Healthcare in Oman

Healthcare in Oman is high-quality, with the largest and best facilities located in Muscat, thanks to government investment in the national health service over the last few decades. 

Many of Oman’s medical doctors and staff are expats themselves but, with the government’s policy of Omanisation, this is slowly changing, and Omani nationals are being encouraged into the medical profession.

Medical treatment in Oman can be expensive, adding to the cost of living, and facilities may expect payment upfront. Expats should ensure that they have comprehensive private medical insurance to cover any healthcare issues during their stay in Oman.

Public healthcare in Oman

Omani nationals and those from member countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (still colloquially referred to as the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC) receive free medical treatment in public hospitals in Oman. Employers must pay a contribution to social security for Omani employees, and this goes towards public facilities.

Expats are expected to pay, though rates may be subsidised. Occasionally, expats are only permitted to use public hospitals in the case of an emergency or where diagnosis or treatment of their ailment is not immediately available in the private sector. 

Foreign nationals working in the government sector and their dependents may also receive free medical care in public hospitals. The most respected public hospitals in Oman include the Royal Hospital of Oman and the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, both in Muscat.

Private healthcare in Oman

Expats generally use private healthcare facilities in Oman. There are several excellent private hospitals in Oman, with many of them being compared to five-star hotels in terms of services and facilities – the costs are comparable to this as well.

Muscat Private Hospital is the largest private hospital in the city and is staffed by Western and Asian-trained physicians. Starcare Hospital and Atlas Hospital are two other popular private hospitals in the region.

There are also private medical facilities in Oman that specialise in homeopathy, Chinese and traditional Hindu Ayurvedic medicine.

Health insurance in Oman

Companies in Oman are not obliged to provide health insurance to their expat employees, though many do. If this is not negotiable as part of an employment package, we recommend expats working in Oman get private medical insurance.

Medical expenses can prove costly, and those who don’t possess a comprehensive insurance plan or the means to settle any medical fees may be prevented from leaving Oman until all their bills are paid.

When searching for the most suitable insurance plan, check that it covers an array of healthcare needs, including mental health, dentistry and emergency care. The cost of health insurance in Oman will largely depend on the level of coverage expats choose, as well as their health status and lifestyle habits. 

Pharmacies and medicines in Oman

Health hazards in Oman

Due to the extreme weather temperatures in Oman, heatstroke, exhaustion, sunburn and dehydration are common medical ailments affecting expats. New arrivals should be warned that the heat may be unlike anything they have experienced before, and should always keep well hydrated.

The risk of floods occurring in dry river beds (wadis) and along the coastline is high during tropical storms. Expats should take note of these safety hazards to avoid potentially drowning. 

While tap water in Oman is considered safe to drink, most locals drink bottled water. Expats moving to Oman's rural areas should boil the water they use for brushing their teeth and making ice.

Vaccinations for Oman

Oman only requires travellers who are coming from countries where yellow fever is endemic to be vaccinated against the disease. As a result of Oman's climate, the country is susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses, so expats are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Otherwise, routine vaccines for measles, flu, tetanus and chickenpox are recommended. Expats who will be staying in more rural areas are encouraged to get vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid, as sanitation infrastructure in these areas may not be adequate.

Emergency services in Oman

In case of an emergency, dial 9999 to call an ambulance. Although most emergency personnel can speak English, it’s wise to learn a few key phrases in Arabic.

It’s not uncommon for Omanis and expats to use their vehicles or a taxi to get to a hospital in an emergency, but trained healthcare professionals in ambulances can provide speedy and appropriate assistance.