South Korean Hospital Seeks Payment for 6 Years of Treatment for Chinese Patient Whose Family Refuses to Pay $18.8 Million Bill

A Chinese tourist who entered South Korea in September 2019 and fell into a coma nine days later has left a South Korean hospital with a staggering medical debt of 840 million won (approximately $18.8 million). The patient was transferred to a hospital in Ulsan in December 2019 and has been receiving continuous treatment for over six years.

Despite the extensive care provided, the patient's family has cited financial difficulties as a reason for refusing to pay the accumulated medical fees. Under South Korean law, specifically the Medical Service Act and the Emergency Medical Service Act, hospitals are obligated to continue treatment even without payment, placing a significant financial burden on medical institutions.

Following a complaint from the hospital, South Korea's Civic Rights Committee convened discussions with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ulsan City government to address the medical expenses and the repatriation of the patient. However, legal constraints have delayed a resolution.

The Chinese patient passed away in April, leaving the hospital with little hope of recovering the outstanding costs. The family's inability to pay has complicated the situation further. In response, the Civic Rights Committee has recommended the development of measures to assist with the repatriation of unconscious foreign patients without accompanying family and to resolve associated medical cost issues. The Ulsan City government has committed to developing guidelines, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has agreed to provide diplomatic assistance in the future.