Gringoes.com: Brazilian health emergency in US

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Hi all 
I have a question regarding a situation that occured last week:
my Brazilian fiancee and her mother arrived here on the 24th of May and the following day her mother had a minor heart attack brought on by stress (that was the final diagnosis by the hospital). Fortunately, she is doing OK although we are taking things much slower and trying to keep the stress levels down.

The thing is, we are unsure how to proceed with regards to paying for the medical costs (including an ambulance ride, a host of tests including an angiogram and an overnight stay). My fiancee's parents only have the national health care, so what steps do we take to get this all resolved? Any help would be appreciated!

Edited by Setlist Scotty - 04 June  2012 at 00:53

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Setlist Scotty Newbie Joined: 07 November 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 21	Topic: Brazilian health emergency in US Posted: 04 June 2012 at 00:51
	Hi all I have a question regarding a situation that occured last week: my Brazilian fiancee and her mother arrived here on the 24th of May and the following day her mother had a minor heart attack brought on by stress (that was the final diagnosis by the hospital). Fortunately, she is doing OK although we are taking things much slower and trying to keep the stress levels down. The thing is, we are unsure how to proceed with regards to paying for the medical costs (including an ambulance ride, a host of tests including an angiogram and an overnight stay). My fiancee's parents only have the national health care, so what steps do we take to get this all resolved? Any help would be appreciated! Edited by Setlist Scotty - 04 June 2012 at 00:53

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spongebob Gringoes.com Guru Joined: 18 June 2007 Location: New Zealand Online Status: Offline Posts: 2730	Posted: 04 June 2012 at 06:38
	I thought Brazilians had to get health insurance to visit the US because there're no reciprocal health treatments agreements. Most likely, your GF's mother will get some massive 6 figure bills from the hospital. If you marry the girl, or if they know you are the fiancé, they will most likely try to collect from you. If you can't pay, then your credit will most likely be trashed and you'll be in debt for a very long time.
	- Just sayin' Make lemonaid out of lemons. Trolls get old...
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sven Gringoes.com Guru Joined: 14 March 2007 Location: Brazil Online Status: Offline Posts: 12802	Posted: 04 June 2012 at 06:48
	No travel insurance? In that case, it's probably coming from your pocket.
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KirkMcD Senior Member Joined: 09 November 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 297	Posted: 04 June 2012 at 08:01
	Talk to the hospital. They'll know what to do. In any case, you, personally, will never be responsible for the bill. Do not co-sign anything.
	Portuguese Language Classes in NYC
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