The Qatar Health Insurance Scheme is mandatory for all visitors
A health insurance policy covers a person's medical expenses in the event of an illness or accident, in exchange for a premium payment. To provide you with excellent health care services, Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) offers health insurance for your stay in Qatar. As the health and well-being of visitors is the Government's top priority, the necessary regulations have been established to ensure your protection against accidents and medical emergencies during your stay. The best way to ensure your health is to obtain insurance before you travel or to purchase it when you arrive in Qatar. It is mandatory for all visitors to the State of Qatar to purchase health insurance with an insurance company that is registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
Scheme for mandatory health insurance:
It provides basic healthcare insurance coverage for expatriates and visitors to Qatar. It was announced by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) that the first phase of Qatar's health insurance system would begin in the State of Qatar in accordance with Law No. (22) of 2021 regarding the organization of health care services in Qatar, which stipulates that visitors must be covered by health insurance. According to the Ministry, the health insurance system will be rolled out in phases to facilitate smooth implementation, starting from February 1, 2023 for all visitors.
The procedure for obtaining Visitors' Health Insurance
1) When a visitor applies for a visit visa through the Ministry of Interior website or Metrash App, he or she will be directed to the Ministry of Public Health website to select a insurance company that is registered with the Ministry and purchase a visitors’ policy after completing all other visa requirements.
2) It is recommended that you select the policy duration matching or exceeding the type of visa you have selected. Visit the Ministry of Interior website for additional information about visa types and allowed stay periods.
3) It is the Ministry of Interior that issues the relevant visit visa once the insurance policy is issued by the selected insurance company.
4) It is the date of entry of the visitor at any border that determines the effective date of coverage.
5) It is necessary for visitors to purchase a new health insurance policy if they wish to extend their stay in Qatar.
A visitor to Qatar who is eligible for an on-arrival visa:
According to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), visitors seeking on-arrival visas at Qatari border crossings (airports, land ports, and seaports) are required to purchase a visitor insurance policy from an insurance company registered with the ministry. This procedure was implemented to ensure that all procedures could be completed as quickly as possible. To obtain a visitor insurance policy, follow the same procedures mentioned above.
Cost of Health Insurance Premium
Visitors will receive only accident and emergency coverage under the MoPH's visitor insurance policy, which will cost QAR 50 per month upon initial issuance and extension of the visa. The visitor has the option of purchasing additional coverage (Top-ups) for additional premiums determined by the insurance companies.
Policy Coverage
The policy covers the following:
1) In case of emergency medical treatment within the State of Qatar, up to QAR 150,000 is covered under the policy.
2) An emergency medical assistance sub-limit of 35,000 QAR includes:
-Whenever necessary, emergency ambulance transportation is provided within the State of Qatar.
-Medical evacuation to the resident's country.
3) For COVID-19 and Quarantine:
-The sub-limit is up to 50,000 QAR.
-A positive case of Covid-19 will be treated.
- A confirmed case of quarantine may incur quarantine expenses of up to QAR 300 a day.
4) There is no waiting period under this document.
5) The cost of repatriation is covered up to QAR 10,000 in the event of the visitor's death within Qatar.
6) In accordance with the terms and conditions of the visitor's health insurance policy, there is no copayment or deductible required for any covered services.
List of Registered Insurance Companies
The following list includes registered insurance companies in Qatar that can assist you with obtaining a travel insurance policy quickly and easily. It is important to note that you need to be covered by one of the following companies:
1) QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company
3) AlKhaleej Takaful Insurance
4) Beema - Damaan Islamic Insurance Company
6) Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Co.
8) Qatar Islamic Insurance Group
9) Doha Takaful
A visitor who holds international health insurance should be aware of the following:
1) It is essential that the insurance policy is valid in Qatar.
2) Qatar must be covered under the insurance policy.
3) It is important that their insurance policy is valid for the duration of their stay in the country.
4) One of the approved insurance companies in Qatar must issue the insurance policy.
Other international insurance companies registered with MoPH include:
1) Seib Insurance & Reinsurance Company LLC
3) American Life Insurance Company (“ALICO”) t/a MetLife
4) Al Arabia Insurance Company
5) GIG Gulf Axa Insurance Qatar
6) Medgulf Takaful – QFC Branch
7) AWP Health & Life S.A (Allianz)
Contact Details:
MOPH Helpline:
Extension No: 16000 (1) Dedicated to health insurance
International Number: 0097444069963
Complaints: ghcc@moph.gov.qa
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