Eric Blair Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 According to the story below, a man had medical issues on a cruise ship and was put into a hospital in Mexico. It sounded pretty serious. When he wanted out, he said the hospital would not release him and physically stopped him from leaving. The bill was US$14,000, which sounds very cheap for the care the storysaid the man received. But of course, most people don't have that kind of $$ with them on a cruise and most likely the hospital wouldn't take a credit card or check. A few years ago Spencer McMullen, (Licensed Mexican Attorney) said a hospital can not stop you from leaving, that is like kidnapping or false imprisonment. There was no citation to any Mexican law. I'm wondering if there would be a difference if the man was a resident of Mexico with assets here. If the link doesn't work, google it. "Man cruise ship held Mexican hospital unpaid bill" Here is the story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jreboll Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Could it be that he wasn’t physically held but they kept his passport or other important belongings until he would pay for his hospitalization? Your link didn’t work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Blair Posted November 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 My wife researched the question and found the answer on the website for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Mexico must provide emergency medical help for U.S. citizens, and may NOT stop them from leaving if a bill is not paid. Also, the Mexican hospital may not withhold the Passport of an American citizen for a medical bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Blair Posted November 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 1 minute ago, Jreboll said: Could it be that he wasn’t physically held but they kept his passport or other important belongings until he would pay for his hospitalization? Your link didn’t work. Sorry about the link, but see below for what my wife found. If it were me, I would immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezpz Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 I had to get an emergency hip replacement in GDL 11 years ago and they accepted my debit card, no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Berca Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Tyler Perry paid the hospital bill and for their return flight to the US yesterday. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kam Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Eric - in all respect, why are you often incined to raise a fuss? No hobbies? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vetteforron Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Eric, a fair question and good information. I also saw the story and was thinking just let them try to hold me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Blair Posted November 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 11 hours ago, kam said: Eric - in all respect, why are you often incined to raise a fuss? No hobbies? I wasn't raising any fuss, just giving information that might be of help to someone down the line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Blair Posted November 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 12 hours ago, ezpz said: I had to get an emergency hip replacement in GDL 11 years ago and they accepted my debit card, no problem. There is a major difference between a debit card and a credit card. Debit card transactions are immediate and can not usually be challenged*, while a credit card transaction may be challenged for a number of reasons and up to 60-days after the date of the first statement you receive showing the charge. * If there was actual force or duress (gun to head type of thing), that can be challenged, mental/emotional "pressure" is not sufficient to challenge a debit card deduction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mainecoons Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Well we had been told about the hospital policy of denying check out without payment but had no problem using a credit card on the two occasions hospitalization here was required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Blair Posted November 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 56 minutes ago, vetteforron said: Eric, a fair question and good information. I also saw the story and was thinking just let them try to hold me. IMO, the best course of action would be to you or someone close contact the U.S. consulate. If you would get into any physical altercation, then the police could become involved and it would be a whole different story and the last thing anyone would want. My first choice would to get stabilized and get my bumm on the first plane to the U.S. where I have insurance. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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