Questions & Answers
I’ve paid half of my hospital bill in installments. Can they sue me for the rest if I cannot pay?
Hello,
I have already paid half of my hospital bill of 12,990 AED in installments.
Now the hospital wants me to pay the entire remaining amount, but I don't have much money.
Can they sue me for that?
Dear Inquirer,
Yes, the hospital has the legal right to file a claim to recover the remaining amount if payments are overdue, especially if there is a signed agreement or documented commitment to pay in installments.
However, there may be options to negotiate or defend your position depending on your financial situation and the agreement terms.
We recommend booking a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy to assess your case and explore possible solutions. We can also represent you if legal action is taken.
The hospital has the right to claim the debt. Initially, the hospital will attempt to collect the amount through amicable means (contacts, reminders, etc.). If payment is not received, it may resort to Amicable Settlement Administration (Reconciliation and Mediation).
Hello,
Hospitals in the UAE do sue for unpaid bills, but they usually first try to negotiate or issue formal demand letters.
Since you’ve already paid half, this shows good faith and a willingness to settle, which works in your favor.
If the hospital feels you're not cooperating or avoiding payment, they may escalate.
Yes, the hospital can take legal action against you in the UAE if you default on paying the remaining balance.
Negotiate a revised installment plan and show proof of financial hardship (e.g. low income, job loss).
Offer to sign a payment undertaking (this can help delay or avoid court).
If you are unable to pay even in installments, seek legal mediation or apply for debt settlement or civil conciliation via the local court system.
Take care:
Ignoring the demand can lead to a civil court case and possibly a travel ban if a judgment is obtained. It’s always better to engage proactively and document all communications.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for your message!
Regarding your concern, if you have entered into an agreement with the hospital to pay your medical bills in installments and you have already paid a portion, the remaining balance is still considered a legal obligation.
Yes, the hospital may have the right to take legal action to recover the unpaid amount if the full payment is not settled as per the agreed terms.
However, there may be legal remedies or options available to you, depending on the specific circumstances of your case, such as your financial situation, any signed agreements, or communications with the hospital.
We are here to assist you. If you would like to proceed with legal consultation, we can review the documents and help you explore possible solutions, including negotiation or legal representation if necessary.
Please feel free to contact me directly, so we can better assist you.
Best regards,
Mohammad Salah
Legal Consultant
Under UAE law, if you owe the remaining balance of your hospital bill (approx. AED 6,495), the hospital has the legal right to pursue the full amount through civil proceedings, as per the UAE Civil Transactions Law.
While debt is not a criminal offense in the UAE, failure to pay may lead to civil litigation, court-ordered payment, travel bans, or asset seizure in serious cases.
You should try to negotiate a revised payment plan with the hospital and formally explain your financial hardship.
Ignoring their demand may escalate the matter legally, so it's important to respond and document all communications.
Thank you for your message!
If you've already paid a portion of the hospital bill and the remaining amount is still outstanding, the hospital does technically have the right to pursue legal action to recover the balance.
However, courts usually take into account whether you've made efforts to pay and your current financial circumstances.
It’s also possible to negotiate a revised payment plan or settlement with the hospital before matters escalate.
If you’re under pressure or receiving legal notices, I can assist you in communicating with the hospital, negotiating terms, and protecting you from unnecessary legal complications.
Feel free to reach out to me through WhatsApp or phone at [----------] so we can discuss your situation in more detail and explore the best way forward.
Thank you for contacting us via Legal Advice Middle East!
Your situation involves a medical debt dispute with partial payment history, and we've represented clients in nearly identical hospital claim cases.
In one such instance, the hospital sought full recovery despite the client having honored several installment payments, but we successfully negotiated a deferred settlement based on financial hardship and procedural gaps in the hospital’s contract.
Legally, yes, the hospital can initiate a civil claim to recover the unpaid balance. However, courts will take into account your payment history, any installment agreement, and financial condition before issuing a judgment.
If there's no signed settlement plan or if the demand was sudden, that can work in your favor.
The most strategic approach is to open a legal negotiation through a lawyer who can formally notify the hospital of your financial status, propose a revised payment plan, and preempt any aggressive legal action.
This often prevents court escalation and gives you more time and flexibility.
To assess your exact position, we would need to review any hospital agreement, payment receipts, and communications.
Our team is highly experienced in negotiating debt settlements, and we can advise on whether a legal defense or restructuring is best.
