Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Qatar
- Employers must provide health insurance—most expats have company-sponsored coverage.
- Qatar has excellent healthcare infrastructure, significantly expanded for the 2022 World Cup.
- Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) runs public hospitals; Sidra Medicine is world-class for women/children.
- Health Card required for residents—gives access to subsidized public healthcare.
- No retirement visa—Qatar residency is tied to employment or family sponsorship.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Qatar?
Qatar mandates that employers provide health insurance for all employees. This means most expats arrive with company-sponsored coverage. The quality varies—large multinationals (QatarEnergy, Qatar Airways, banks) typically provide comprehensive international plans, while smaller companies may offer basic local coverage. Regardless of employer insurance, you should obtain a Health Card (QR 100/year for expats) for access to HMC facilities at subsidized rates.
Insurance is required for:
- All employees—your employer is required to provide coverage (verify adequacy)
- Dependents—employer plans often include family, but verify coverage limits
- Those whose company plan has gaps—many exclude dental, mental health, or home country treatment
- Executives wanting premium options—upgrade from basic employer coverage
- Anyone planning pregnancy—verify maternity coverage specifics
Public vs Private Healthcare in Qatar
Public Healthcare
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)
- Access: Qatari citizens (free), Health Card holders (subsidized)
- Cost: QR 100/year for Health Card; QR 100-300 per visit for expats
HMC operates most public hospitals including Hamad General (main hospital), Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, and specialty facilities. Quality is excellent—modern facilities, many Western-trained doctors. Sidra Medicine (opened 2018) is a world-class women's and children's hospital. Health Card registration through Primary Health Care Centers. Public system can have wait times for non-urgent specialist appointments.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $120-280/month (employer plans); $200-450/month (individual international)
Private hospitals include Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital, Aster DM Healthcare, and Al Emadi Hospital. Private care offers faster access and more comfortable facilities. Many doctors work in both public and private sectors. Quality difference from HMC is mainly speed and amenities, not medical competence. International plans valuable for treatment abroad and repatriation coverage.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Qatar. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Qatar
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Qatar
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Qatar
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Verify your employer plan thoroughly. Basic company insurance may exclude: dental, optical, mental health, maternity waiting periods, home country treatment, and pre-existing conditions. Many expats discover gaps only when they need care.
- Summer heat (40-50°C) is a serious health factor. Heat stroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of cardiac conditions are common June-September. Ensure coverage for heat-related emergencies.
- No retirement in Qatar—residency is tied to employment or family sponsorship. When you leave your job, you lose your residence permit (and healthcare access). Plan for transitions.
- Alcohol-related incidents: Qatar has strict alcohol laws. Medical treatment for alcohol-related emergencies is available but can have legal implications.
- Mental health care is improving but still limited compared to Western standards. Private international plans with global mental health coverage may be valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own insurance if my employer provides coverage?
Possibly. Employer insurance quality varies enormously. Large employers (energy sector, Qatar Airways, banks) typically provide excellent coverage. Smaller companies may offer basic local plans with significant gaps. Review your policy carefully for: coverage limits, dental/optical inclusion, maternity terms, mental health, treatment abroad, and pre-existing condition handling. Consider supplemental coverage for gaps.
What is the Qatar Health Card and do I need one?
The Health Card gives you access to HMC (public) healthcare at subsidized rates. Cost is QR 100/year for expats. Even with employer insurance, having a Health Card is useful—it provides backup access to excellent public facilities. Register at a Primary Health Care Center with your Qatar ID, passport, and residence permit. Processing takes 1-2 weeks.
How good is healthcare in Qatar?
Qatar has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure. HMC facilities are modern and well-equipped. Sidra Medicine (women's and children's) is genuinely world-class. Many doctors trained in US, UK, or Europe. For most medical needs, Qatar's healthcare is excellent. Limitations: some rare specialties, organ transplants, and complex cases may still require travel abroad (often to US, UK, or Germany).
What happens to my healthcare when I leave Qatar?
When your employment ends, your residence permit (and employer insurance) typically expires within 30-90 days. You'll need to arrange coverage for any gap period and your destination country. No continuation options exist—you start fresh. If leaving for health reasons, plan the transition carefully; some international plans allow continuity when moving countries.
How does maternity coverage work in Qatar?
Most employer plans cover maternity but often with 12-month waiting periods for new employees. Sidra Medicine is excellent for childbirth—modern facilities, English-speaking staff, private rooms available. Check your plan for: waiting periods, delivery coverage limits, NICU coverage, and whether complications are included. If planning pregnancy, verify coverage before conceiving. Out-of-pocket costs at Sidra can reach QR 30,000-50,000 for delivery without insurance.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.