AXA insures foreign tourists but has grown fond of
American insurer tactics which means it has a number of reasons for
not paying me.
It took months, many phone calls, and repeat faxes
to collect for previous visits, so I lost patience. After accepting a recent
call and copying all the information, I told the dispatcher I’d arrive at the
guest’s hotel in an hour. Then I threw the dice. I asked for AXA’s credit card.
“We don’t
have a credit card,” he said.
“Yes you do,” I said. All carriers have credit card,
but they vary in willingness to give out the number.
“Let me talk to my supervisor.” There followed a wait of several minutes
before he returned.
“We’ll e-mail a guarantee of payment.”
That’s a legalistic statement describing what the
carrier covers and how much it will pay. It doesn’t guarantee anything.
“Go ahead,” I said. “But I still need the card
number.”
There followed another long wait.
“I’m afraid we’re unable to supply a credit card.”
I wished him good luck in finding a doctor. Since
that 2009 dialogue, AXA calls once or twice a year and we have the same
exchange.
I should add that I send bills to many agencies that
pay reliably. When they don’t, I ask for a credit card. Some carriers agree,
but it’s risky.
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