Best expat health insurance quotes in Qatar

Qatar is one of the few countries in the world that offers (almost) free universal healthcare to all its citizens. Its healthcare system incorporates both public and private medical care, and the quality of treatment is very high for citizens and expats alike.

If you’re an expat or tourist from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council, you must take out mandatory private health insurance to cover medical treatment during your stay in Qatar. For working expats, their employer will usually arrange this. However, if you are uninsured, both you and your employer risk being fined.

It’s best to start your private health insurance policy just before you arrive in Qatar. If you have a coverage gap between your insurance at home and your new policy, this could leave you with out-of-pocket expenses in case of emergency.

Usually private health insurance policies are on an individual basis. If you want to cover a partner or family members, you can add them on when you build your policy. If you have several dependents, it’s worth shopping around for the best family plan.

When you first design a health insurance plan, you can choose what you will pay yourself and what the provider will pay. Which treatments your plan covers depends on if you’ve met your deductible, whether you have a provider network, and other factors.

Insurance premiums are based on age, medical history, level of coverage needed, and whether you include extra benefits. Since healthcare is relatively inexpensive in Qatar, health insurance costs will be lower than in other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The claims process in Qatar varies between insurers. Some deal directly with healthcare providers and pay bills on your behalf while others require you to pay upfront and send an invoice after. If you’re concerned about having to pay upfront, look for a provider who can sort out claims directly.