The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Qatar has announced the implementation of the first phase in protecting the health and well-being of visitors to their country. Starting from February 1st, 2023, all visitors to the state of Qatar are now required to obtain health insurance.
This is in accordance with Law No. 22 of 2021 concerning the rules of healthcare services inside the State of Qatar. As per the announcement, the new health insurance policy is the country’s commitment to providing high-quality medical services to visitors to ensure their safety and protection during their stay in Qatar.
This health insurance will be one of the key requirements for obtaining a visitor’s visa in Qatar. It will also be applicable to those who extend the visitor’s visa. We have listed everything you need to know about the new policy when visiting on a Tour Package From Qatar.
Since there are many Travel Agencies in Qatar that provide Holiday Packages, they have to make sure the visitors are equipped with a health insurance policy to ensure their safety.
For visitors who hold international health insurance, the insurance policy must include the State of Qatar; if the state is not included, the insurance will not be valid, and it should be issued by one of the insurance companies that are approved by the State of Qatar.
The scheme by the ministry of health aims to regulate health insurance and ensure continuous improvements. It aims to increase the accessibility of the population to healthcare services through an effective healthcare system to regulate healthcare expenditure.
Follow these steps to obtain Health Insurance in Qatar
You can apply for a visiting visa through the website of the Ministry of Interior (Qatar Visas) or via the Metrash App.
You will be directed to the website of the Ministry of Public Health to purchase insurance after you complete the visa application.
When purchasing the health insurance policy, make sure the insurance company is registered with the MOPH.
The Ministry of Interior will issue your visiting visa after the insurance policy is issued.
The insurance coverage will be in effect on the date of your entry into Qatar.
If you are extending your visa, purchase a new health insurance policy.
Is it Costly to Buy a Health Insurance Policy for Visitors in Qatar?
The Ministry of Public Health explained that the insurance policy for visitors covers emergency and accident services only. The cost of the health insurance policy for visitors in Qatar depends on factors such as the visitor’s age, length of stay in Qatar, and the policy type. Before buying an insurance policy, visitors are advised to compare the costs and benefits of different policies and choose the one that suits their needs and budget. Visitors can also purchase a health insurance policy that covers additional services.
How Much Does the Health Insurance Premium Cost?
The cost of the mandatory visitors health insurance policy in Qatar is QAR 50 per month, which is valid for 30 days. The visitors have the option to purchase additional coverage for an additional premium amount according to their needs. The premiums for such policies are determined by insurance companies and vary depending on the companies.
Is health insurance mandatory for a visa on arrival in Qatar?
It is recommended to purchase a Visitors’ Health Insurance policy from the MOPH website before arriving at the border crossings in Qatar for visitors eligible for on-arrival visas at the border crossings. This is to ensure a smooth process at the airport, on land, or at seaports.
What are the things that come under health insurance coverage?
The policy is worthy of emergency medical treatment up to QAR 150,000 for the policy period and within the State of Qatar.
Emergency medical assistance includes ambulance transportation within the state and medical evacuation to the individual’s country of residence with a sub-limit of QAR 35,000.
If the policyholder is affected by COVID-19 and under quarantine, sub-limit up to QAR 50,000 for the treatment and up to QAR 300 per day for quarantine expenses for confirmed cases.
No waiting period is required.
In the case of death, the cost of repatriation is covered up to QAR 10,000.
No copayments or deductibles are required for any covered services.
Validity of the Health Insurance Policy
For single-entry visas in Qatar, the basic insurance policy expires upon the individual’s departure from the state through any mode of transportation.
For multiple-entry visas, there will be an insurance policy option. It will remain valid from the date of entry until the policy’s expiration date.
