Thomas Higgins Partnership
Discussion
After a bit of advice off those on here who may understand this better than I can.
Back in November 2011, when I was 17, I had a couple of physio treatments under my mother's company medical insurance policy. I had roughly 10 treatments for back pain/posture. I have recently been emailed a letter from The Thomas Higgins Partnership detailing that I owe them £300 or they will take court proceedings.
I don't particularly want to pay them anything because of a few reasons.
1) I don't know what this £300 is for.
2) I'm not the policy holder.
3) Because I was under 18 does this have an effect?
4) It didn't help, and the 'case manager' was just useless.
Here is the letter received;
Should I take them seriously? Do I need to pay them or have I got any get out clauses?
Back in November 2011, when I was 17, I had a couple of physio treatments under my mother's company medical insurance policy. I had roughly 10 treatments for back pain/posture. I have recently been emailed a letter from The Thomas Higgins Partnership detailing that I owe them £300 or they will take court proceedings.
I don't particularly want to pay them anything because of a few reasons.
1) I don't know what this £300 is for.
2) I'm not the policy holder.
3) Because I was under 18 does this have an effect?
4) It didn't help, and the 'case manager' was just useless.
Here is the letter received;
said:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: HEALTH & CASE MANAGEMENT LIMITED
A/c:
We have been instructed by our above named clients to apply to you for payment of their outstanding
account amounting to £300.00.
We must advise you that unless payment is received in settlement of this account within seven days
from the date of this letter proceedings will be commenced for the principal sum interest and court
costs without further notice to you.
Re: HEALTH & CASE MANAGEMENT LIMITED
A/c:
We have been instructed by our above named clients to apply to you for payment of their outstanding
account amounting to £300.00.
We must advise you that unless payment is received in settlement of this account within seven days
from the date of this letter proceedings will be commenced for the principal sum interest and court
costs without further notice to you.
Should I take them seriously? Do I need to pay them or have I got any get out clauses?
If they are chasing you, they are probably not going to go away so. yes, you shouldn't ignore it.
Ask them for details of the amount claimed (for example is there an excess on the policy - i.e. the policyholder has to stump up the first £300 of any claim?) and proof of debt. Also why are they coming after you when you are not the policyholder?
Ask them for details of the amount claimed (for example is there an excess on the policy - i.e. the policyholder has to stump up the first £300 of any claim?) and proof of debt. Also why are they coming after you when you are not the policyholder?
The claim is most likely to be the excess on the health insurance claim, how or when it is to be paid and by whom will no doubt be in the policy so the OP should (a) acknowledge the letter and ask for more detail and (b) ask his mother to clarify the position with the health insurance provider / read the information she has on the policy.
It's not clear if the money is being chased by the insurer or the treatment provider but I'd suspect it's the latter, whenever I've had private treatment which is covered by insurance I've paid the excess to the treatment provider. This would explain why the OP, as patient, is being pursued.
It's not clear if the money is being chased by the insurer or the treatment provider but I'd suspect it's the latter, whenever I've had private treatment which is covered by insurance I've paid the excess to the treatment provider. This would explain why the OP, as patient, is being pursued.
markmullen said:
Thomas Higgins are very good at collection, so they won't just go away.
What he said above is very true, I have used them to chase bad debts for 30 years, they won't just stop, but if you think you don't owe the money then ring them up, they will be fair and get back to who instructed them to answer any reasons you give that you don't think you owe the money and then get back to you.But do nothing and after a few days they will ask the person who has instructed them if they want to proceed and if they say yes, they will do that!
KelWedge said:
markmullen said:
Thomas Higgins are very good at collection, so they won't just go away.
What he said above is very true, I have used them to chase bad debts for 30 years, they won't just stop, but if you think you don't owe the money then ring them up, they will be fair and get back to who instructed them to answer any reasons you give that you don't think you owe the money and then get back to you.But do nothing and after a few days they will ask the person who has instructed them if they want to proceed and if they say yes, they will do that!
My dad is a credit manager and does a lot with them, very effective.I would have thought it's a little odd they are chasing you... surely your mothers employer, or your mother, will be liable for the costs as the policy holder?
Regardless, having used them to chase bad debts myself, TH will not go away.
Does your mum still work for the same company? To have got to this point (TH being instructed) there must have been an attempt for the company to get the bill paid themselves.
Regardless, having used them to chase bad debts myself, TH will not go away.
Does your mum still work for the same company? To have got to this point (TH being instructed) there must have been an attempt for the company to get the bill paid themselves.
So I've just spoken to 3 different people. THP didn't know anything, and were pretty unhelpful.
HCML main offices didn't know anything, but managed to redirect me to their finance team.
HCML finance explained it was for the excess from a policy held by my mother with Aviva. I explained I didn't feel that them chasing me for the excess as a non policy holder was justified and I think the guy agreed and they will now be looking to talk to my mother regarding it.
I have also informed my mother who has already agreed that she'll pay it, but will wait for them to contact her directly.
Will update if they actually do take me to court over this but doubt they can tbh.
HCML main offices didn't know anything, but managed to redirect me to their finance team.
HCML finance explained it was for the excess from a policy held by my mother with Aviva. I explained I didn't feel that them chasing me for the excess as a non policy holder was justified and I think the guy agreed and they will now be looking to talk to my mother regarding it.
I have also informed my mother who has already agreed that she'll pay it, but will wait for them to contact her directly.
Will update if they actually do take me to court over this but doubt they can tbh.
Busterhighmen said:
So I've just spoken to 3 different people. THP didn't know anything, and were pretty unhelpful.
HCML main offices didn't know anything, but managed to redirect me to their finance team.
HCML finance explained it was for the excess from a policy held by my mother with Aviva. I explained I didn't feel that them chasing me for the excess as a non policy holder was justified and I think the guy agreed and they will now be looking to talk to my mother regarding it.
I have also informed my mother who has already agreed that she'll pay it, but will wait for them to contact her directly.
Will update if they actually do take me to court over this but doubt they can tbh.
So you set them on your mother! Nice!HCML main offices didn't know anything, but managed to redirect me to their finance team.
HCML finance explained it was for the excess from a policy held by my mother with Aviva. I explained I didn't feel that them chasing me for the excess as a non policy holder was justified and I think the guy agreed and they will now be looking to talk to my mother regarding it.
I have also informed my mother who has already agreed that she'll pay it, but will wait for them to contact her directly.
Will update if they actually do take me to court over this but doubt they can tbh.
surveyor said:
So you set them on your mother! Nice!
I would presume the whole process starts again. So they won't be threatening court action from the off. I think you may be neglecting to remember my age and the potential age of my mother.. I wouldn't pass the buck if she were incapable of dealing with it! Oh and she probably earns 5x my salary.
Query whether the OP made a contract of any kind with the service provider. Usually with private healthcare if you are insured you still agree to be liable for payment if the insurer does not pay, but was any such agreement made here by the OP? Did you sign any forms at the clinic, OP?
If such a contract was made by the OP when he was 17 and so not yet an adult, it would only be enforceable if it was a contract for something that can be classed as a necessity. Medical treatment might or might not be so classed, depending on the nature if the medical problem and of the treatment.
GC8 said:
Can a minor's debt be pursued?
Only if the contract was for "necessaries". This is a common law concept and see also section 3 Sale of Goods Act 1979 (not in play here, as the supply was of services not goods). I cannot recall off hand whether the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 has a similar provision as to contracts for services. I may look it up later if I have time.Would be interested to hear your conclusion BV if you get the chance.
Out of interest, If my mother didn't have any part in signing anything or talking to anyone in the whole process. All she had done is provide me with the documents and her verbal consent. Is she then liable for the excess? (this is purely hypothetical)
Surveyor - No.
Out of interest, If my mother didn't have any part in signing anything or talking to anyone in the whole process. All she had done is provide me with the documents and her verbal consent. Is she then liable for the excess? (this is purely hypothetical)
Surveyor - No.
Busterhighmen said:
I would presume the whole process starts again. So they won't be threatening court action from the off.
I think you may be neglecting to remember my age and the potential age of my mother.. I wouldn't pass the buck if she were incapable of dealing with it! Oh and she probably earns 5x my salary.
You're a grown 19/20 year old man who expects mummy to pay the excess on treatment you recived?I think you may be neglecting to remember my age and the potential age of my mother.. I wouldn't pass the buck if she were incapable of dealing with it! Oh and she probably earns 5x my salary.
AngryPartsBloke said:
Busterhighmen said:
I would presume the whole process starts again. So they won't be threatening court action from the off.
I think you may be neglecting to remember my age and the potential age of my mother.. I wouldn't pass the buck if she were incapable of dealing with it! Oh and she probably earns 5x my salary.
You're a grown 19/20 year old man who expects mummy to pay the excess on treatment you recived?I think you may be neglecting to remember my age and the potential age of my mother.. I wouldn't pass the buck if she were incapable of dealing with it! Oh and she probably earns 5x my salary.
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