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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Qatar | Expat Exchange
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Doha, Qatar

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Qatar

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 02, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Qatar is generally considered to be very good, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. Qatar has a number of world-class medical facilities, including the Hamad Medical Corporation, which is the largest healthcare provider in the country. In comparison to the US, Qatar has a lower number of medical professionals per capita, but the quality of care is still high. Emergency services in Qatar are generally reliable and efficient. Ambulance services are available 24 hours a day, and can be called by dialing 999. The emergency services are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How are healthcare services Qatar?

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

"Do not worry if your company does not provide insurance. National Health in Qatar is beyond compare. It costs QR100 for a year. When you go private they quite often refer you to National Health system as they have the best facilities. Only draw back is queuing even when you have an appointment," remarked one expat in Doha.

"Qatar offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. The public healthcare system in Qatar is managed by the Ministry of Public Health, and is available to all citizens and residents of Qatar. The public healthcare system is of a high quality, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Qatar have access to the public healthcare system, and can use it for both primary and specialist care. Expats in Qatar can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local health center and obtaining a health card. The health card allows expats to access the public healthcare system, and receive subsidized healthcare services," remarked one expat living in Qatar.

What are medical services in Qatar like?

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

"Qatar offers a wide range of medical services to its citizens and residents. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics that provide quality healthcare services. Qatar also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized treatments and services. The country also has a number of private medical facilities that offer a range of medical services. Qatar also has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to researching and developing new treatments and technologies. In addition, Qatar has a number of medical insurance companies that provide coverage for medical expenses," commented one expat who moved to Qatar.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Qatar?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Qatar can be expensive. The cost of medical care is generally higher than in other countries, and health insurance premiums can be costly. However, the government of Qatar provides free healthcare to all citizens, and there are a number of private health insurance plans available for expatriates. Additionally, the government has implemented a number of initiatives to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all residents," wrote an expat living in Qatar.

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What are emergency services like in Qatar?

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

"Emergency services in Qatar are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the national emergency number 999. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free of charge. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the location of the emergency," commented one expat who moved to Qatar.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The capital city of Doha is home to some of the best medical specialists in Qatar. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the largest healthcare provider in Qatar and offers a wide range of medical services, including specialist care. Additionally, the Qatar Foundation Medical Center in Education City provides a comprehensive range of medical services, including specialist care. Al Khor Hospital is another excellent option for medical specialists in Qatar, offering a wide range of services. Finally, the Sidra Medical and Research Center is a world-class facility that provides a comprehensive range of medical services, including specialist care," remarked one expat living in Qatar.

"I happen to be based in Philippines these days dentistry is quite good and much cheaper than here in Doha," said one expat living in Doha.

Are common prescription medications available in Qatar?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Qatar. Most medications can be obtained from pharmacies, while some require a prescription from a doctor. The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar regulates the availability of medications, and all medications must be approved by the Ministry before they can be sold. Additionally, some medications may require additional paperwork or approval from the Ministry before they can be purchased," commented one expat living in Qatar.

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

"Qatar has a high quality of medical care and facilities. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a number of modern hospitals and clinics providing a wide range of medical services. Qatar also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Qatar National Center for Cancer Care and Research, which provide advanced treatments and care for a variety of medical conditions. Qatar also has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are dedicated to providing quality care to patients," said an expat in Qatar.

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

"Yes, foreigners living in Qatar have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Qatar is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and emergency services. The public healthcare system is well-funded and provides high-quality care, with many hospitals and clinics offering modern facilities and equipment. The public healthcare system is also free for all citizens and residents of Qatar, making it an attractive option for those looking for affordable healthcare," said an expat in Qatar.

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

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

"Phone call to offer testing. Phone call to arrange vaccinations in December 2020," remarked one expat living in Doha.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Qatar. The government has taken a number of measures to ensure the safety of the population, including the introduction of a comprehensive testing and contact tracing system, the implementation of strict quarantine measures, and the provision of free healthcare services to all citizens and residents. The healthcare system has also been bolstered by the deployment of additional medical staff and the provision of additional medical equipment. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the healthcare system in Qatar has been able to provide quality care to those in need," said one expat living in Qatar.

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

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

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Qatar 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 maternity laws in Qatar, such as the maternity leave policy. Additionally, it is a good idea to join a local expat group or forum to connect with other expats who have had babies in Qatar. This can be a great source of support and advice. Finally, make sure to take time to relax and enjoy the experience of having a baby in Qatar," said one expat in Qatar.

"I've heard positive and negative things about Hamad. But, I think that if you have a great doctor, regardless where you go, you are fine," wrote a person living in Doha.

Are healthcare services good in Qatar?

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

"Qatar has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides high quality medical services to its citizens and residents. The country has a network of public and private hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialist care, emergency care, and preventive care. Qatar also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. In addition, Qatar has a number of health promotion and disease prevention programs that are designed to improve the health of the population," said one expat in Qatar.

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.

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