Ask Gulf News: Who pays hospital bills when a patient dies

Question: My father was admitted to the hospital for one month. His insurance refused to cover the full cost of his treatment. After my father passed away, the hospital is now demanding that I pay the remaining amount, citing that I had signed the admission papers in which I agreed to pay any due charges. My question is: Is the hospital entitled to demand this payment from me even though my father has passed away? Please advise.

Answer: If the hospital can prove that they provided the necessary treatment, medicines, and care for your father, they are entitled to request payment from you even after his death. This is because your father benefited from the hospital’s services, and his passing does not change that fact.

Since you signed the admission papers agreeing to pay any amount not covered by insurance, the hospital has the right to demand payment. According to Article 63 of the Civil Transactions Law, “A person shall be bound by his admissions.” Additionally, Article 246 states that “The contract must be performed in accordance with its contents, and in a manner consistent with the requirements of good faith.”

As a general rule, the hospital bears the burden of proof, and you have the right to challenge their claim. In your case, it is recommended not to rely solely on the documents submitted by the hospital regarding the requested amount. Instead, consider involving an expert to verify the treatment provided to your father and to recalculate the charges.

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