Dealing Without Health Insurance: 2 ways to avoid the emergency room trap

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, made it illegal for hospitals to refuse to help people in medical need based on ability to pay. Unfortunately, uninsured people sometimes end up in the ER because a lack of routine care pushes their bodies to the brink or because they feel as if they have nowhere else to go, even for routine medical concerns.

A study done by the National Association of Community Health Centers found that Americans waste $18 billion a year on unnecessary ER visits. Because hospitals charge the uninsured significantly higher rates than the rates that insurance companies pay, Davis Liu, M.D., author of "Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely," says, "Never ever use the emergency room for routine medical care."

ERs handle life or limb-threatening injuries or conditions. Always go to the ER in these situations. However, you have other options for scenarios of an imminent, but not emergency, nature.

Call your doctor, community health center or hospital advice line. The on-call doctor or nurse can help determine if your symptoms warrant a trip to the ER, an urgent care facility or some medications to tide you over until you can be seen in a normal clinical setting.

Visit an urgent care clinic. These clinics address immediate medical needs other than life or limb-threatening problems. They are typically open when regular doctors' offices are closed.

Brits omitting travel insurance information

are withholding vital information about medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance as the credit crunch takes hold.

As a result travel insurance could be invalid, warn experts at specialist AllClear.

Three out of five holidaymakers admit to either holding back crucial details about their medical history, or not being aware of its importance unless/until prompted.

The rising cost of premiums, or the risk of being refused cover altogether, are thought to be to blame. Lack of awareness of whether such minor conditions as asthma or high blood pressure need to be declared is also an issue.

"Some travellers do not understand the potential consequences of their pre-existing medical conditions," said Chris Blackman, head of product development at AllClear.

"And yet if they fall ill abroad, and need to be repatriated, they could find themselves facing an enormous bill."

AllClear's research shows that cost is the major driver in choosing an insurance product: 57 per cent said that they sought out the cheapest insurance, while only 22 per cent said that they were looking for value for money.

"Travel insurers share common issues with motor insurers," added Mr Blackman.

"Cheaper products often mean less cover, and policyholders only discover they are not covered at the point that a claim is made."

³Unfortunately this can often end in disaster. Failing to disclose such vital information means your insurer will be within their rights not to honour your claim, and you could be left stranded.²

AllClear recently reported that the average cost of claims for repatriating holidaymakers taken ill whilst overseas is in excess of £25,000.

An analysis of claims handled by the medical travel insurance specialist, showed that insurers are increasingly having to fork out huge sums to get travellers home, even for apparently minor injuries or ailments.