My insurer overpaid me due to their mistake, do I have to pay it back?

Question

I had to go to the emergency room in Mexico, and paid the bill at the time with a credit card. The amount is in pesos, approx. 10 cents per peso. The receipt looks like $2700.00, but is actually pesos, not dollars. The insurance company paid me back in dollars, not pesos. What should I do?

Answer 1

I would notify them.  If they find out they're going to say that it was your responsibility to notify them and if you read the zillion page packet that probably came with your policy there's probably something in there that makes you liable.

Answer 2

If and When they catch the error -- they will expect you to pay it back. They will sue you if you don't.

Your best bet is to call the company and make them aware of the error.

By knowingly keeping the money......you are stealing.

Answer 3

Don't spend the money.  They'll figure it out eventually and come after you for repayment.

You should contact them and advise them of the error.  Not doing so would be insurance fraud.

But, at a minimum, if you don't want to point out their error, you should set the money aside and be prepared to repay it when the time comes.  To spend the money would be the most foolish route you could take.

Answer 4

pat it back! I know it's the insurance company and it should be fair to gaff them every now and then ,but your really talking about fraud! good luck with that.

Answer 5

Double, triple check to be sure you have the correct difference.  Don't spend the money, bank it.  Then talk to your insurance company to get it straightened-out so that it is fair to both parties.  To keep it is to commit insurance fraud.

That is what I would do.

Answer 6

Give your insurance company a call and give them to opportunity to resolve. If they say that it was processed correctly, get it in writing, bank the money, and go on your way. Keep in mind, insurance companies can realize an error years down the road. Cover your bases or be prepared to have to pay it back later.

Answer 7

be honest & pay it back, 'cos someone may lose the job if you don't, & when they find out, they'll make you pay maybe abit more. don't just hoof it.

Answer 8

call them and tell them.. because, eventually, it will come up in an audit and it will be caught, then you will be stuck owing them the money.. if you dont pay it back at that point, they will send you to collections and sue you.

ive seen this happen SO many times.

Answer 9

You should pay it back, that is the ethical thing to do. If you paid someone ten times what you owed, wouldn't you want to be reimbursed for your over-payment? I hope you are feeling better. Don't feel bad about the money.  It was never yours to begin with. Be glad your insurer paid when you were out of the country. Sometimes, that is problematic.

Answer 10

They might figure out their mistake so I wouldn't spend the money.  If you want to have a guilt free conscience then you should tell them about the mistake.