
Go with Blue Cross. They do an assessment by phone, and are the safest way to go.
It’s a wonder he didn’t have another attack reading the bill , That’s Crazy 🤪
Feel bad for the guy
Well hello, If cardiologist says don’t fly and you do , then have a heart attack. Your insurance will be all over that, and you will be “Denied “. Only hope is getting a lawyer to dispute some of the ridiculous fees.
A friend I know went to Hawaii with his friend who was told by his cardiologist “ Do not Fly”.
They were on a golf coarse and “ Guess What , the friend told not to fly Dropped Dead”. Doctors said he was dead before he hit the ground.
Immoral!
Are you saying if I have an underlying cracked windshield if I call my insurance to change from $500 deductible to $0 deductible then make a claim to pay zero they can deny it?
just don't pay and don't go to the states
Or you could just not pay it. Can’t get blood from a stone.
I would think to get a doctors note in writing, show it to your insurance company. That way you’ll know for sure. So once the insurance company knows of all your ailments, they can decide whether they accept it or not. Insurance companies are not ATM machines.
I’ve had no problems with any insurance companies that I’ve had and I don’t work for an insurance company neither.
A life ruined because you needed medical care😞
Are they trying to give him a heart attack?
safe and effective
$620K USD!! What is that in CND?
Yep.. Crazy
845,373.10
That is my entire life's earnings after taxes.
Almost 40.
I'd ask them to undo it, bury me instead.
Yikes.
$620k?
I would not pay it.
I would tell them to take it, after I claimed bankruptcy and moved into my car.
You still end up in your car. A life's work, gone.
They bought coverage....I blame the agent for not informing client of these loop holes....after all they are the professionals
I wouldn't pay it.
It feels like your in a different world over there
It’s a sad story, but it happens too often .
Next time during your heart attack. Don’t get treatment in the states. Get home to Canada.
Dually noted . 👍
I suggest this gentleman changes his lifestyle because his current one obviously is not a healthy one.
He needs to change to a healthy diet, a whole food plant based diet, and he needs to start exercising on a daily basis.
Bottom line, read the fine print on your travel health insurance.
Welcome again to America!