Unpaid Hospital bill in the USA. What can happen on entry again?

[naseeb80]

I traveled to the USA early last year. I had to be admitted to a hospital for some stomach bug. I have an upaid hospital bill of about $500. I am going to travel USA again in 2months. I have a valid 10 year visa to travel into the US. Will this unapid bill get me in trouble on entry? I am willing to pay this bill now but still want to know if this impacts my entry or if there is any kind of arrest warrant that could have been issued. Thanks.

[Androcles]

Why didn't you pay it? And if you have two monthsbefore you go, why don't you pay it now well before you do, rather than risk the hassle of trying to get in like that? You sound like you are trying to avoid paying up!

[spudqueen]

Why not just pay it? Maybe it won't stop you getting in to the US, but it may affect you if you again need emergency medical treatment.

[munchie63]

well, as far as the US is concerned it's a felony.

Berain gin mind you've a visa too, not just a waiver, I'd think it quite likely that youur details would be on the system and you'll get flagged.

what puzzles me is that you're even considering risking it for the sake of about £280. Just pay it.
Didn't you have travel insurance to cover it ?

[munchie63]

actually, re-reading your post, don't pay it.

they treated you a year ago, and your 'thinking' of paying it now......let me guess, because you want to go back.

very respectable behaviour

[naseeb80]

Naseeb 80: Thanks guys for the answer..its not that i wanna pay it now coz i want to go back. I was always due to go back. I just never got a reminder from the hospital and I was under the impression that my friend in USA had handled this for me and the account was paid off. If i knew i still owed money..i would have paid months back. Anyway, i shall do it straight away. thanks again for all ur help.

[munchie63]

fair play. I'd suggest you keep that receipt in your hand luggage, just in case.

I had a friend who 'knocked' a rental company - basically held onto a rental car for an extra week and drove round in it. He got pulled when he went back a few years later.