Whilst on holiday in March 2015, I had a stomach bug. Not feeling any better after a few days, I went to the Corralejo clinic (near the old bus station). I was seen by a local health service doctor who took details of my EHIC card and passport. He then examined me and prescribed some medication. As I was using my EHIC card, I did not pay for treatment but just had to pay a prescription charge when I went to the chemists for my medication. Within a few days, I recovered - just a few pounds (in weight) lighter!
Last week, out of the blue, I received what looks like an invoice from Servicio Canario de la Salud for my consultation in 2015. It contains the words "Privado Paciente" which suggests it was a private consultation. I am concerned that this is incorrect, as I was using my EHIC card.
My inclination is to ignore the invoice but I am regular visitor to the island, and I'm worried that there may be problems if I ever required medical treatment again whilst on holiday. I do not speak Spanish, and feel that a reply in English might not be worth the effort.
Has anyone else received an invoice for EHIC health care, and should I continue ignore it?
Interesting post, it is the first time I have heard of this happening in all the years I have lived and visited the Island. I would tend to ignore it and if you have a medical problem in the future (and its not to serious) visit Dr Kristen Werner in Corrie, it will cost you around 40 euro plus prescription if necessary.
A friend of mine had a similar invoice, because she had not shown her EHIC and Passport. Because she was in the UK at the time , I took a copy of her EHIC and her passport into the Fuerteventura General Hospital. There is a department within the hospital that deals with all such invoices, and the department should be quoted on the invoice. Once I had taken the documents into the office the invoice was cancelled.
I would not ignore it , in case you need future healthcare. The problem is, I think you only have about 2 weeks to do something about it. It may be the clinic did not submit your EHIC and passport to the correct office.
That could be your answer Cottamboy, fax a copy of your passport and EHIC together with a copy of the invoice and letter of explanation (Google Translate the letter) to the corrie clinic, its worth a punt to smooth things over.
The invoices come from Fuerteventura General Hospital, not the Corralejo Clinic. so it would be them you need to send your copies and letter to.
Yes, I expect the document photocopies got separated from the health report after your visit, so now they think you need to pay. New photocopies and a short note should sort it out.