How to Get Travel Health Insurance for Visitors to Qatar: A Complete Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Qatar, whether for a vacation, business, or visiting family, one important requirement you must be aware of is the travel health insurance for Qatar. Starting from February 1, 2023, all visitors to Qatar are required to have health insurance coverage before entering the country. This applies to all types of visit visas, including the Family Visit Visa, GCC Residents Visit Visa, and even Visa On Arrival. Whether you’re staying for a short period or longer, travel health insurance is now mandatory for your safety and well-being.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your Qatar health insurance for visitors, provide insights into the costs, approved insurance companies, and exemptions, and answer some frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you’ll be fully prepared to comply with the requirements and ensure a smooth and safe trip to Qatar.

What is Travel Health Insurance for Qatar?

Travel health insurance for Qatar is a mandatory requirement for visitors to the country. It provides coverage for emergency medical situations, accidents, and in some cases, COVID-19 treatment. With the government of Qatar aiming to regulate healthcare costs and improve the overall system, having insurance while visiting ensures that tourists are financially protected in case of unexpected health emergencies.

This insurance plan covers:

• Emergency medical care
• Ambulance services within Qatar
• COVID-19-related medical expenses (if applicable)
• Repatriation costs in case of death

Why Is Travel Health Insurance Mandatory for Visitors to Qatar?

Qatar introduced the mandatory travel health insurance for visitors as part of its efforts to regulate healthcare costs and ensure the safety and well-being of tourists. The primary goal of this scheme is to provide coverage for emergency medical services and accidents during a visitor’s stay. It ensures that visitors are protected in case of unforeseen medical needs, including accidents and sudden illnesses.

This travel health insurance covers emergency medical services and accidents, with a cost of QAR 50 for each visitor visa issued or extended. The program also aims to create a sustainable healthcare system while managing healthcare expenses efficiently.

Key Highlights of Qatar Travel Health Insurance

1. Mandatory Requirement: All visitors applying for a visa after February 1, 2023, must purchase health insurance.
2. Cost: The insurance policy costs QAR 50 for a 30-day stay.
3. Providers: Insurance must be purchased from Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) approved insurance providers.
4. Coverage: Covers emergency medical services, accidents, and COVID-19 treatment.
5. Validity: The policy is valid for the duration of the visitor’s stay in Qatar and can be extended if needed.

Who Needs Travel Health Insurance for Qatar?

All visitors to Qatar who apply for a visit visa after February 1, 2023, are required to have health insurance. This applies to various types of visit visas, including:

• Family Visit Visa
• GCC Residents Visit Visa
• Visa on Arrival

However, visitors from GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council) are exempt from this requirement. While there are some exemptions for short stays, it’s highly recommended to purchase travel health insurance even for visits under 30 days, as some airlines may require it before boarding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain Travel Health Insurance for Qatar

If you’re planning to visit Qatar, you need to follow these steps to secure your travel health insurance:

Step 1: Apply for a Visitor Visa

Before you can get Qatar health insurance, you must apply for a visitor visa. This can be done online through the Ministry of Interior’s Metrash App or directly on the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) website. After completing the visa application process, you will be directed to obtain your health insurance as part of the application.

Step 2: Choose an Approved Insurance Provider

Once you’re on the MOPH site, you’ll see a list of authorized health insurance companies. You need to choose one of these providers to ensure that your insurance meets Qatar’s requirements.

Some of the approved companies include:

• Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance
• Beema Damaan Islamic Insurance Company
• Doha Insurance Group
• Doha Takaful
• Qatar Insurance Company
• QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company
• General Takaful

These companies are registered with the Ministry of Public Health and offer the insurance coverage that is necessary for your visa application.

Step 3: Purchase Insurance

Once you’ve selected your insurer, follow the instructions on the MOPH website to purchase your insurance policy. The cost is typically QR 50 for a 30-day stay, and the policy will cover you for emergency medical situations during your time in Qatar.

Step 4: Receive Your Insurance Certificate

After your insurance policy is issued, you’ll receive a certificate. Make sure to keep this document safe, as you will need to present it when entering Qatar. You can either print it out or save a digital copy for easy access.

Step 5: Visa Issuance

Once your health insurance is in place, your visitor visa will be processed. You will be notified, and you can proceed with your travel plans.

Approved Travel Health Insurance Providers for Qatar

As mentioned, the Ministry of Public Health maintains a list of registered insurance providers. These companies are authorized to offer travel health insurance that complies with Qatar’s regulations. Make sure to choose an insurer from this list to avoid any issues with your visa application.

Here are some of the prominent companies approved for Qatar travel health insurance:

• Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance
• Beema Damaan Islamic Insurance Company
• Doha Insurance Group 
• Doha Takaful 
• General Takaful
• Insurance that is Islamic
• Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co.Q.P.S.C
• Qatar Insurance Company
• QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company

You can visit the MOPH website for a full list and detailed instructions on how to purchase insurance through these providers.

Costs of Travel Health Insurance for Qatar

The cost for a 30-day health insurance policy is fixed at QAR 50, which covers emergency medical expenses, accidents, and COVID-19 treatment. If your stay extends beyond 30 days, you will need to purchase additional insurance to cover the extra period.

Here’s a quick breakdown of costs:

• Cost for 30-day coverage: QAR 50
• Cost for additional coverage: Dependent on the insurance provider
• No refunds: If the insurance period is shorter than the duration of your visa.

Exemptions and Recommendations for Health Insurance in Qatar

While the health insurance is mandatory for most visitors, there are a few exemptions and recommendations:

• Stay less than 30 days: Visitors whose stay is less than 30 days may be exempt from purchasing health insurance, but it is highly recommended. Some airline staff may require it before boarding.
• Australian citizens: Australian visitors who obtain a visa on arrival are typically not required to buy health insurance for short stays.
• Hayya Cardholders: If you are a Hayya cardholder or a companion, you must obtain insurance for the full duration of the Hayya card entry permit.

However, it’s always best to double-check with the latest updates from Qatar’s official government website.

It is important to remember that no refunds are given if you stay for a shorter period than the insurance coverage.

What Does the Qatar Travel Health Insurance Cover?

The visitor’s health insurance is primarily designed to cover emergency medical services and accidents. Here’s what the insurance policy typically covers:

• Emergency medical assistance: Up to QAR 150,000 for emergency medical care within Qatar.
• Emergency ambulance services: Covered with a sub-limit of QAR 35,000, including transportation within Qatar and to medical facilities.
• COVID-19 treatment: Coverage for treatment up to QAR 50,000, including quarantine expenses.
• Repatriation: In the unfortunate event of a visitor’s death, repatriation of the body will be covered up to QAR 10,000.

Health Insurance Validity Period for Visitors to Qatar

The travel health insurance for Qatar has specific validity conditions that visitors must be aware of. Here’s everything you need to know about the health insurance validity period:

• Start of Coverage: The validity of the health insurance begins on the date the visitor enters Qatar at any border (air, sea, or land port). This marks the commencement of the insurance coverage.
• Duration of Coverage: The minimum coverage period for visitor health insurance is 30 days (approximately 4 and a half weeks). It is not possible to purchase a policy for a shorter duration.
• Single-Entry Visa: For visitors with a single-entry visa, the basic visitor health insurance expires immediately upon leaving Qatar, whether departing by air, sea, or land. This means that once you exit the country, your insurance will no longer be valid.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: If you have a multiple-entry visa, your insurance coverage remains active from your entrance date until the policy expires. The coverage will be valid for the duration of your stay, with the insurance plan automatically renewing or being extended if necessary during your multiple entries.

Important Things to Know About Your Travel Health Insurance for Qatar

• Activation of Insurance: The health insurance policy will be activated as soon as you enter Qatar, whether by air, sea, or land.
• Validity: The insurance will remain valid for a minimum of 30 days. If you plan to extend your stay, you must purchase additional coverage.
• No Waiting Period: There is no waiting period for your health insurance to activate. You will be covered immediately once you enter Qatar.
• No Deductibles: There are no deductibles or copayments required for emergency services covered by your insurance.

Hayya Cardholders and Visitors from Abu Samra

Hayya Cardholders

If you are a Hayya cardholder (for the 2022 FIFA World Cup), you must purchase a health insurance policy that covers the entire duration of your stay, even if it extends beyond the expiration of the Hayya card.

Visitors from Abu Samra

Visitors from the Abu Samra border will need to obtain additional automobile insurance, which can be purchased online.

Law No. 22 of 2021 on Health Insurance

Law No. 22 of 2021, which regulates healthcare services in Qatar, stipulates that all visitors to Qatar must have travel health insurance. This law primarily applies to visitors applying for any type of visa, including the Family Visit Visa, GCC Residents Visit Visa, and Visa on Arrival.

Key Points of Law No. 22 of 2021:

• Health Insurance for Foreign Nationals: Qatari companies are required to provide health insurance coverage to foreign workers in Qatar through private insurance providers (Article 11).
• Work Permits and Health Insurance: Foreign workers cannot extend or renew their work permits unless they can provide proof of valid health insurance (Article 10).
• Exemption for Qatari Citizens: Unlike foreign nationals, Qatari citizens are not required to use commercial health insurance and are entitled to free healthcare services from the Qatari government (Article 6).

This law plays a crucial role in ensuring that all visitors are covered during their stay, helping manage healthcare costs and ensuring that the healthcare system remains sustainable for everyone, including tourists.

Acceptance Criteria for International Health Insurance Companies

While the majority of visitors to Qatar must obtain health insurance from the approved list of Qatari insurance providers, international health insurance companies can also be considered for approval under certain conditions. Here are the criteria set by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH):

1. Approval from MOPH: The international health insurance company must be listed as an approved provider by the Ministry of Public Health. You can find this list on the MOPH website.
2. Coverage in Qatar: The insurance policy must include Qatar within its geographical coverage. Make sure the provider clearly lists Qatar in its international coverage area.
3. Valid for Entire Stay: The health insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of the visitor’s stay in Qatar, covering all medical emergencies and accidents.
4. Emergency Medical Coverage: The policy must cover up to QAR 150,000 for emergency medical expenses and accidents, without deductibles or co-payments.
5. QR Code Requirement: The international health insurance policy must include a QR code for easy verification by Qatari authorities. This QR code is necessary to prove that the policy is valid and meets all the requirements of the Ministry of Public Health.
6. Policy Submission: The insurance policy, along with the QR code, should be submitted to the Ministry of Interior’s website or printed and shown at the point of entry into Qatar.

Before purchasing international health insurance, verify with the MOPH that your provider meets all these conditions to ensure that the insurance will be accepted upon arrival in Qatar.

Helpline for MOPH

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the travel health insurance requirements for Qatar, you can contact the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Helpline. Here are the details:

• MOPH Helpline (within Qatar): Call 16000 and select the extension for health insurance inquiries.
• International Helpline: Visitors from outside Qatar can reach the MOPH by calling 00974-44069963.
• Email for Queries: You can also email your queries or complaints to ghcc@moph.gov.qa.

These contact points are available to assist you with any issues related to your health insurance or visa application. Whether you’re looking for clarification on coverage, need help with the insurance registration process, or have other concerns, the MOPH team is ready to support you.

FAQs About Travel Health Insurance for Qatar

Conclusion: Ensure Your Trip to Qatar Is Safe and Secure

If you are visiting Qatar, ensuring you have the required travel health insurance is essential. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also provides peace of mind in case of medical emergencies or accidents. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily obtain Qatar health insurance and enjoy your time in this beautiful country without any worries.

Make sure to purchase your insurance from one of the approved providers, keep your insurance policy handy, and have a safe, hassle-free visit to Qatar!

We hope this guide has helped clarify everything you need to know about getting travel health insurance for visitors to Qatar. Should you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us!