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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Oman | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Oman

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 20, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Oman is generally considered to be good, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. However, the quality of care may not be as high as in the United States. Emergency services in Oman are generally reliable and efficient, with ambulances available to respond to medical emergencies. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 9999 or 112 from any phone.

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How are healthcare services Oman?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Oman, they replied:

"Oman offers a comprehensive healthcare system, with both public and private services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Oman can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Private healthcare is also available in Oman, and many expats opt to use private services due to the higher quality of care and shorter waiting times," commented one expat who moved to Oman.

What are medical services in Oman like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Oman, they replied:

"Oman offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialist care, and emergency services. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. The government also provides free or subsidized health care for citizens and expatriates. In addition, Oman has a number of private health care providers that offer a range of services, including preventive care, diagnostics, and treatments. The country also has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription and over-the-counter medications," mentioned one expat in Oman.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Oman?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Oman can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Oman is higher than in many other countries, and health insurance premiums can be quite costly. However, the government of Oman provides subsidies for certain medical services, and there are also private health insurance plans available that can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," wrote one expat.

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Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

What are emergency services like in Oman?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Oman wrote:

"Emergency services in Oman are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 9999, which is the national emergency number. Ambulances are typically dispatched quickly and are equipped with the necessary medical equipment and personnel to provide medical assistance," said one expat living in Oman.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Muscat is the capital of Oman and is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. The city is home to a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. Additionally, the city is home to a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Royal Hospital, which is one of the largest and most advanced medical facilities in the region. Other cities in Oman that offer excellent medical services include Salalah, Sohar, and Nizwa. These cities are home to a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. Additionally, the cities are home to a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Royal Hospital in Salalah and the Sohar Medical Center," commented one expat who moved to Oman.

Are common prescription medications available in Oman?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Oman. Most medications can be obtained from pharmacies, with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Some medications may require special approval from the Ministry of Health, and may not be available in all pharmacies. In addition, some medications may be subject to import restrictions, and may not be available in the country," remarked one expat in Oman.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Oman?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Oman are of a high standard. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of modern medical facilities and highly trained medical professionals. The government has invested heavily in the healthcare sector, and there are a number of private and public hospitals and clinics offering quality medical care. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Royal Hospital in Muscat, which provides advanced medical care. In addition, Oman has a number of medical universities and research centers, which are dedicated to providing the latest medical knowledge and treatments," wrote one expat.

As a foreigner living in Oman, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Oman have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Oman is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and emergency services. The quality of care is generally good, and the cost of services is relatively low. The government also provides subsidies for certain services, such as vaccinations and treatments for chronic diseases," remarked one expat living in Oman.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Oman if they have access to public healthcare in Oman. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Oman. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers, including the introduction of telemedicine services, the provision of free testing and treatment for COVID-19, and the implementation of strict safety protocols in hospitals and clinics. The healthcare system has also been bolstered by the deployment of additional medical personnel and the provision of additional medical supplies. Despite these measures, the pandemic has still had a significant impact on the availability of healthcare services, with many hospitals and clinics facing long wait times and limited resources," wrote one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Oman?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Oman about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Oman before having a baby. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife that you trust and feel comfortable with. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding childbirth and parenting. Additionally, it is a good idea to join a local expat group or forum to connect with other expats who have had babies in Oman and can provide advice and support. Finally, make sure to take time to relax and enjoy the experience of having a baby in Oman," explained one expat.

Are healthcare services good in Oman?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Oman. They wrote:

"Oman has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides quality medical services to its citizens. The government of Oman provides free healthcare services to all citizens, including primary care, hospital care, and specialist care. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer a range of medical services. The Ministry of Health is responsible for regulating and overseeing the healthcare system in Oman. The country also has a number of medical research centers and universities that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing quality healthcare services," said one expat in Oman.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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