My Dad (overseas visitor) admitted to local hospital. Worry about the cost

Edsanwong on 17/02/2016 - 19:58
Last edited 21/02/2016 - 12:06 by 1 other user

Hi everyone,
My dad (70 years old) fell and hurt his knee badly. I called ambulance and opted to be admitted to local hospital.

He came here for short visit and doesn't have travel insurance.

The hospital charged $560 for admission only not include anything.There will be more wxpense to come for xray etc.

I was wondering if anyone has opinions how to help the financial pain?

I am happy to pay if I able to and so my dad, but my dad and I are struggling financially.

Many thanks for your opinions.

Update knee cap broken.

20/02/2016 10.57 PM:
Thank you everyone. I am going to close this topic, give you update, and summarise.

  1. Apology for late responds, especially in the last 24-48 hours. I did read all of them, and tried to reply as many as I can just now.

  2. Thank you for your suggestions, opnions,and best wishes. Receiving best wishes from strangers, I am touched.

  3. My dad was discharged on the day, so no overnight. Knee cap broken, not life threatening. Spoke to Ortho specialist in hospital and my GP the day after, explained honestly about situation (medical and financial). Basically, go back to home country to do operation is one option, surgery need to be done within 2 weeks.

  4. As a family, after long discussion and considerations, many overseas phone calls (including to two ortho specialists in home country), we decided to send him back to overseas. ( I dont want to give loooong explanation pros and cons, we discussed pretty much all of them. And saving money is not the point during the discussion). If I need to work 16 hours a day to pay it, I would do it anyway.

  5. About the current bill, I estimated $2K (hopefully it is correct). It will be paid. I am working on options for reduction and installment if I can. I will take over the bill.

  6. My parents will be back to oz again, this time with travel insurance.

  7. I hope we all take some valuable lesson from this topic.

  8. Yes, I know my english is bad. But, I still would like to say thank you again.

Travel

closed Comments

    • harkoliar on 19/02/2016 - 15:17
      +1

      Same here when I got my mother-in-law to come over here for a few months for a visit. Mandatory travel insurqnce for thr visitor visa, although I did find it a little pricey with BUPA.

      Thankfully no medical emergency required during her stay here.

    • ITveteran on 20/02/2016 - 09:33

      I think the mandatory age is 75?

  • [Deactivated] on 18/02/2016 - 10:42
    +4

    I am sure that you have done all the checks, but some credit cards include travel insurance as a basic benefit to cardholders. I assume that the holiday was paid for with one.
    Just a thought.

    • Edsanwong on 18/02/2016 - 14:25

      Not the case unfortunately. We comes from the country where Cash is the King.

  • Baysew on 18/02/2016 - 11:17
    +3

    Worry about the cost later.
    Get your Dad well again, there can be serious long term implications by trying to skimp now.

    • Edsanwong on 18/02/2016 - 14:24
      +15

      Yup, Agreed.
      We opted to go ahead with the surgery asap. Money can be earned again.
      Thank you

  • Tarara on 18/02/2016 - 12:09

    I hope he gets better soon.

    I had a 3km ambulance ride in June 2015, it was $1,150, I just had a look at the bill and there are no payment plan options, it would be best to call the hospital and ambulance and advise them of your hardship. I am in Victoria, the price may be different for other states.

    • Edsanwong on 18/02/2016 - 14:23

      Thank you. We just trying to get him better the best we can. And bear the cost with open chest later.
      His recovery is the main concern now. When the bill come, we will try to negotiate for installments.

      Many thanks for your best wishes.

    • tomorrows_angel on 18/02/2016 - 15:55

      Yeah it definitely varies by state, i was only discussing this with a friend the other day. E.g. if you're a QLD resident ambulances are free, even if you're in a different state. Victoria has the highest bills. NSW govt subsidises half of ours but not sure if that's just for residents.

    • Randxyz123 on 19/02/2016 - 18:55

      Ambulance Vic membership is $47 a year. I hope you have it now.

      • sparkles on 20/02/2016 - 01:23

        I pay $10.95 per quarter. It's very inexpensive in the big scheme of things.

        • xsacha on 20/02/2016 - 08:58
          +2

          We are forced to pay for it in QLD. $0.30 a day in electricity bill I think. Works out fairly cheap as it is per household. Probably same as what sparkles pays, for a three-person house.

        • ITveteran on 20/02/2016 - 09:38

          @xsacha: I think this is a smart policy.

  • bonezAU on 18/02/2016 - 17:13

    While we're on the topic of insurance, can anyone vouch for a decent and well priced fund in Australia that provides overseas visitors insurance? My mother in law is coming to stay for a few months and isn't coming from a country that is covered under Medicare, so we need to buy a policy for her here. The few quotes I have got so far work out way cheaper than getting normal travel insurance from her home country.

    Have used HIF in the past but their quote this time is significantly higher than some others.

    • harkoliar on 19/02/2016 - 15:19

      I got BUPA, give them a try.

      Also you have to call them when your folks leaves the country. They will keep charging you otherwise.

    • amsaini15 on 19/02/2016 - 22:04

      My parents come and go to australia but I never cancel their insurance with BUPA. I pay $800 per month and then suspend it for 9 months and then pay again for 1 month when they are not here. None of the health/travel insurance will cover for pre-existing ailment otherwise.

      • bonezAU on 20/02/2016 - 15:45

        $800 per month?!?

  • fozzie on 18/02/2016 - 21:24

    May I ask why didn't you just call a taxi? It doesn't look like it was life threatening, so you could have gone by car or taxi. Sorry about you dad, but you should have bought insurance. If he comes from some European country you might have reciprocal medical, but it doesn't sound like it.

    • Edsanwong on 18/02/2016 - 22:47
      +1

      I was on the train, my dad fell together with my son. a bit panic. I thought it would be better I took worse case scenario. So I told my wife, ambulance.

      • PVA on 19/02/2016 - 21:29

        and that was the right decision too.

  • BestofOZB on 18/02/2016 - 22:35
    +9

    I work in a hospital.

    If you are willing to pay it is simple, don't stress, upon discharge they will give your dad a final bill, tell them that you will pay it and ask for installments they will change it to your name, most hospitals will accept even $100 a month. Ask to speak to the finance department now though to clarify that.

    Also $560 might only be the emergency fees, it's too low for and admission, admissions to normal wards average $900-1200 per day, ICU up to $5,000.

    I don't suggest you do that, but since you have asked, if they send the bill in your father's name, and he leaves the country, you are not obliged to pay, and that's the end of that.

    • Edsanwong on 18/02/2016 - 22:53
      +29

      Thanks.
      I dont have the bill yet, do you think I should call the finance dept now?.

      You are right, it was emergency fees. Did the xray too. In my head, it would be about $2K now.

      Thanks again for last tip, it crossed my mind, but just cant do it. I feel bad. The health system in this country helped us, in the past and now. Maybe installment method and/or a bit of discount will help though. Thanks for caring by advising me this.

      • BestofOZB on 18/02/2016 - 23:10
        +2

        Yes you should call now. Just ask the nurses in the morning and they will arrange for someone to come and speak to you, do this before the weekend.

        Fees differ by states, in QLD and as of 2014 fees were all inclusive, meaning you pay by number of days you stayed in hospital no matter you had nothing done or xrays or major surgery etc, wards were around $900, coronary care $2,500 and ICU 4,000. You wanna be sure how they do it in the hospital/state you are in.

        I know you sound like a decent man and will pay what you owe, they are unlikely to give any discount but most hospitals are very generous with installments.

        Also explain all of that to the doctors because things like outpatient physio etc , if appropriate, can be arranged for way less fees.

        I hope your dad recovers soon.

    • Wallyt99 on 19/02/2016 - 09:28
      +3

      Were he not to pay he would also be rejected for any future visitor visa.

      But yes… I think OP should be preparing for a bill at least in the thousands, or even over 10-20,000+ if a knee replacement is required.

      In your home country they likely would not do such an operation so weigh up the costs and alternatives.

      • BestofOZB on 19/02/2016 - 13:17

        Taht's right, no payment no future visa, and the immigration department may even deny visa to any relatives in the future.

        OP sounds honest and will certainly pay :)

    • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2016 - 21:24
      +1

      I don't suggest you do that, but since you have asked, if they send the bill in your father's name, and he leaves the country, you are not obliged to pay, and that's the end of that.

      Which would be a scumbag thing to do. I am not suggesting that is what the OP or his father is going to do, but for any one who does do that I hope they are forever barred from re-entering the country, perhaps their spouse, too. Hell, I hope they'd be barred from entering any country with which Australia has reciprocal healthcare.

      • BestofOZB on 19/02/2016 - 23:31
        +5

        Calm down Juddy :)

  • lgacb08 on 18/02/2016 - 22:36

    well I guess in public hospital base cost is something like $500/day just for nothing, if you got x-ray, surgery expect to pay extra on top of that. I give you an estimate: giving birth naturally with 2 day stay in public hospital cost about $8-10000.

    • Edsanwong on 18/02/2016 - 22:53
      -1

      Really? My wife gave birth in public couple years ago, it cost us nothing.

      • BestofOZB on 18/02/2016 - 23:10
        +4

        S/he means if you didn't have medicare.

      • am274 on 18/02/2016 - 23:31
        +2

        coz she would have medicare? I think you should advise finance neither you nor dad can afford anything more than 2-3K. You have dependent family here n dad will travel back soon. Best case scenario is you will get some good discount, worst some long term installments, imo.

      • lead_org on 19/02/2016 - 16:38

        because government covered the cost of this through medicare. Does your dad have Medicare?

        • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:56

          Nope. Purely as a tourist visiting oz.

  • SpaceNinja on 19/02/2016 - 00:16

    certain public hospital in sydney are about $2500 per day.

  • nikey2k27 on 19/02/2016 - 08:52

    1500 just for bed in hospital per night.

    Ride over would 1500

    Might i ask where you dad is from?

    https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/…

    • No ONE on 19/02/2016 - 10:38
      -2

      If his dad is eligible for centrelink, he would as well be eligible for Medicare card. AND his dad is NOT eligible for either as he is a tourist.

      • brisdaz on 19/02/2016 - 10:43

        Does anyone read anymore? reciprocal health agreements means yes as a tourist Medicare may apply.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:55

      Not those lucky countries, unfortunately.

  • nikey2k27 on 19/02/2016 - 08:54
    -1

    did you pay for his trip here with a credit card? check if it has travel insurance

    • JimB on 19/02/2016 - 09:17
      +1

      Won't work.

      Credit card travel insurance:

      It's only for outside Australia.

      Secondly, only dependent family members are covered only if the cardholder travels with them.

    • Edsanwong on 19/02/2016 - 11:34

      Thank you and as well to Ninjastud above.
      Last night I just realised I am the one who paid the airfare and I checked by cc statement, but I paid using 28 Degrees instead of Citibank Signature.

  • cDNA on 19/02/2016 - 09:52

    YOu might have to get a loan and work more hours. Perhaps get a job on the side.

  • FirstWizard on 19/02/2016 - 12:09
    -1

    All new tourist Visas including 600 and e600 has a new condition imposed on the visa to maintain travel insurance. Be-careful as your dad might be in violation of visa conditions.

    This is what my parents got when they got a visitor visa last year.

    Additional Visa Conditions

    Wish him a speedy recovery.

    • BestofOZB on 19/02/2016 - 13:14

      Travel insurance condition is decided by the department depending on the applicant's situation, not compulsory if not a condition on the visa.

  • centrelink on 19/02/2016 - 13:27
    -4

    If it were me, I woulda just left my dad there in pain and walk away (serious)

    • ronnknee on 19/02/2016 - 13:48

      That's kinda mean.

  • ronnknee on 19/02/2016 - 13:48

    First thing came to mind: travel insurance.

  • Ace26 on 19/02/2016 - 14:05

    Sorry to hear about the situation.
    You will be required to pay for ambulance as well as hospital stay surgery medicine and all other medical tests etc. You will have time to settle the bill though. Good thing you went to a public hospital.

    It's not too late to get insurance now. Though the current knee injury is not going to be covered anything from now on will be covered. I heard storied where one thing leads to another especially with older folks. Pls do yourself a favour and get insurance now.

    Bupa offers insurance from $30/week. Check them.

  • perfect-timing on 19/02/2016 - 14:38
    +2

    Right now - Work out a payment plan with the Hospital for the treatment.

    Later - Take an Ambulance cover for the whole family in Australia and make sure all overseas visitors visiting you has got a travel insurance.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:54

      Yes .

      Lesson learned.

  • gomertose on 19/02/2016 - 15:23
    +2

    Once he leaves the country, they will probably just write off the debt rather than chasing him.

    He will likely never be allowed back in to the Australia if this happens though.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2016 - 00:40

      They'll most likely pass it on to a debt collection agency.

      I don't think they run a credit check, when you apply for a visa.

  • Rajpatel on 19/02/2016 - 16:22
    +2

    My friend had experience through this and he till paying debt.

    His parents visit 2 year before,they did have travel insurance of 50k. Her mom had emergency and hospitalized. She was in ICU for couple days and passed away.

    He was asking staff and everyone about cost they all say, they cant talk about money as their role is too look after patient.

    Later on Hospital send him Invoice of $ 230K even after insurance company paid 50 K. (ICU room charge was $ 5500 per day)

    He is till trying and negotiating with department.

    He surely argued that she passed away, They argued that you sponsored them so it is your responsibility.

    I feel sorry for him every time when he open topic.

    • wyrmy on 19/02/2016 - 17:27

      I don't get it… there should be a breakdown of costs with clear line item for each charge. Usually with a vague description which is often enough to figure out what the charge was for. Bed, anaesthesia, ambulance, nurse time, MRI, X-ray, surgery, doctor etc etc. Probably something hard and emotional for your friend to go into full details on, but its an unnecessary scare if you just say 2 days = $280K without more information. Each case is quite different.

      • jason101 on 19/02/2016 - 22:52
        +3

        Hang on - she was there for a couple of days, was billed $230,000 - died. The sons argument is that as she died the bill should be less?

        More intriguing is that as her sponsor (even though the parents were visiting), he is responsible for the debts of his now dead mother?

        Are you sure your mate isn't withholding about 90% of the story.

        • Serapis on 20/02/2016 - 10:29

          Would make sense if she needed a specialist multiple times / palliative care.

          My dad was quoted around $50k - $60k at a private hospital for keyhole surgery which only takes 1 day surgery + 6 days stay, think the breakdown was around $30k for the specialist surgeon, $12k for the anesthetist and the rest for renting the operations room + stay at hospital. He had health insurance cover the entire thing and paid $1k excess.

          I think the hospital stay part was by itself around $1.5k per day, I imagine it to be significantly more if his mum needed 24/7 palliative care.

        • Rajpatel on 21/02/2016 - 01:06

          No he didn't mean that because she died give discount., He mean the person was dead, she is no more who would pay her bills, He was happy and organize everything from overseas insurance company to pay and they paid the amount they insured,

          Second things he always questioned about the way they treat her during emergency, She just had pain in stomach and was not worst, after treatment she got worst.

          He took legal advise and opinion from couple specialist and everyone said that he surely liable as he was sponsor for visiting visa. During visa application they have form that state that you are capable to look after the people you invite.

          his mother was in ICY for at least 15 -20 days. after few days he come to know the treatment was expensive and his insurance about to touch, even he tried to send her back but hospital didnt allow him. Even he inquire about international medical transport as well but he didnt allow and that option was expensive too. Finally he had news from medical transport that someone was travelling and she can go in same plane but before that she passed away. Although he till didn't pay anything he is getting letters and he is just dis regarding.

    • max19832002 on 20/02/2016 - 12:14
      +1

      not possible for 2 days..unless she had a major organ transplant.

  • lead_org on 19/02/2016 - 16:36
    +1

    the hospital stay is very expensive. Normal Room charge is more than 500 dollars per day, and emergency room charge is around 1000 AUD starting price. Then there is cost of medicine and everything. If it is knee cap that is broken, sign the discharge form and send him back to his home country. Get the leg stabilised so that he can get on the plane, tell the airline that you have special need and put you up either in emergency exit row in economy or just get the cheapest business class.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:53

      Thanks, he just arrived in home country now.

  • akscorpio on 19/02/2016 - 16:41
    +1

    One night stay costed me $4k for hospital plus $990 for the ambulance. Service in Dandenong hospital was terrible. We went there at 9:30 am and first inspection was done after 12 despite my mum got some burns in accident. We were ready to go home at 7 pm but they wanted senior doctor to come and check. Senior doctor checked at 1:30 am (next day). No one in the Dande hospital knew how to put bandages on burns. Nurse read the instructions on packet and applied bandages. (GP next day told me that it was not the right way)

    But luckily I was given an option to pay everything in small instalments ($50 a month)

    • Bargainkappa on 19/02/2016 - 23:06
      +1

      Dandy hospital is the best

    • Bargainkappa on 19/02/2016 - 23:15
      +1

      So it will take you 8 years to pay the bill

  • BartholemewH on 19/02/2016 - 19:17
    -2

    I only read the first couple of sentences. 70 yo travels overseas without travel insurance. Lol.

  • Donaldhump on 19/02/2016 - 20:55

    TI

  • peterw1 on 19/02/2016 - 21:46
    +2

    mate what you should worry about is his life. It is true that falls in elderly folk are often the start of a progressive decline in most cases. Be happy if you get him home without complications such as infections, blood clots etc. and then work intensively on his rehab. you won't make him a 21yo, but you can make him the best 70yo he can be and hopefully enjoy a longer life together. Goodluck.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:51

      Yup, agree.
      He is a very active fellow. Agreed to what you said totally.

      Thanks you for your best wishes.

  • amsaini15 on 19/02/2016 - 22:12

    When your parents come and go and if they have pre-existing ailment, I would suggest to keep ongoing health insurance for your parents with BUPA. no travel insurance will cover pre-existing ailment (if anybody disagree, please provide more info)

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:50

      Yeah, it is worth another topic actually, what ozbargainer recommend for insurance for overseas visitors. I am curios to know too

  • aussieprepper on 19/02/2016 - 22:16

    I have broken my knee before! its a pain not to sore. Just hard to walk!

    i hope he is okay and it is not shattered because that will need surgery possibly!

    Any ways could be worse breaking the foot is a lot worse so painful i was in bed for 2 weeks!

    just make sure he rest and he will need crutches they will cost you also….

    wish you all the best and i hope he has a speedy recovery!

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:49

      Thank you for your best wishes.

      He is using a splint now and cruches.

  • venu on 19/02/2016 - 23:56
    +1

    I assume you are in the ED or short stay/fast track area of the hospital. Things to do:

    1. Get advise from doctor regarding the knee cap fracture. Most cases (From a low impact trauma like a fall) it will be an undisplaced fracture, so get some pain killers, a cast/splint (if required) and rest at home. If its a complex fracture they may suggest orthopaedic opinion in the morning +/- surgery. Ask specifically if surgery can be delayed. If he can get onto a plane with wheelchair and make it to the hospital back home, do it. If not, then you will likely have to pay for surgery, and ~3-4 nights in total in hospital (given it is weekend).

    2. Organise to pay admission and ambulance costs in installments.

    Good luck.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:46

      YES,

      We did that. Working on the point 2 now. (see my reply few post below)

      Thanks for pointing the direction. I like your suggestion, straight forward and clear.

  • Ecam23 on 20/02/2016 - 00:06

    If the knee cap is broken and requires urgent surgery, ask your doctor to put a splint or backslab and request that you want to leave the hospital and take your dad home on next day flight to your country. Most likely this will work out cheaper. Talk to the doctors about the cost issue, quite often they will help. Where I work, if you are admitted at 2330, after midnight thats considered another day. Sometimes you will be admitted for safety or mobility issue but assure them that its not a problem.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:43

      Yes and yes.

      Talked to the a family doctor here after that happened, and talked to orthopedic surgeon in emergency. They explained the condition, the xray etc and the options.
      Including to fly back asap (within a week) and do surgery in home country. We took the option to fly him back to home country.

      Whether the doctor in home country is bad or worse than in oz, thats the topic,I dont want to discuss. Who knows.

      But it was a long consideration including the whole family and few specialist in home country too.

      At the end, I would the my dad receive a good care.

      Thank you for your time replying my post.

  • abh_gup on 20/02/2016 - 00:42
    -5

    OP, a friend of mine was admitted in hospital several years back. TLDR: he was hospitalized. Bill was $700,000+. A community worker was contacted via the consulate of his origin, who voluntarily assisted and pleaded 'mercy' with the government. Eventually, after a lot of paper work, they let him go scot-free, on a condition that he would never re-enter Oz again.

    Try talk to you consulate if it IS really that serious! and follow that path (won't be easy).
    Alternatively, a couple of 1,000's ain't a big deal for the mistake you've committed.
    Bite the bullet, take a loan and pay it off over time.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:38
      +2

      Thanks.

      I also heard, (slightly different), the consulate might even paid it for you.

      Anyway, the bill I estimate will be about $2K (hopefully I am right), I would just pay it I think (by installment if I can) and ask a discount (I might get it if lucky)

      I want my parents to come to oz again (and again).

      Thanks

  • shamid202 on 20/02/2016 - 01:55

    o great Australia you know how to rip

  • wtfnodeal on 20/02/2016 - 07:13
    +1

    Might be already too late but if you compare the charges in fact a private hospital is cheaper than a public hospital for overnight stay.

    • ITveteran on 20/02/2016 - 10:06

      Surprised to know that. Mind elaborate?

      • wtfnodeal on 20/02/2016 - 11:10

        Private $400 per night stay in a private room vs public $800 per night stay in a shared room. Not sure of other medical costs but should be cheaper than public. Go get a quote as you never know.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:35

      Good point.
      I did some research and visited my family GP the day after that happened. Correct me if I am wrong, as overseas visitor with no medicare, is basically private patient.

      So it is worth to compare going to public hospital as a private patient or going to private hospital as a private patient.
      Some points to think about is the choice of specialist (if you have preferred one) and the time the surgery or procedure can be done etc.

      • wtfnodeal on 20/02/2016 - 22:46
        +1

        No. Private patients without Medicare = overseas visitors. The price comparison I said was for overseas visitors not private patients with Medicare. I was shocked to find out public hospitals charge twice as much as private hospitals for overseas visitors probably because they wanted to recoup those costs to freebies Australian residents from the overseas visitors.

        • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:48

          yup, that what I meant.

          Sorry, I am trying to replying all the posts now. :)

          Havent had chance in the last 24 hours or so.

          Thansk,

  • cbpeh1 on 20/02/2016 - 13:58

    i am really sorry to hear about your predicament.
    this happened to a friend many years ago, elderly visitor fell sick.
    a doctor from the church provided medical advice free of charge - and did enough so that elderly was able to fly back to home country to seek further treatment.

    just sharing my two cents worth. all the best.

  • mding on 20/02/2016 - 13:59

    you're also going to be in the hospital when you see the final bill.

  • DiscoJango on 20/02/2016 - 15:23

    mate drank too much at crown casino once, was throwing up outside, security had to call an ambulance as standard policy (in case drunk person starts choking on their own vomit). was a 5 - 10 minute ride to the hospital. 2 weeks later, got a bill for $800 in the mail. so yes, be prepared for a large bill. total minimum i would say of at least $5000.

    my dad had a heart attack, and the total bill for the entire process, ambulance, hospital stay, surgery etc would have been $50K + (all covered under private health for him though)

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:31

      Was he a overseas visitor or a permanent resident?

      Would you recommend any visitor insurance please?

  • beesquared on 20/02/2016 - 16:26

    I presume you have looked through any credit cards your Dad has to see if there is a travel insurance wrapped up in it?

  • EmCKay on 20/02/2016 - 17:23
    +1

    Thanks to all the information posted here, I have just discovered that I need not have paid for HCF ambulance cover for the past three years because I have a healthcare card! Annoyed and grateful all at once.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2016 - 17:36

      That is why you should research your entitlements.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2016 - 17:36
    -1

    Sorry to hear that your father was hurt (and wish for a fast recovery) but do I pity his or your wallet. NO!

    IF you cannot afford travel insurance do not travel. Australian tax payers pay enough for Australian residents health.

    I am sure in future after you/him pay off this huge debt that you/they will stop being so cheap and spend the extra dollars to cover against accidents and for peace of mind in future.

    • m00c0w on 20/02/2016 - 20:16
      +4

      I dunno, you just come off as rude and insensitive like many of the other comments I've read on this thread. OZB really is full of heartless people.

      • gimme on 20/02/2016 - 20:40
        +1

        Yeah I know. It's actually pointless asking these types of questions on OZB these days. There's a large number of holier than thou people on here who star lecturing or become condescending or get on their pedestals and start preaching. Too many keyboard warriors who have apparently never made a poor choice in their lives.

        (Incidentally - Getting travel insurance as a 70 year old can be quite difficult and potentially extremely costly especially if you have pre-existing conditions so it's not like people are skimping on a few hundred. It can cost up to $2000+ and some may decide to roll the dice. Chill out people they haven't committed murder)

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:29
      +1

      Thanks.

      In regards travel insurance (again my post not about how come I didnt or He didnt have travel insurance etc etc, but about about dealing with the cost), as a poster said above, we came from a country who not familiar with travel insurance. Not trying to save money or anything.

      He is been travelling to Australia once a year in the last 10 years, and we never thought a travel insurance before, funnily. Of course we have learned now, and realised, hey dad, you are 70 now.

      And I said below, hopefully readers of this post can take a lesson or two, too.

      Thank you.

  • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 20/02/2016 - 20:49
    +2

    I am sorry for your circumstances, and wish the patient a speedy recovery.
    I have my parents living with us ( my brother and myself) for the last ten years and we have then fully covered. I pay 220 per month to cover one and so does my brother for the other. Virtually all is covered.Almost six yrs back my mother had to be operated - we had to pay 2k to the anaesthetist, and that is all. Otherwise, we were looking at nearly 20k.
    Respect your parents for what you are today.
    They took good care of you when you were kids. It is your turn to take good care of them now.
    All the best.

    • Edsanwong on 20/02/2016 - 22:23
      +2

      Thank you. His health is the main concern now. As some posters said, at the end, dont worry about the cost. It can be arranged to paid installment etc.

      We are focusing on his health now. And of course, no point regretting the past in term of insurance, however I hope my post highlight how important the travel insurance is, for loved ones who visiting Australia in this case and take necessary action, so this kind of case will not happen again.

      Thank you for your best wishes, we need that.

  • Xizo on 20/02/2016 - 21:02
    +11

    Guys, show some compassion, it's useless lecturing a man in distress about what should've happened in an ideal world.
    Besides, depending on where one comes from, don't expect dodgy "travel Insurance" companies to actually pay anything should you need them. They can simply say you had recurrent falls before or have a certain condition that predisposes you to falls and/or fractures, thus that's not covered. I've seen it many times. Good luck suing them.

    OP, I'm sorry about your dad. With a broken knee cap, it can be managed medically or surgically. Medically if the fracture is simple and the pieces are together. However, if it's smashed, your dad will need surgery otherwise he may not be able to walk properly again. Or even if he could in the short term, there would be a significant risk of severe Osteoarthritis setting in, with severe consequences. If your dad is still relatively young, you don't want him to be wheelchair bound in a decade's time with a crippled knee after complications develop. The only one who can advise what kind of treatment is needed is the orthopaedic surgeon.

    As for the cost, it WILL BE overwhelming regardless. A hospital bed costs up to a 1000$/night. If he needed surgery, you could be looking at a five digits figure.

    Good news is, most medical personnel stand vehemently by their patients in these matters. If your dad needs surgery to walk, and the surgeon knows that, I'll be very surprised if they will let him go without a surgery because he can't afford it, there always is a way.

    Your best bet is to speak to the Surgeon, his Registrar or even his Intern/Resident. Public hospitals are benevolent institutions that have mechanisms for dealing with these situations which are actually quite common. There is a financial management plan in which the hospital asks you to pay whatever you can afford weekly or monthly over a very long term. Again, you'll have to ask the medical team to help you with that.

    As for the debaters above regarding the state of the "system", it is arguably the best in the world. Sure, it may not be as technologically advanced as in the US for example, but after all if you're an old (or young) man (or woman, or anything in between), and you can't even afford a pair of shoes or your own groceries, and you were found really sick in the street (or in your home if you have one, and have someone actually check on you), then you WILL be taken to hospital and WILL have some of the brightest minds of the society (and by true logical extension, some of the brightest minds in the world) flock to your bedside, and will spare no effort or cost to bring you back to health (even if it's a health that you chose to destroy with your own hands, one way or another). Anyone keen to argue against that?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join