Dreaming of a trip to Qatar? Here’s an essential detail you need to know: since February 1, 2023, all visitors entering Qatar must possess mandatory travel health insurance. This applies regardless of your visa type, whether it’s a short family visit or a longer stay under the GCC Residents Visit Visa program. Even if your Qatari sojourn is less than 30 days, having travel health insurance is highly recommended for added peace of mind.
This mandatory health insurance scheme serves a dual purpose. It aims to regulate healthcare costs within Qatar while simultaneously ensuring visitors receive proper medical care in case of emergencies or unexpected illnesses. Unlike some travel insurance plans, this mandatory coverage is specifically designed for emergency and accident services, with a minimal monthly premium of QR50 payable upon issuance or extension of your visitor visa.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about getting mandatory health insurance for visitors to Qatar. We’ll cover the approved insurance companies, the costs involved, exemptions to the requirement, and provide some recommendations to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming visit to Qatar.
Mandatory Health Insurance for Expats in Qatar: Law No. 22 of 2021
Qatar’s Law No. (22) of 2021, regulating healthcare services, introduces a mandatory health insurance requirement for expatriates living and working in the country. This law impacts both foreign residents and businesses employing them.
Key Provisions for Expats:
- Mandatory Coverage: Expatriates must possess valid health insurance throughout their stay in Qatar. This applies to both employees and their dependents. (Article 11)
- Employer Responsibility: Companies in Qatar are obligated to provide health insurance coverage for their foreign national employees through private insurance companies licensed by the Ministry of Public Health. (Article 11)
- Work Permit Renewal: Expatriate work permits will not be renewed or extended without documented proof of active health insurance. (Article 10)
Healthcare for Qatari Citizens:
In contrast to expatriates, Qatari citizens are exempt from the mandatory health insurance requirement under Law No. 22. They retain the privilege of receiving free healthcare services at government-run facilities. (Article 6)
This law signifies a significant shift in Qatar’s healthcare landscape, ensuring access to medical services for expatriates while promoting a more competitive private health insurance market.
Health Insurance Requirement for Visitors to Qatar:
As of February 1, 2023, all travelers requiring a visitor visa to enter Qatar must obtain mandatory health insurance. This applies to all types of visit visas, including:
- Family Visit Visa
- GCC Residents Visit Visa
- Visa on Arrival
Exceptions: This requirement does not apply to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during their visit to Qatar.
Steps to Get Travel Health Insurance for Visitors to Qatar
Planning a trip to Qatar involves securing the right travel health insurance to ensure a safe and worry-free journey. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to obtain travel health insurance for your visit:
Step 1. Apply for Qatar Visit Visa
Start by applying for your Qatar visit visa through the Metrash app or any other approved platform. Ensure you have all necessary documents ready for the application process.
Step 2. Choose an Approved Insurance Provider
During the visa application process, you will need to select an insurance provider approved by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). The list of approved providers is typically available on the official visa application portal.
Step 3. Purchase the Insurance Plan Online
Once you’ve chosen an approved insurance provider, proceed to purchase the required insurance plan online. Most providers offer a quick and convenient online purchase process. Be sure to review the coverage details and policy terms before making your payment.
Step 4. Visa Issuance with Insurance
Your Qatar visit visa will be issued once you have obtained the mandatory health insurance policy. This policy is a prerequisite for visa approval.
Step 5. Access Your Policy Documents
Upon purchasing the insurance, make sure to access and retain your policy documents. You may need to print them or have them available electronically to present as proof of insurance when required.
These steps ensure that you comply with Qatar’s regulations regarding health insurance for visitors, facilitating a smooth visa application process.
Prices of Health Insurance for Visitors in Qatar
- Premium: The basic policy costs QAR 50 per month.
- Additional Coverage: Visitors can buy extra coverage (top-ups) for more protection. The cost varies depending on the insurance company and the type of coverage chosen. This is also an option for extending your visit visa beyond 30 days.
- Hayya Card Holders: If you have a Hayya card, you’ll need to get health insurance that covers the remaining period of your card’s validity.
- Visa Extensions and Insurance: If you extend your visit visa beyond the initial 30 days, you’ll need to purchase additional health insurance coverage.
- Unused Insurance: Unfortunately, health insurance premiums cannot be refunded if your stay is shorter than the duration of your visa.
What Is Covered By Visitor Health Insurance Policy ?
This policy covers emergency medical expenses for visitors within Qatar for the policy period. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Up to QAR 150,000 for your entire visit within Qatar.
- Emergency Medical Assistance: Up to QAR 35,000 for:
- Ambulance transport within Qatar (and potentially elsewhere if needed).
- Medical evacuation back to your home country if necessary.
- COVID-19 and Quarantine:
- Up to QAR 50,000 for COVID-19 treatment if you test positive.
- Quarantine costs up to QAR 300 per day (if you test positive).
- Repatriation: Up to QAR 10,000 to transport you home if you pass away in Qatar.
Benefits:
- No waiting period to use your coverage.
- No copay or deductible required for covered services.
Qatar Visit Visa Insurance: Exemptions and Recommendations:
Not everyone needs health insurance for a visit to Qatar! Here’s a quick guide to understand the exemptions and when it’s wise to get coverage:
- Short Stays (Less than 30 days): You might be exempt from mandatory health insurance if your visit is under 30 days. However, it’s strongly recommended to get insurance anyway. Airline staff may ask for it, and unexpected medical situations can arise during any trip.
- Instant Visas: Similar to short stays, instant visas might not require mandatory insurance. But again, having some coverage is a good idea.
- Australian Citizens with Visa on Arrival: For Australians getting a visa upon arrival, health insurance usually isn’t required for short trips.
International Health Insurance for Visitors to Qatar:
In addition to getting visitor health insurance from a Qatari insurance company approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), you can also use an international health insurance policy. However, make sure your international plan meets the following requirements set by the MOPH:
- Geographic Coverage: Your policy must cover healthcare services in the State of Qatar.
- Duration of Coverage: The validity period of your plan should cover your entire stay in Qatar.
- Emergency and Accident Coverage: Your plan should cover emergency and accident-related medical expenses up to QAR 150,000 with no deductibles or copayments.
- COVID-19 Coverage: The plan should include coverage for COVID-19 treatment, with a minimum limit of QAR 50,000.
Need Help with Health Insurance in Qatar?
MOPH Helpline:
- 16000 – Extension No. (1) Dedicated to health insurance
- International Number: 0097444069963
Complaints: [email protected]
Questions and Answers: FAQs
Health Financing and Insurance Department Home Page: click here.
FAQ’S
Who Needs Visitor Health Insurance in Qatar?
1. Visa Required Before Arrival: Everyone who needs a visa to enter Qatar must have visitor health insurance before getting the visa.
2. Visa on Arrival (First 30 Days): Visitors getting a visa upon arrival are exempt for the first 30 days.
3. Visa on Arrival (Extending Stay): Visitors with on-arrival visas who want to stay longer than 30 days need to purchase health insurance.
Recommendation: Even if your visa is on arrival, getting health insurance is wise to cover any emergencies or accidents while in Qatar.
Who’s Exempt: This requirement doesn’t apply to transit passengers or those with temporary entry visas.
Which insurance companies are approved by the MOPH?
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) publishes a list of registered insurance companies on their website. You can choose any of these companies for your mandatory health insurance. Here are some of the approved companies:
1. Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance
2. Beema Damaan Islamic Insurance Company
3. Doha Insurance Group
4. Doha Takaful
5. General Takaful
6. Insurance House (Qatar Insurance Company)
7. Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co.Q.P.S.C
8. QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company
What is the Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme in Qatar?
The Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme requires all visitors to Qatar to have a valid health insurance policy during their stay. This ensures access to basic healthcare services in case of emergencies or accidents.
Can I use my existing foreign health insurance in Qatar?
Foreign health insurance might be valid in Qatar, but only if it meets specific criteria:
1. It must explicitly mention coverage for Qatar.
2. The policy must be valid for the entirety of your stay in Qatar.
3. The insurance company must be one of those approved by the MOPH (listed above).
It’s advisable to confirm your foreign policy’s coverage details with your insurance provider before your trip.
Is travel health insurance mandatory for visitors to Qatar?
Yes, travel health insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Qatar, effective from February 1, 2023. This policy is designed to provide comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, including accidents, illnesses, and COVID-19 related conditions.
What happens if I don’t have the mandatory visitor health insurance policy in Qatar?
If you do not have the mandatory visitor health insurance policy during your stay in Qatar, you may face penalties or even be denied entry into the country. It is essential to ensure that you have the required insurance coverage before your trip to Qatar.
Can I extend the coverage of my mandatory visitor health insurance policy in Qatar?
Yes, you can extend the coverage of your mandatory visitor health insurance policy in Qatar if your stay in the country exceeds the initial coverage period. You can contact your insurance provider to request an extension of the policy.
What are the benefits of the mandatory visitor health insurance policy in Qatar?
The mandatory visitor health insurance policy in Qatar offers the following key benefits:
1. Emergency medical assistance, including ambulance transport and medical evacuation
2. Coverage for accident and emergency medical expenses
3. COVID-19 coverage for inpatient and outpatient treatment, pharmacy, quarantine, and screening
4. Repatriation of mortal remains in the event of the policyholder’s death
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