COMMON QUESTIONS
Review travel related questions concerning money
This section discusses money related issues
for international patients visiting the United States of America for health
care and medical treatment.
Traveling Expenses | Travelers
Checks | Currency Exchange | Paying
Medical Costs
Traveling Expenses
Do not carry a large amount of cash. Purchase travelers checks or use
credit cards to cover most costs. Make sure to keep your travelers check
receipt separate from your checks, and record the check numbers in a safe
place. Talk to your bank about currency exchange before you leave.
Traveler's Checks
Where do I report lost or stolen traveler's checks?
American Express Continental
U.S. 800-221-7282
Alaska and Hawaii 800-221-7280
Bank of America Continental U.S. 800-227-3460
Outside U.S. (call collect) 415-624-5400
Citicorp 800-525-9040
MasterCard U.S. 800-826-2181
Outside U.S. (call collect) 212-974-5696
Visa U.S. 800-336-8472
Outside U.S. 800-227-6811
Thomas Cook U.S. 800-223-7373
Outside U.S. (call collect) 609-987-7300
Diners Club U.S. (except Colorado): 800-525-9040
Discover Card U.S. 800-347-2683
Currency Exchange
Where and when do I exchange my currency for U.S. dollars?
Pay attention to the exchange rate before leaving home between your country's
currency and the U.S. dollar. The best ways to transfer or carry money
are through travelers checks and wire transfers from your bank at home
to a U.S. bank. Consult your local bank, credit card and travel websites,
and/or the following:
Airwise Currency Converter
Universal Currency Converter
Paying Medical Costs
Request a cost estimate before you make your appointment so you can compare
the costs at different facilities. Be sure to check with your local department
of health or country department of health to see if your government sponsors
healthcare visits overseas. Most payments can be made with cash; personal,
cashier's or travelers checks; wire transfers and major credit cards.
At some hospitals, international patients may be asked to make a cash
deposit.
Can I obtain health insurance for my treatment in the U.S.?
Generally, the condition for which you will be treated will NOT be covered
by health insurance due to the preexisting condition clause, which does
not allow a condition that existed before the policy was put into effect
to be covered by insurance. However, travel insurance is available to
international students and to visitors.
What documents do I need if I am a sponsored patient?
Government sponsored patients should obtain written proof of their sponsorship
from their embassy or corporation before treatment. Be sure to discuss
specific payment options with the health facility you choose. If you are
sponsored by an organization or government agency, maintain contact with
them while you are in the U.S.
NOTE: Check with the hospital where you will
be getting the treatment to see if it requires any specific forms or details
from the sponsoring organization or government.
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