Qatar boasts a healthcare system based on excellence, with cutting-edge facilities and highly qualified healthcare professionals. The majority of doctors speak English, which makes it much easier for foreign residents to communicate their needs.
The country has focused on healthcare to enhance its appeal and has invested heavily in modern technology and conventional methods to provide a quality of care that meets most requirements.
The figures are significant: more than $6 billion have been invested in the sector since 2017. The country’s aim is to attract patients from across the globe who come for long or short stays or to move there permanently and who take advantage of the system to obtain healthcare. Qatar is a highly attractive medical tourism destination.
Qatar’s healthcare system is one of the most efficient in the Middle East, providing highly satisfactory services both in the public and private sectors.
The public system, overseen by the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), supports a wide range of healthcare services which are generally free of charge or heavily subsidized. Patients must hold a Health Card to access these services and pay 100 riyals to obtain one.
The healthcare system is regulated by the Supreme Council of Health, and the mandatory health insurance system called “Seha” covers basic healthcare in public health facilities. Once in the country, expatriates must enroll in this national health insurance system and enjoy valid insurance coverage to access public healthcare.
Expatriates are recommended to take out separate private healthcare insurance to obtain appointments and treatment quickly and access a premium-quality medical network.
In addition to medical/repatriation insurance, if you are planning to stay in Qatar for more than one month you must take out health insurance online before arriving in the country.
If you are planning a long stay or are intending to submit a residency application, you must provide bloodwork (HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C). If you test positive for one of these conditions, you will not be permitted to move to Qatar.
No vaccinations are required upon entry into the country, but it is recommended that you are up to date with your vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases.
Prior to your departure to Qatar, make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. Recommended vaccinations include those against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and whooping cough.
A rabies vaccination should also be considered, particularly for residents. The hepatitis A vaccination must be administered 15 days prior to departure.
The health risks in Qatar are relatively limited. While the healthcare system is of high quality and enjoys a good supply of medication, treatment may be expensive in private healthcare facilities.
Despite the high-quality healthcare system in Qatar, the health situation may change. Difficult climate conditions such as extreme heat may pose a risk to human health. It is therefore essential that measures are taken to avoid dehydration and heat stroke, particularly during the hottest season (from June to October):
Qatar implemented a range of measures to address the Covid-19 pandemic and protect its residents and visitors. The authorities introduced strict health protocols, including in particular travel restrictions, mandatory testing on arrival and quarantine for persons arriving from certain countries.
These measures have recently been relaxed for some countries. However, despite efforts to manage the crisis, the country has experienced another spike in cases. While there is no longer a major crisis in Qatar, you must stay informed of the latest health guidelines when planning to travel there.
In Qatar, there is an increasing number of mobile applications devoted to health, designed to help users manage their health and access care more easily. Currently, these applications are becoming key everyday healthcare tools as they offer users quick and easy access to a wide range of healthcare services.
There are many other healthcare applications, such as PharmEasy for general health, Pedi STAT for pediatric emergencies, and OQIC Medical for health insurance.
MSH also has a mobile application you can use in Qatar, so that you can manage your health as effectively as possible.
The application includes various services, such as submitting and monitoring your claims, geolocating nearby healthcare professionals and accessing a comprehensive medical library. The application also enables you to manage your MSH healthcare plan (insurance card, coverage, etc.).
Here are a few tips to stay in good health once you are in Qatar:
