Hospital scams while travelling
Why travel insurance and 24/7 assistance matter
Imagine you’re overseas on the trip of a lifetime — and suddenly, you’re injured or become ill. You rush to a hospital, only to find yourself facing demands for thousands of dollars upfront before treatment begins, or you’re told you need a list of expensive tests that don’t quite make sense. Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare occurrence. Around the world, travellers have reported being pressured into paying inflated medical bills or unnecessary charges when they’re at their most vulnerable.
A growing global issue
Hospital and medical scams are not confined to one region. They’ve been reported across Asia, India, Mexico, and other popular holiday destinations.
In India, several high-profile cases have made national news — including one where a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh allegedly induced a patient into an artificial coma to extort large payments from the family, and another in Lucknow where doctors were charged with negligence and extortion after convincing a patient to transfer from a government hospital to a private facility with inflated costs. In India’s booming medical tourism sector, travellers have also reported being overcharged through middlemen or interpreters who add “commissions” to hospital bills.
In Thailand, travellers have shared experiences of being charged higher rates than locals or being asked for substantial cash deposits before receiving care in private hospitals. And in Mexico, the U.S. Consulate in Cabo San Lucas recently issued a health alert after repeated complaints from visitors about hospitals demanding upfront payment, withholding medical records, and obstructing medical evacuations.
The pattern is the same: tourists are targeted for their perceived ability to pay, and profit is sometimes prioritised over patient care.
Why travellers are vulnerable
When medical emergencies happen overseas, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You may not speak the local language, understand how the healthcare system works, or know what’s considered normal pricing. Common tactics include:
Demanding payment before treatment begins.
Recommending unnecessary investigations or procedures.
Charging inflated prices for foreign patients.
Refusing discharge or withholding passports until bills are settled.
Even reputable private hospitals may expect immediate payment, especially if you can’t prove insurance coverage.
The safety net of travel insurance
This is where comprehensive travel insurance makes all the difference. A good policy doesn’t just reimburse you later — it actively protects you in real time.
Immediate assistance, 24/7
Most travel insurers offer round-the-clock emergency assistance services. If you’re hospitalised overseas, you can contact them anytime — day or night — and they’ll liaise directly with the hospital. They can issue a guarantee of payment, confirm your cover, and ensure you receive appropriate treatment without being exploited.
Medical case management
The insurer’s medical team can review proposed treatments, question unnecessary procedures, and coordinate transfers if you need to move to a better or more suitable hospital.
Financial protection
Even short hospital stays can cost thousands. Travel insurance can cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and medical evacuation if necessary — preventing massive out-of-pocket costs or disputes.
What travellers should do
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you depart. It’s not optional — it’s essential.
Keep your policy details and 24/7 emergency number saved in your phone and with your travel documents.
Call your insurer first (or as soon as possible) if you need medical treatment overseas.
Ask for itemised bills and avoid signing documents you don’t understand.
Contact your embassy or consulate if you feel pressured or detained.
Peace of mind wherever you go
Healthcare standards and costs vary widely across the world, and unfortunately, not every medical provider has a traveller’s best interests at heart. But with comprehensive travel insurance and a trusted 24/7 assistance team on call, you’ll have the support you need to access the right care — without being taken advantage of.
Because when the unexpected happens abroad, your safety and peace of mind shouldn’t come with a price tag.
If you’re planning to travel and haven’t yet arranged your travel insurance, speak with your travel expert before you go. They can help you choose the right cover for your journey — giving you confidence that you’ll be looked after, wherever you are in the world.