Emergency Medical Treatment
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders.
Bahraini National Law
What is this right?
In Bahrain, emergency medical treatment cannot be refused regardless of the patient's nationality, insurance status, or ability to pay:
- Right to emergency care: All hospitals and emergency departments must provide immediate stabilising treatment to anyone in a medical emergency.
- No upfront payment: Emergency departments cannot demand payment before providing life-saving treatment.
- Ambulance services: The Ministry of Health operates an emergency ambulance service accessible by calling 999.
- Public hospitals: The Salmaniya Medical Complex and other Ministry of Health hospitals provide emergency care to all residents. Bahraini nationals receive free treatment; expatriates may be billed later.
- Private hospitals: Licensed private hospitals must also provide emergency stabilisation and cannot turn away critical patients.
When does it apply?
- You or someone near you is experiencing a medical emergency — severe injury, heart attack, stroke, breathing difficulty, or other life-threatening condition.
- A hospital or clinic is refusing to treat you in an emergency.
- You need emergency treatment but do not have insurance or money to pay upfront.
What should you do?
- Call 999 for an ambulance in any medical emergency.
- Go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department — do not delay treatment due to insurance concerns.
- If refused treatment, report the facility to the NHRA immediately.
- After stabilisation, follow up with your insurance company to arrange coverage for ongoing treatment.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delay calling for help — in emergencies, every minute counts.
- Do not leave the hospital against medical advice without understanding the risks.
- Do not assume you must pay upfront — emergency treatment must be provided first.
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