All visitors to Qatar will be required to have a health insurance policy starting on 1 February 2023, Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced.
Qatar’s Law No. (22) of 2021 regulating healthcare services in Qatar stipulates that all visitors must be covered by a mandatory health insurance scheme. The mandatory health insurance scheme will be implemented in phases, with the first phase starting on 1 February 2023.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about health insurance for visitors to Qatar, including the cost, coverage, authorised providers and how visitors can buy health insurance.
- Recent Updates
- Is Health Insurance For Visitors To Qatar Mandatory?
- Why is Qatar introducing a health insurance policy?
- Authorised Insurance Companies
- Cost of Visitor’s Health Insurance Policy:
- How To Obtain Visitors’ Health Insurance?
- Validity Period of Health Insurance For Visitors To Qatar
- Coverage Under Visitor’s Health Insurance Policy
- Criteria for Accepting International Health Policy
- MOPH Helpline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is travel insurance mandatory for Qatar visit visa?
- How much is the travel insurance fee for Qatar visit visa?
- Does the Visitor Health Insurance Policy cover me in GCC or other countries?
- What documents are needed in case of emergency treatment?
- Does the basic insurance policy for visitors cover emergencies during travel?
Recent Updates
25 FEBRUARY 2023 UPDATE: According to a news announcement on MOPH website, Hayya card holders and their companions are required to obtain visitors’ insurance policies that cover the remaining period of the Hayya Card Entry Permit, which is Jan 24th, 2024.
For example, if a Hayya Card holder is planning to enter the State of Qatar on 1st March 2023, he/she should obtain an insurance policy for 11 months, and if he/she is planning to enter the country on 1 April 2023, he/she should obtain an insurance policy for 10 months, and so forth.
Is Health Insurance For Visitors To Qatar Mandatory?
Starting 1 February 2023, all visitors to Qatar applying for a visitor’s visa will be required to have health insurance policies. This is mandatory for all types of visit visas including Family Visit Visa, GCC Residents Visit Visa, and Visa On Arrival.
GCC citizens are exempted from the mandatory health insurance while entering Qatar.
Why is Qatar introducing a health insurance policy?
According to MOPH, the health and well-being of visitors are of paramount importance. Therefore the Government has established the necessary regulations to ensure that visitors are protected against accidents and medical emergency-related conditions during their stay.
By implementing a sustainable and effective healthcare system, and by regulating healthcare expenditures, the scheme aims to regulate health insurance and ensure continuous improvements.
Authorised Insurance Companies
The registered insurance companies are listed on the Ministry of Public Health’s website. Visitors can choose any one of the listed insurance companies through the links available on MOPH website:
Here is the link to the page on the MOPH website.
The registered insurance companies (in alphabetical order) are:
- Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance
- Beema Damaan Islamic Insurance Company
- Doha Insurance Group
- Doha Takaful
- General Takaful
- Islamic Insurance
- Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Co. Q.P.S.C.
- Qatar Insurance Company
- QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company
MoPH has indicated that for visitors who hold international health insurance, the insurance policy must include Qatar, be valid during their stay in the country and be issued by one of the insurance companies approved in Qatar.
Cost of Visitor’s Health Insurance Policy:
The standard premium for a single insurance policy will be QAR 50 for 30 days (USD 13.73). For the extension of a visit visa beyond 30 days, the visitor will have to buy an additional policy.
In addition, visitors can obtain additional health insurance policies, and the premiums for these policies will vary depending on the insurance company’s prices.
Health insurance premiums cannot be refunded after the purchase of the policy if the stay duration is less than the period of the visa.
How To Obtain Visitors’ Health Insurance?
Visitors Applying For Visit Visa Online
- Visitors applying for a visit visa online via the Metrash App will be directed to the MOPH website.
- There, they can select one of the insurance companies registered with the Ministry to purchase the visitors’ policy after completion of all other relevant visa requirements.
- Once the insurance policy is issued by the selected insurance company, the Ministry of Interior will issue the appropriate visit visa.
The Visitor will receive the Health Insurance Policy from the website of the Insurance companies. The policy can be printed, kept and shown when needed.
Visitors Eligible For Visa On Arrival
To ensure speedy completion of your procedures upon arrival at the various border crossings (airport, land and seaports), visitors are advised to purchase a visitor insurance policy before arriving at these ports from the MOPH link provided above and follow the same procedures mentioned.
Validity Period of Health Insurance For Visitors To Qatar
The effective date of coverage is the date of entry of the visitor at any border.
If the visitor wishes to extend his/her stay in the State of Qatar, then he/she must purchase a new health insurance policy.
The minimum duration of the visitor’s insurance policy is 30 days, it is not possible to purchase a policy with less than this duration.
The basic visitor insurance policy in case of a single-entry visa expires upon leaving the State of Qatar through any air, sea or land ports.
There is an insurance policy for multiple-entry visas and it remains valid from the date of entry until the policy expires.
Coverage Under Visitor’s Health Insurance Policy
The mandatory health insurance for visitors will only cover emergency medical treatments and accidents.
Emergency Medical Treatment:
- Up to QAR 150,000 for the policy period and within the State of Qatar.
- Emergency medical assistance with a sub-limit of QAR 35,000, includes:
- Emergency ambulance transportation within the State of Qatar, and where necessary.
COVID-19 and Quarantine:
- Sub-limit up to QAR 50,000.
- Covid-19 treatment for positive cases.
- Quarantine expenses (for confirmed cases) are up to QAR 300 per day.
Repatriation:
In the event of the visitor’s death within the State of Qatar, the cost of repatriation is covered up to an amount of QAR 10,000.
Is there a waiting period for this policy to be active?
No, there will be no waiting period for the visitor’s health insurance policy.
Does the policy require any copayment or deductible?
No copayment or deductible will be required for any covered services as per the terms and conditions stipulated in the visitor’s health insurance policy.
Criteria for Accepting International Health Policy
In addition to the listed insurance companies, Qatar MOI may accept some international health insurance companies, subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions and requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health to be accepted for entry visa issuance:
- To be issued by one of the insurance companies included in the approved list by the Ministry of Public Health.
- Its geographical coverage includes the State of Qatar.
- To be valid and cover the period of stay in the country.
- To cover emergency services and accidents with an annual limit of 150,000 Riyals or more, without deductibles or excesses.
- To include a QR code.
The policy can be uploaded to the website of the Ministry of Interior or a paper copy to be submitted to the competent officer at the border crossing.
MOPH Helpline
In case of any queries about the mandatory health insurance policy, you can call the MOPH Helpline on 16000 (inside Qatar). Extension number 1 is dedicated to health insurance. International visitors can call 00974-44069963.
For complaints, you can email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for Qatar visit visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Qatar with effect from 1 February 2023.
How much is the travel insurance fee for Qatar visit visa?
The premium for the Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance policy is QAR 50 per month.
Does the Visitor Health Insurance Policy cover me in GCC or other countries?
No. The Visitor Health Insurance coverage is limited to the State of Qatar only.
What documents are needed in case of emergency treatment?
Passport & Insurance Policy Documents will be required for emergency treatment.
Does the basic insurance policy for visitors cover emergencies during travel?
The basic visitor insurance policy coverage begins upon the visitor entering the State of Qatar.
Related Articles:
- How Hayya Card Holders Can Visit Qatar in 2023
- Qatar Visa On Arrival For Indians: Complete Guide
- GCC Residents Visit Visa (With List of Professions)
- Qatar Family Visit Visa: Requirements and Procedure
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure
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Hi DG Team.
it is stated on the website visitqatar.com that only visitors who plan to stay in qatar for more than 30 days need health insurance. is this true?
Hi Hadi, Thanks for pointing this. We are not sure if this is a recent change. The earlier announcement was that insurance is required for all visitors and even short term visitors were asked for insurance at the border. If you are not travelling now, kindly wait for any update on the MOPH website.
Greetings,
Please elaborate on the new rules and requirements for the work permit and resident visa in Phase 2.
Hi Nouf, It is yet to be announced.
Is there an age limit for health insurance? Also, if my elderly fathers visitor visa is about to expire and I need a residency visa, do I need to get mandatory health insurance? My father is 78 years old and has health conditions.
Hi Peter, There is no age limit for health insurance. Health insurance is only required for visitor visa and not needed for residence visa. But note that there may be age limit for residence visa.
Dear All,
My brother is visiting Qatar on 13th Mar 2023 and he is leaving on 15th May 2023. Should he get the insurance untill 24th Jan 2024 or only untill the return ticket date 15th may?
Hi Yousef, Although the MOPH website says that Hayya visitors should have insurance until 24 January, until now it is not strictly enforced. Most travellers are coming with shorter insurance. If you are confident that you can quickly get a new insurance online (if required at airport), you can try a with shorter duration.
Dear all
I am only connecting flight in Doha without exiting
Do I need a Health insurance ?
Hi Isabelle, Insurance is not needed if you are not exiting the airport.
Gentlemen
Hayya voucher for friends and family- if accompanied children’s below 10 yrs. Is that children’s required voucher separate or they can be added under one of the parents voucher ? Please clarify
Thanks
RAFI AHAMED
Hi Rafi, Separate voucher is required for children also.
Hi,I’m a GCC resident and Turkish Passport Holder. I have a health insurance in Saudi Arabia.Do I still need to get another insurance to enter Qatar by road? I’ve 2 kids,5 and 11.Do they also need another insurance or their health insurances are ok?
Hi Defne, There are certain criteria for non-Qatari insurance to be accepted. You can email your insurance details to [email protected] and check if it will be accepted. If it is not accepted you will be asked to take insurance at the border.
How long time required to receive the insurance policy once we applied through online for Indian on arrival visa.
Hi JAA, Usually you will get it immediately or within few hours. Check your email spam folder if you didn’t.
Our travel insurance is for worldwide travel but not including USA do we still require the health insurance for QATAR
Hi Peter, There are some conditions for international travel insurance to be accepted. You can contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hi, Thanks for the information. For Hayya card entry person need to take health insurance for whole period until Jan 2024 or can able to take monthly renewal policy. whether it will be reflected in visa validity period.
Hi Kamal, There is a new update now: Hayya card holders and their companions are required to obtain visitors’ insurance policies that cover the remaining period of the Hayya card entry permit, which is Jan 24th, 2024. For example, if a Hayya Card holder is planning to enter the State of Qatar on 1st March 2023, he/she should obtain an insurance policy for 11 months, and if he/she is planning to enter the country on 1 April 2023, he/she should obtain an insurance policy for 10 months, and so forth.
Thanks for the update. But Hayya card person came to Qatar, already with 30 days insurance. Is it extendable now.
Hi Kamal, If the person is already in Qatar and staying for one month only, you don’t have to extend. If staying for more than one month, you can take additional insurance for each month.
Hi Kamal, Thanks for sharing the experience. I saw recent Insurance copies issued by different Vendors (i.e., QLM, QIC, QIIC, etc) that show a field that indicates “Plan” or “Entry Type” etc. I just wanted to know whether Check-ins and immigration on both sides are really concerned and keen about the Insurance Plan and its Visitor’s “Entry Type” OR just having a Valid Insurance of 60 days or 90 days for “Hayya with me” Visitor is also welcome and Accepted. Later If the ‘Hayya with me’ Visitor plans to stay more then he/she can buy for another couple of months Insurance.
Hi Doha Guides,
How long can a person stay in Qatar on Hayya Card?
Do they need to provide a proof of return ticket?
Also, can he use the accommodation of a Qatar Resident as a proof of stay or is hotel booking mandatory?
Hi Usman, They can stay upto 24 January 2024. Return ticket is needed because it is a visit visa. If the Entry Permit mentions type of accommodation as family and friends, hotel is not needed. Note that for accommodation, the host (Qatar resident) needs to invite the guest from host’s Hayya account. Here are the steps: https://www.dohaguides.com/host-family-and-friends-during-qatar-world-cup/
Where can I find details on the claim process once a policy is purchased?
Hi Donna, Your policy document should have the details. Or else you can contact the helpline of the insurance company.
Dear sir
Im a swedish citizen. I Will visit Qatar from 10 to 12 Feb 2023. I have swedish travel and health insurance certificate covers any health problem or accidents. Do i have to obtain an other health insurance?
Best Regards
Sam Bader
Hi Sam, There are certain conditions set for foreign health insurance to be accepted for this purpose (you can see them in the article). If you are not sure if all these are met, please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999. If your insurance is not accepted upon arrival, you may be required to buy a local insurance at the immigration counter (on your mobile phone).
Where can I find a list of approved insurance companies for international health insurance? Thanks
Hi John, There is no approved list of international companies. If you already have the insurance, you need to check with Qatar MOI if that will be accepted. If you haven’t purchased yet, it is better to buy a new one from any Qatar-based company (see the list above).
Do i need a health insurance, if i am only in Transit
Hi Brigitte, You need health insurance if you are exiting through customs (getting a visa). If you will stay in the airport transit area until next flight, you don’t need insurance.
Hi, If visitor is under hayya visa, shall we purchase both health insurance and travel insurance? Or health insurance will be enough? Thanks
Hi Weng, Only health insurance is required (as explained in the article).
Hi there,
I am traveling from London to Islamabad on Qatar Airways on British Passport. I am landing in Doha 7am and my next flight for Islamabad on Qatar airways is at 2:30pm same day with 5 hours layover. I am planning to get out of the airport to have a look around on transit visa for few hours before my next flight. My first question is can i get transit visa? Second question: Do I need to have Health insurance for 5 hours?
Hi Nasir, Since you are a British citizen you can get visa on arrival. As per the latest rule, all visitors need to purchase health insurance valid in Qatar (irrespective of duration of stay). To confirm this requirement, kindly contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hi transit passenger should also get one or no need
Hi Roula, Transit passengers who are leaving the airport using any kind of visit visa (visa on arrival, transit visa etc.) should get health insurance. If you are not visiting Qatar, you don’t have to get this.
Hello,
My visa was approved on the 25th of January and I am flying to Qatar on 1st Feb. Do I need to get this insurance?? If yes then how to get it through METRASH?
TIA
Hi BIA, If your visa was family visit visa, your sponsor may have already purchased this during application. If it is any other type of visit visa, you can buy from any provider listed on MOPH website (link is given above). Just click on any logo. You don’t need this for residence or work visa.