my last job ended in feb., and i’m currently living in taipei as a student, as i look for new work.
this last week i had bad luck and experienced a few accidents (taxi hit me, etc…)
the only ID i had at the time was my old health insurance card, which was still in my wallet.
so i went to the hospital, showed it to them, they put in in the computer, i saw the doctors, etc. no problems/no questions asked.
i’ve had to go there 2 more times, and face a possible surgery.
my worry is, i know i don’t actually have insurance coverage - how is this going to affect me down the line?
i am not interested in abusing the system, though i admit i panicked at needing to go to the hospital without much money and knowing i had to get x-rays and all…
(i figured any problem would’ve been apparent when they first plugged my card into the computer system…)
if honesty is the best policy, i still need to know my likely scenarios before i tell the hospital about my situation, so i can be prepared.
can i just pay the difference between an insured and uninsured patient?
would there be a fine?
and what to expect with a having likely surgery at full price?
and while i’m asking, any suggestions on the best hospital in taipei (to repair a hernia)?
worried, frustrated, poor, and a little embarrassed…
thanks for any useful advice you can share.