Why YSK: Most hospitals send a summary bill (for example pharmacy: $5,000) hoping you’ll panic and just pay it. These are usually full of errors or huge markups. Before you pay anything, call the billing department and ask for an itemized bill with CPT codes. This will not only force a human to review it, but it also gives you the ability to spot BS. I tried this last year and the bill dropped by about 30% literally just because I asked, so don’t let them rip you off.
I really helps to specify which country you are from in the international community. Although scammy medical bills are obvious US context.
For now… With the rise of right winged parties in Europe it would not surprise me if they start chipping away at universal care.