Healthcare in Qatar

Healthcare in Qatar is generally perceived as being among the best available in the Middle East, and remains a priority for the local government. The emirate offers expats both private and public options, and boasts the latest medical equipment, up-to-date facilities, and highly trained specialists.

The nation has been credited by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as having the highest per capita expenditure on healthcare of all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, an accolade that can also be associated with low maternity mortality rates and a newfound medical tourism.

Expats can use both the public and the private system, but many still prefer to use the latter to avoid the bureaucracy associated with the former. Health insurance is not government provided, and it’s recommended that all expats living in Qatar either take out international or local health insurance to cover costs that can rise quickly in the case of emergency or a more complicated issue.
 

Public healthcare in Qatar

Since its governmental inception in 1979, Hamad Medical Corporation - the non-profit organisation that manages the major public hospitals (Hamad General Hospital, Rumailah Hospital, Women’s Hospital, Psychiatric Hospital), has created an intricate network of primary healthcare centres and specialised hospitals that provide free medical and dental treatment to local Qataris, and largely subsidised services for expats.
 
Foreigners moving to Qatar only need apply for a health card (QR 100) in order to take advantage of the state-sponsored service. Expats will need to supplement charges incurred for tests, consultations and in-patient care only with a nominal fee.

Getting a health card

Applications for a health card can be completed at the general post office, or at a recognised health card office. Expats need only bring a copy of their passport with their residence visa, colour passport-sized photographs, and a completed application form, in addition to the basic fee. Renewals can now be done online at the Qatari government ePortal, or at a health card office.

Simply present this card upon treatment at any public facility to receive the subsidised rate.

Private healthcare in Qatar

The Qatari government is also a strong advocate for the development of private sector services. In 2010 alone, nearly 100 new facilities were established and the number of licensed practitioners in the emirate increased by roughly 30 percent.
Many of these professionals are expats themselves, lured abroad by the same attractive salary packages and the spirit of adventure that draw others. In that vein, it’s not strange for expats to seek out doctors from their home country, if that’s something that makes them feel more comfortable.

Private healthcare is available either as a pay-as-you-need-it endeavour, or as a service covered by local or international healthcare providers.

Treatment costs can accumulate quickly though, and expats should make sure they have some sort of coverage.  

Health insurance in Qatar

Expats moving to Qatar should make an effort to have their sponsor/employer include private health insurance in their contract. This coverage, in addition to the basic health card, will ensure that all of your healthcare concerns can be laid to rest while living in the emirate.

Pharmacies in Qatar

There are plenty of pharmacies available in Qatar, some even open late. Most stock a good range of products; though, it’s always best to bring a small supply of any necessary medication from home until you can confirm that it is indeed possible to obtain it abroad.

Emergency services

Though the emergency service sector in Qatar was relegated to a fleet of five ambulances until the turn of the century, these days there are more than enough vehicles and the average response time to a call is seven minutes.

Dial 999 to call the police, the fire department or an ambulance.