Scam in UzbekistanOther tricks
Excessive medical charges in Uzbekistan
How it works
Some doctors or hospitals may seek excessive payments from visitors. No specific billing method is described.
Warning signs
- Charges are unclear before non-urgent treatment.
- The provider will not explain or itemise the bill.
How to avoid it
- Ask your accommodation for advice on local providers.
- Contact your travel insurer for help choosing care.
- For non-urgent care, ask about costs before treatment.
If it happens to you
Ask for an itemised bill and contact your insurer for help with disputed charges. Do not delay urgent care over a price dispute.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 112. For police, call 102.
- Contact your card issuer immediately if a card or its details are missing. Block the card and ask about disputed payments.
- Save receipts, booking screens, messages and payment records. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is lost or stolen, your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2024Medical institutions ordered to return 900 million soums unjustly taken from consumersReporting the consumer protection committee's findings, Qalampir described unjustified medical charges affecting over 44,000 patients without identifying them as tourists.Read on News
- News2026Uzbekistan Finds Overcharges for Medical ServicesUzDaily reported official findings of unjustified medical fees and refund orders across several regions, although the report did not identify tourist victims.Read on News
Questions
What is the excessive medical charges scam in Uzbekistan?
Some doctors or hospitals may seek excessive payments from visitors. No specific billing method is described.
How can I spot it early?
Charges are unclear before non-urgent treatment. The provider will not explain or itemise the bill.
How do I avoid excessive medical charges in Uzbekistan?
Ask your accommodation for advice on local providers. Contact your travel insurer for help choosing care. For non-urgent care, ask about costs before treatment.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for an itemised bill and contact your insurer for help with disputed charges. Do not delay urgent care over a price dispute.
Where in Uzbekistan does this happen?
Some medical providers in Tashkent It has been reported in Tashkent.
How common is this scam in Uzbekistan?
Occasional. Uzbekistan is generally safe for visitors, but tourists can face inflated taxi fares, shortchanging and poor exchange deals. Other risks include the found-cash scam, pickpockets in bazaars and strangers offering to show you the nightlife.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 102 for police assistance. Report theft, fraud or threats and ask for a written record or reference. Unified emergency service: call 112 in an urgent situation. The service operates 24 hours a day. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to block a card and report unauthorised transactions. Taxi booking service: if you booked through an app, use its support channel and attach the booking details and fare evidence. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a lost passport or a serious incident. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact on your policy. Keep receipts, payment evidence and any police report. Accommodation staff: ask reception for help explaining an incident, finding police assistance or choosing a medical provider.
What number do I call in an emergency in Uzbekistan?
Unified emergency service, available 24/7: 112, Police: 102, Medical emergency: 103, Fire: 101.
Reviewed by @snuck