U.S. woman visiting family in Canada hit with over $100K bill after being hospitalized

A Whitby man says his mother was visiting from the U.S. last fall, she became ill and ended up in the hospital.

A woman visiting her family in Canada from the United States became ill and was admitted to the hospital, and without travel insurance, the family was shocked to get a bill for more than $110,000.

“I didn’t know if she was going to make it because she was unconscious,” said Naveed Zafar, of Whitby, Ont.

Zafar’s mother, Begum Bashiran, is in her 80s and lives in Atlanta, Ga. In October, she was visiting Zafar and his sister, who lives in Waterloo. During the visit, Bashiran suffered a stroke and ended up in the hospital.

Zafar rushed to the Waterloo Regional Health Network to see his mother and filled out documents for her care.

“They showed me a form about medical expenses, and I didn’t even bother looking at it. All I was thinking was, ‘Am I going to see my mom again, and is she going to make it,’” Zafar recounted to CTV News.

Bashiran was in the hospital for four weeks, in and out of the intensive care unit. She has since recovered and is now back in Atlanta.

However, since she did not have travel health insurance while visiting Canada, the family was handed a huge medical bill for the care she received.

“When my mother was discharged, I was sent a bill for over $110,000,” said Zafar.

The hospital did offer a 10 per cent discount on certain charges; however, Zafar still owed about $100,852.875. So far, he’s paid $55,000, but he is expected to come up with the rest.

“Being a responsible citizen, I definitely want to pay the hospital,” Zafar said, but added, “I was hoping there was some way they could find other discounts to help me.”

When CTV News reached out to the Waterloo Regional Health Network, a spokesperson said in a statement, “We cannot discuss specific clinical details due to patient privacy laws. We sincerely empathize with the financial strain that unexpected medical emergencies can cause, especially when navigating the complexities of international health care.”

The hospital added: “Our goal remains the well-being of our patients, and we continue to offer our support to the family as they navigate these next steps.”

Travel insurance expert and CEO of Travel Secure Inc. Martin Firestone told CTV News that several companies offer “Visitor to Canada” insurance.

Just like how Canadians should get insurance when travelling abroad, Firestone said those visiting Canada will also want to look at getting coverage while visiting in case they suddenly require medical care.

“All people visiting Canada who are not Canadian residents need to purchase ‘Visitor to Canada’ insurance,” said Firestone.

He noted that if the family had purchased coverage, most likely the care Bashiran received would have been covered.

“Sadly, it appears they didn’t buy it, and now they are facing this huge bill,” Firestone said.

Zafar told CTV News he is thankful for the hospital looking after his mother and said he will have to find another way to pay the rest of the bill.

“At this point, I’ve maxed out options of whatever I paid them,” said Zafar. “If I have to pay them, I have to, and there is no way out.”