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Moving to Doha for work, to join your family or to start a new life abroad? Understanding how healthcare works and choosing the right health insurance in Doha are important steps when preparing for your move.
Qatar's capital offers access to a modern healthcare system with both public and private medical facilities. However, the level of cover, healthcare network and benefits available to expatriates can vary considerably depending on their insurance.
For expats living in Doha, international health insurance can provide broader access to private healthcare, specialists and medical services both in Qatar and abroad.
Healthcare in Doha is provided through a combination of public and private facilities.
Qatar's public healthcare system is primarily delivered by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) for primary care and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) for hospital and specialist services.
Residents of Qatar can apply for a health card that provides access to PHCC health centres and HMC facilities. Some consultations, treatments and prescriptions are subsidised for residents who hold a valid health card.
However, expatriates are also subject to Qatar's mandatory health insurance framework. Under Law No. 22 of 2021, health insurance is compulsory for expatriates and visitors, and employers are responsible for providing the required basic health insurance coverage for their non Qatari employees, subject to the applicable regulations.
If you are moving to Doha for work, your employer may therefore already provide health insurance. It is still important to check exactly what your policy covers, including the hospitals available within your network, outpatient consultations, specialist treatment, maternity care, dental care and medical treatment outside Qatar.
Employer provided health insurance may meet the basic requirements for living and working in Qatar, but the scope of cover can vary from one plan to another.
An international health insurance plan in Doha may be particularly relevant if you want broader benefits or if your lifestyle involves travelling or relocating between countries.
Depending on the plan selected, international health insurance can provide:
access to private hospitals and clinics
inpatient and outpatient medical treatment
consultations with specialists
diagnostic tests and medical scans
maternity benefits
medical assistance and repatriation
healthcare coverage during stays in other countries
Before choosing a policy, check its geographical area of cover, healthcare network, annual limits, exclusions, waiting periods, deductibles and any coinsurance that may apply.
Doha is at the centre of Qatar's public healthcare system.
Hamad Medical Corporation is the country's principal public healthcare provider and operates hospitals and specialist services throughout Qatar. Its services include emergency departments, specialist hospitals and the national ambulance service.
Primary healthcare is provided through PHCC health centres. Your designated centre is generally determined by your residential address.
Public healthcare offers an extensive range of services, but many expatriates also use the private sector, particularly when they want greater flexibility in choosing a doctor or hospital.
Doha has a well developed private healthcare sector with hospitals, specialist clinics and medical centres serving both Qataris and expatriates.
Private facilities can provide greater choice of doctors, appointment times and hospital services. However, treatment can become expensive when it is not covered by your insurance.
For this reason, when choosing private health insurance in Doha, it is particularly important to check whether your preferred hospitals and specialists belong to your insurer's direct billing network.
Having an insurance card does not automatically mean every healthcare provider in Doha is covered under the same conditions.
Expats have access to a wide range of healthcare facilities in and around Doha.
Among the main facilities are:
Doha
Hamad General Hospital is part of Hamad Medical Corporation and provides a wide range of acute and specialist medical services.
Doha
Al Ahli Hospital is one of Doha's established private hospitals and provides a broad range of medical and surgical specialties.
Doha
The View Hospital is a private healthcare facility offering multidisciplinary medical services and specialist care.
Other private hospitals and clinics are also available across Doha. Always check your insurer's current provider network before arranging non emergency treatment.
There is no single price for health insurance in Doha.
The cost of private or international health insurance depends on several factors, including:
your age
the number of people covered
your medical history
your chosen area of geographical coverage
the level of inpatient and outpatient benefits
optional maternity, dental or optical cover
your deductible or coinsurance
the annual coverage limit
A basic local plan designed to meet mandatory requirements will therefore not necessarily provide the same level of protection as comprehensive international medical insurance.
When comparing health insurance policies in Doha, consider both the premium and the medical expenses you could have to pay yourself if treatment is outside the policy's network or benefits.
For many expatriates, international health insurance in Doha can be worthwhile when they want more than basic local medical cover.
It can be particularly useful for people who travel frequently, have family members living in different countries, want access to private healthcare or expect to move to another country in the future.
International health insurance can also provide greater continuity of cover across borders. This can be valuable for internationally mobile professionals and families who do not want to arrange an entirely new health insurance policy every time their country of residence changes.
The right solution depends on your personal situation, employer benefits, family needs and expected length of stay in Qatar.
APRIL International provides health insurance solutions designed for people living and working abroad.
For residents of Qatar, MyHEALTH Qatar offers flexible international health insurance that can be customised according to individual or family healthcare needs. The solution provides access to direct billing through a network of more than 400 medical providers in Qatar, as well as access to an extensive international healthcare network.
APRIL International solutions can include:
reimbursement of medical expenses, including treatment in private hospitals
inpatient and outpatient healthcare
optional maternity, dental and optical benefits
24/7 telehealth services
medical evacuation and repatriation assistance
access to direct billing networks
coverage in Qatar and internationally according to your selected geographical area
Whether you are relocating to Doha alone, with your family or as part of an international career, choosing suitable health insurance can help you access the healthcare you need while protecting yourself against unexpected medical costs.
It only takes a few steps to join and start benefitting from your international health insurance cover!
1. Find the cover that suits your situation from a range of options
2. Request a quote online and sign it electronically
3. Download the Easy Claim app and benefit from a wide range of features to help manage your plan with ease, wherever you are!
4. Get a call back or chat with one of our dedicated advisers at any time.
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