How to pay a European hospital bill (in euro) from the U.S.?

Does the hospital have a web-site that will allow a cc payment (notifying your card issuer, of course)? If not, either send them a letter asking for what to do, or send them a letter with a check from your account written in dollars equivalent to 200 euro on the day you write the check. After all, if they want to get paid then they should be able to figure out a way to make this work.

What about an international wire transfer? Both of my banks (Chase and Ally) can do that, for an extra fee. That's how I have paid deposits for tours and b&bs

Wes, is there any chance your medical insurance will pay this? My husband was hospitalized in Arles and we submitted the bill (in Euros) to Kaiser and they paid it.

You'll have to send an international wire transfer. Did the invoice you received include an account number? If yes, is the number in IBAN format? If not, there are websites that will automatically convert any bank account number into an internationally recognized formula - the IBAN number. Did the invoice also include the address of the payee? You will need all of this information to send the wire.

Wes, In the same situation, I'd probably first check with the Hospital, either via E-mail or on their website to see if they have any suggestions on methods of payment. You could also check with your Bank to see if they offer Euro Money Orders. Euro Traveller's Cheques might also be an option. As a last resort, I'd send them a Money Order in U.S. funds with the currency exchange estimated. If this is "out" by a dollar or two, they should accept it. Good luck!

Another option is to use xe.com's money transfer service. It's easier and usually cheaper than using a bank. Go here to see how it works: http://tinyurl.com/ygp7vyg

Call (or write) the hospital asking for its SWIFT details. SWIFT is the international protocol for banking transfers; IBAN works only within Europe. Go to your bank and figure out how to make this transfer. There will probably be a fee on the US$ 20-50 range for the transfer, but it is the safest and most reliable way to do such transfer. Hospitals will rarely accept credit cards here in Europe, let alone PayPal.

I'm agree with the suggestion of contacting the hospital. See what options they may give you. Perhaps there is a credit card option over the phone. I know travelers checks are outdated, but maybe they would take it in this instance. Also, contact your insurance here to see if any or all of it is covered.

They may also just take a personal check, in dollars, with enough added to cover the conversion. Ask them. We have paid for lodging in Italy with a personal check several times. They didn't seem to think it was a problem, as long as we were willing to cover the conversion. That was way cheaper than a bank transfer in euros, for which our bank charges $40 in addition to a conversion fee.

International wire transfer from your bank. You'll need the hospital's BANK code as well. Then your bank transfers money to their account. (Unless they accept credit cards ).
S

of course there are a bunch of good suggestions here. one time i wanted to mail a check to a friend in euros. i got a check from Travelex. it was a couple years ago so not sure if that service is still around. but it was an easy way to handle it.

The hospital did not provide wire information, and specifically asked for a check drawn on a bank. We're going to Chase and have the cut us a Euro-denominated bank draft.

Wes, It's good to hear that the problem is being resolved. As the Hospital specifically requested a cheque, that would be the best method to use. Your experience with this situation may be of help to others here.