Qatar has introduced a mandatory health insurance requirement for all incoming visitors. This policy aims to provide peace of mind for travelers by ensuring they have adequate medical coverage in case of unforeseen health emergencies. By implementing this regulation, Qatar seeks to enhance its healthcare system and prioritize the well-being of its visitors. This guide will delve into the details of this requirement, explaining its implications for travelers and providing a step-by-step process to acquire the necessary insurance.

Who Needs Visitor Insurance? 

Visitor insurance is essential for travelers to Qatar who lack coverage from their home country or employer. 

• Pre-Arrival Visa Holders 

Visitors requiring a pre-arrival visa must possess a valid health insurance policy before entering the country. The insurance policy is a mandatory requirement for visa issuance.

• On-Arrival Visa Holders

Visitors eligible for an on-arrival visa are exempt from health insurance for the initial thirty days of their stay. However, acquiring a health insurance policy becomes compulsory if they intend to extend their visit beyond this period.

Importance of Health Insurance 

The Ministry of Public Health strongly recommends that all visitors, including those with on-arrival visas, purchase a health insurance plan that covers emergency and accident care. This measure is designed to safeguard visitors from incurring substantial healthcare costs at both public and private medical facilities.

Note: Visitors are advised to retain their health insurance policy and present it when authorities or healthcare providers request it. It is important to note that health insurance does not apply to transit passengers or individuals with temporary entry permits.

GCC Citizens Exempt from Qatar’s Visitor Insurance

The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar has announced that citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are exempt from the mandatory health insurance requirement for visitors to the country. This exemption took effect on February 1, 2023, with the implementation of the first phase of Qatar’s Health Insurance Scheme.

According to Dr Yousef Al Maslamani, Hamad General Hospital's Medical Director, the mandatory health insurance policy applies only to non-GCC visitors. Therefore, GCC nationals can visit Qatar without purchasing the required insurance coverage.

This exemption aligns with Qatar’s Law No. 22 of 2021, which mandates health insurance for all international visitors except GCC citizens. While non-GCC tourists must have basic emergency and accident coverage, GCC nationals are not subject to this requirement during their stay in Qatar.

How To Obtain Visitors’ Health Insurance?

Visitor insurance must be obtained from either a national insurance company registered with the Ministry of Public Health or an international insurance company approved by the ministry. Insurance from any other sources would not be accepted. 

The following is a list of insurance companies authorized by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) / Health Facilities Financing Department (HFID). To explore insurance options and purchase a policy, click on the desired company name to access its official website.

1. Damaan Islamic Insurance Company - Beema
2. Qatar Insurance Company Q.S.P.C
3. Qatar Islamic Insurance Group
4. Al Koot Insurance & Reinsurance
5. Qlm Life & Medical Insurance Company
6. Doha Insurance Group
7. Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance
8. Doha Takaful W.L.L
9. Qatar General Insurance And Reinsurance Co. Q.P.S.C
10. General Takaful Company
11. Al Arabia Insurance Company
12. Libano-Suisse Insurance Company

Insurance Companies Approved By Moph For Visitor Insurance:

• Gig Gulf (Previously Axa Insurance)

• Seib Insurance & Reinsurance Company Llc

• Sharq Insurance Company

On-Arrival Visa Holders: Upon purchasing the Policy, you can apply to extend your visit visa on the Ministry of Interior's website or through the Metrash App.

Qatar Visitor Health Insurance Premium 

All visitors to Qatar are required to purchase a mandatory health insurance policy. The standard policy comes with a monthly premium.

Visitors may opt for additional coverage beyond the standard policy by purchasing top-ups. The cost of these top-ups varies depending on the specific coverage and the insurance provider.

Qatar Visitor Health Insurance Coverage

Qatar Visitor Health Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for essential medical services, ensuring peace of mind for travelers during their stay.

• Emergency Medical Care: Covers the cost of emergency medical treatment within Qatar.
• Emergency Medical Assistance: Provides coverage for ambulance transportation within Qatar and, if necessary, medical evacuation to the visitor's home country.
• Repatriation: Covers the cost of repatriating the visitor's body to their home country in case of unfortunate demise within Qatar.

General Policy Information

• As outlined in the policy terms and conditions, no copayments or deductibles are required for covered services.

Acceptable International Health Insurance Policies

Remember, visitors must possess a health insurance policy issued by an insurance company registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Policies from MOPH-approved international insurance companies are also valid. Visitors must ensure that their international insurance policy meets the MOPH's acceptance criteria, which include:

• Geographic Coverage: Must include the State of Qatar.
• Policy Validity: Must cover the entire duration of the visitor's stay in Qatar.
• Emergency and Accident Coverage: Must include coverage for emergency and accident healthcare services with a minimum limit of QAR 150,000 without deductibles or copayments.

Qatar Travel Insurance Validity

Your travel health insurance policy for Qatar has some important validity guidelines:

• Coverage Start Date: Your insurance coverage begins upon arrival in Qatar.
• Minimum Policy Duration: The shortest insurance policy is for 30 days.
• Policy Renewal: If you extend your stay beyond your initial visa, you must purchase a new insurance policy.

• Coverage depending on visa type:

• Single-Entry Visa: Coverage ends when you leave Qatar.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Coverage lasts until the policy end date, even with temporary departures.

Qatar Travel Insurance Assistance

MOPH Helpline: 16000 – Extension No. (1) Dedicated to health insurance

International Number: 0097444069963

Complaints: ghcc@moph.gov.qa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the Visitor's Basic Health Insurance Policy? I have a multiple-entry visa. Will my Visitor Insurance Policy remain valid? Does the Visitor Health Insurance Policy cover GCC countries or other nations? Is the insurance premium refundable if the visitor's stay is shorter than the visa duration?

Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in October 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.