Aims: To explore the perception of patients with high-risk diabetic foot on early access to medical care. Design: Qualitative interview study. Methods: We conducted a qualitative exploratory and descriptive study involving 11 community-based patients with high-risk diabetic foot residing in Hunan, China. Interviews were systematically coded and categorized into thematic groups using Colaizzi's method. Results: There were five main themes and nine subthemes, namely, (1) Attitude toward healthcare-seeking, (2) Lack of disease knowledge: (a) low symptom alertness, (b) necessity of health education, (3) Hospital visits: (a) doctor-patient relationship, (b) level of medical institutions, (c) obstacles in seeking healthcare, (4) Financial consideration: (a) apprehension about adding to family burden, (b) medical insurance to ease financial stress, (5) Environmental impact: (a) family and social supports, (b) communication between patients. Conclusions: Patients with high-risk diabetic foot have barriers to early intention to seek medical care, and it is the result of a combination of many factors. Healthcare providers should provide relevant interventions for patients, and health insurance systems should be improved to increase coverage to facilitate timely access.