Can a hospital refuse to treat me without a deposit?
No — refusing or demanding a deposit before emergency or serious treatment is illegal under the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law (Republic Act No. 10932, amending RA 8344). It is unlawful for any hospital or clinic to request, solicit, demand or accept a deposit or advance payment as a prerequisite for basic emergency care, or to refuse the treatment needed to prevent death or permanent disability. Staff who violate it face 6 months and 1 day to 2 years and 4 months in prison or a ₱100,000–₱300,000 fine (₱500,000–₱1,000,000 and 4–6 years for the director or officer behind the policy), and the hospital's license is revoked after three violations. LabanPH can help you report the hospital to the DOH Health Facilities Oversight Board and build the complaint letter.
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