Qatar requires all international visitors (except GCC citizens) to have valid health insurance. This policy ensures travellers are covered for medical emergencies and unexpected healthcare needs while in the country.
This guide outlines who needs visitor health insurance, what the policy covers, and how to obtain an approved plan before or during travel to Qatar.
Who Needs Visitor Insurance?
Pre-Arrival Visa Holders
Travellers who apply for a visa before travelling to Qatar must purchase an approved health insurance policy in advance. The visa will only be issued once valid insurance coverage is confirmed.
Visa-Free Travellers
Travellers from visa-exempt countries who can enter Qatar without obtaining a visa in advance must maintain valid visitor health insurance during their stay.
Visa-on-Arrival Visitors
Visitors eligible for a visa-on-arrival may enter Qatar without purchasing insurance beforehand if their stay is up to 30 days. However, if they plan to stay longer, they must purchase an approved insurance policy. Even for short stays, travellers are advised to obtain health insurance before arrival.
Note: Transit passengers who do not enter Qatar and travellers holding temporary entry permits are generally not considered visitors. Therefore, the mandatory visitor health insurance requirement usually does not apply to them.
Importance of Health Insurance
The Ministry of Public Health requires all visitors (except GCC citizens) to have valid health insurance that covers emergency and accident care. This measure safeguards visitors from substantial healthcare costs at both public and private medical facilities.
Note:Visitors are advised to retain their health insurance policy and present it whenever requested by authorities or healthcare providers.
GCC Citizens Exempt from Qatar’s Visitor Insurance
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are exempt from Qatar’s mandatory visitor health insurance requirement. Under Qatar Law No. 22 of 2021, the insurance mandate applies only to non-GCC visitors. This exemption has been in effect since February 1, 2023, following the rollout of Qatar’s national health insurance framework.
How To Obtain Visitors’ Health Insurance?
- A national insurance company registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)
- An international insurer approved by the Ministry
OR
Note: Insurance from unapproved providers is not accepted.
Below are insurers authorised by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) / Health Facilities Financing Department (HFID):
- Damaan Islamic Insurance Company – Beema
- Qatar Insurance Company Q.S.P.C
- Qatar Islamic Insurance Group
- Al Koot Insurance & Reinsurance
- QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company
- Doha Insurance Group
- Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance
- Doha Takaful W.L.L
- Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co. Q.P.S.C
- General Takaful Company
- Al Arabia Insurance Company
- Libano-Suisse Insurance Company
Approved international providers include:
- GIG Gulf (formerly AXA Insurance)
- Seib Insurance & Reinsurance Company LLC
- Sharq Insurance Company
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always refer to the official MoPH list for registered insurance companies
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 must 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 by coverage and insurance provider.
Qatar Visitor Health Insurance Coverage
The mandatory visitor health insurance policy provides coverage for essential emergency medical services within Qatar.
Coverage Includes
- Emergency Medical Treatment: It covers the cost of emergency healthcare services received within Qatar.
- Emergency Medical Assistance: Includes ambulance transportation within Qatar and, where medically required, emergency evacuation.
- Repatriation: Covers the cost of repatriating the visitor’s body to their home country in the event of death during their stay in Qatar.
General Policy Conditions
No copayments required, no deductibles applied. Coverage applies only to services included under the approved visitor policy.
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: The policy must cover the entire duration of the stay. Even if the stay is less than 30 days, it is valid, though it is usually priced at the 30-day minimum.
- 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 upon leaving 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: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the Visitor's Basic Health Insurance Policy?
The cost varies by insurance provider and coverage type. Standard policies have a fixed monthly premium, while optional top-ups for additional coverage will increase the total cost.
Is the insurance premium refundable if the visitor's stay is shorter than the visa duration?
No, insurance premiums are non-refundable, even if the visitor leaves Qatar earlier than the visa or policy end date.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in March 2026, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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