Beware of Requests for Payment in Emergency Departments!
Despite being prohibited, some hospitals still request additional fees in their emergency departments, even when patients are covered by social security. According to regulations, charging extra fees in emergency services—whether the patient is under social security or not—is strictly forbidden. There have also been complaints that many private hospitals require patients to sign a declaration stating the emergency has ended. If you file a complaint about this practice, the facility can be fined up to ten times the amount charged.
Under the Social Security Institution (SGK) rules, the Health Implementation Communiqué, the Ministry of Health regulations, and the Prime Ministry circular, it is prohibited to collect SGK co-payments or additional charges from visitors to emergency services. If a patient is not covered by SGK, it is still sufficient for the emergency treatment to be provided and for the hospital to submit the bill to SGK afterwards.
Report Your Complaint!
Officials from SGK explain the free emergency service policy as follows: “Everyone can present to the emergency department. If, after examination, the physician determines the case is not an emergency, it is classified under the Ministry of Health’s ‘green area’ directive. In that situation, a participation fee of 12 lira and additional charges may apply. However, no extra fees may be charged for treatments provided in the emergency department. In case of a complaint, a financial penalty equal to ten times the additional fee will be imposed.”
If you are asked to pay in the emergency department, first report the incident to SGK (ALO 170), then to the Ministry of Health (ALO 184), and finally to the Ministry of Finance (ALO 189).