While Dickens himself never explicitly stated this inspiration, the story's themes of regret, memory, and the fleeting nature of life strongly align with the potential emotional impact of a brush with death.
However, it's important to note that the story was written in 1848, several years after Dickens's documented illness in 1837, which some speculate may have been a near-death experience. The exact nature and severity of that illness, however, are not well-documented.
Regardless of the direct link to his illness, "The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain" remains a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the weight of our memories.