If you have no money, no ID, or can't say who you are, the emergency department must still treat you first
- High value
- Evidence A
- Saves money
- Free
- Takes minutes
- No willpower
In plain words
The state has a disease emergency relief fund (疾病应急救助基金) that pays emergency care costs for two kinds of people: those whose identity can't be established, and those who can't pay. A hospital may not refuse or delay emergency treatment, and an emergency center may not decline to send an ambulance over money. So don't tough it out at home for lack of money, and don't hold back from calling an ambulance for fear of unpaid bills. This fund covers emergency care only; any hospital stay afterward still goes through medical insurance and medical assistance.
Mentioned in
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 24, tip 8. This section is about health and medicines. It is general information, not a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis or prescription. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer