Medical Centre Palas de Rei

[PiM1]

Had to go to the medical clinic (centro de Saude) in Pallas de Rei (blisters) they told me without health insurance they are not able to see me as they have not got the facility to charge me ... they will charge insurance. Iam not sure if I understood it correctly, because they said they will send paperwork to Santiago . Anyway I was able to send them the email, got treatment for free. Very nice staff. It is essential to have health insurance.

 

[cecimoon]

Had to go to the medical clinic (centro de Saude) in Pallas de Rei (blisters) they told me without health insurance they are not able to see me as they have not got the facility to charge me ... they will charge insurance. Iam not sure if I understood it correctly, because they said they will send paperwork to Santiago . Anyway I was able to send them the email, got treatment for free. Very nice staff. It is essential to have health insurance.

Can I ask you what insurance did you contract?.

 

[TheRealPixie]

This surprises me. I had thought (in the US at least) that "cash" is preferred. I've done medical billing. Billing insurance is a pain and payment can be randomly denied and even when all goes well, it isn't actually paid for months. Being paid at time of service with cash is easiest.
I believe that my travel insurance would require me to pay for services and bill them after the fact for reimbursement. I won't have the usual US health insurance (through an employer) while on my camino. Just the travel insurance.
I'm wondering if I need to be concerned.

 

[PiM1]

Can I ask you what insurance did you contract?.

They did not call insurance and neither did I all whatvthey wanted was the insurance certificate. I live in Australia so its an travel insurance from there .

 

[TheRealPixie]

They did not call insurance and neither did I all whatvthey wanted was the insurance certificate. I live in Australia so its an travel insurance from there .

So if it were me, I would show them proof of my travel insurance?

 

[trecile]

This surprises me. I had thought (in the US at least) that "cash" is preferred. I've done medical billing. Billing insurance is a pain and payment can be randomly denied and even when all goes well, it isn't actually paid for months. Being paid at time of service with cash is easiest.
I believe that my travel insurance would require me to pay for services and bill them after the fact for reimbursement. I won't have the usual US health insurance (through an employer) while on my camino. Just the travel insurance.
I'm wondering if I need to be concerned.

I don't think so. I would choose a private hospital or clinic because they are set up to receive credit card (and I assume cash) payments. I speak as someone who had two surgeries in Portugal - I paid up front and was reimbursed by my travel insurance. The hospital didn't need my travel insurance information. Every country/region/facility will be different though.

 

[cecimoon]

They did not call insurance and neither did I all whatvthey wanted was the insurance certificate. I live in Australia so its an travel insurance from there .

Thank you PiM1

 

[PiM1]

So if it were me, I would show them proof of my travel insurance?

I did as I sent them email with attached travel insurance certificate, hence I got treatment free of charge ...

 

[PiM1]

Update: Fast forward 3 1/5 months later to mid September. Just got a registered letter with the bill, which I have paid. Waiting now for the receipt. Not sure if insurance will cover the bill, but it is what it is. I am just so grateful that they treated my blisters and I was able to walk into Santiago without further ado!