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User was denied a claim for an ER visit related to a panic disorder, which they believe should be covered given the circumstances of their health crisis. They suggest a clearer process for handling such urgent situations to avoid financial distress for patients.
I am a Canadian resident and I recently visited the US. While there, I experienced sudden heart palpitations and shortness of breath. I was terrified, so I went to an Urgent Care clinic. After an ECG showed irregularities and a high heart rate, the doctors there told me I needed to go to the ER immediately. They even suggested an ambulance, but I took a cab myself since the hospital was only 5 minutes away. After an hour of tests at the ER, the doctors concluded it was likely a panic or anxiety attack. I was relieved at the time, but now I am in a nightmare. My insurance ([CoverAmerica-Gold](https://www.visitorscoverage.com/coveramerica-gold-insurance/)) just rejected my $11,000 claim with this reason: >**Code 041:** The following condition is not a covered benefit under your policy: PANIC DISORDER. I am being asked to pay **$11,000 USD**, which I absolutely cannot afford. I only went to the ER because a medical professional at Urgent Care told me my symptoms were life-threatening. I wouldn’t have gone if I had known it was "just" a panic attack, but I’m not a doctor—I was just following orders during a health crisis. * Has anyone successfully appealed a denial like this? * Does the "Prudent Layperson Standard" apply to travel insurance? * What are my chances of winning an appeal? I’m at a complete loss and any advice would mean the world to me.