Healthcare Registration for New Expats in Qatar

If you have just moved to Qatar, you can apply for a health card once you have a valid Qatar ID (QID). The published fee for an adult resident is QAR 100. A valid health card provides access to subsidized services at PHCC health centres and HMC facilities. The QID is required for the application but does not replace the physical health card.

Healthcare registration in Qatar, explained fast

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) provides primary and preventive healthcare, while Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is Qatar’s principal public provider of hospital and specialist services. New residents can start the health-card process after receiving their QID.

You can apply through PHCC’s Nar’aakom app or at a PHCC health centre. Your designated centre is determined by your residential address and PHCC’s patient-registration policy.

Step 1 — Get your QID

A valid QID is required for a resident health-card application. PHCC’s online service currently requires the QID to be valid for at least one year.

To use Nar’aakom, you need an account with Qatar’s National Authentication System, Tawtheeq. Keep your QID and proof of address ready when completing the application.

Step 2 — Apply, pay, and collect your health card

Submit the application through Nar’aakom or at a PHCC health centre. For a new adult resident card, pay QAR 100 at the designated health centre and collect the card there. For in-person applications, PHCC may issue the card immediately or ask you to return within a few days. Existing cards can also be renewed online through Hukoomi.

Health card fees in Qatar

• Adult resident — QAR 100
• Adult GCC-national resident — QAR 50
• Eligible domestic staff — QAR 50, subject to the rules for personally sponsored professions

Documents and payment

For an adult resident application, prepare:

• A valid QID
• A recent 4 cm × 3 cm photograph
• Proof of address, such as a rental contract or KAHRAMAA bill, together with the GIS address requested by PHCC
• A credit or debit card for payment; cash is not accepted

Domestic staff must also provide the sponsor’s valid QID. Nar’aakom applications require a Tawtheeq account and the requested identity and address documents. Payment and collection for a new card take place at the designated PHCC health centre.

Your QID and health card are separate documents

The physical health card contains the holder’s ID number, nationality, photograph, and issue details. Keep both your QID and health card valid. HMC asks outpatients to bring a valid health card and identification documents to appointments.

Where to go: PHCC health centres or HMC hospitals

PHCC health centres are the main point of access for primary and preventive care, while HMC provides hospital, emergency, inpatient, surgical, and specialist services.

Using a PHCC health centre

Use your registered PHCC health centre for services such as family-medicine consultations, immunization, screening, and chronic-disease management. Your centre is assigned according to your residential address and PHCC policy. Nar’aakom can be used to manage appointments, although direct booking is available only for selected clinics and services.

Using HMC hospitals

The HMC network includes Hamad General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, Heart Hospital, and other facilities. Bring a valid health card and identification to appointments. A first specialist outpatient appointment requires a referral from a primary healthcare provider or private clinic.

Health insurance in Qatar: visitors and residents

Health-card registration and health-insurance requirements are separate matters. The relevant insurance arrangements depend on whether you are visiting Qatar or living in the country as a resident.

Visitor health insurance

The Ministry of Interior states that a valid health-insurance policy from an insurer registered with the Ministry of Public Health is required to enter Qatar. Visa and visa-on-arrival requirements can change, so check the conditions for the relevant visa category before travelling.

If family members plan to visit while you settle in, confirm their current visa and insurance requirements through the official Qatar authorities before they travel.

Resident insurance

Do not assume that a public health card and a separate insurance policy are interchangeable. The health card provides access to subsidized PHCC and HMC services, while the benefits, provider network, copayments, and approval requirements of private insurance are governed by the relevant policy.

Private clinics and costs

Before booking with a private hospital or clinic, ask for the current self-pay price or confirm that the provider belongs to your insurer’s approved network.

The amount payable depends on the provider, service, and insurance terms. Confirm expected charges, copayments, deductibles, and any required pre-approval directly with the clinic and insurer.

Lost or expired cards: replacement fees

PHCC publishes the following replacement fees for non-Qataris:

• Replacing a lost valid card — QAR 100
• Replacing a lost expired card — QAR 200

Renew your health card before it expires and keep your QID valid.

FAQs

Do I still need a physical health card in Qatar?

Yes. PHCC continues to issue physical health cards for collection from health centres. A QID is required for the application but does not replace the health card.

How much does a health card cost for expats?

The published fee for an adult resident is QAR 100. Adult GCC-national residents pay QAR 50, while eligible domestic staff pay QAR 50 under the applicable rules.

Can I apply before receiving my QID?

No. A valid QID is required for a resident health-card application. PHCC’s online service currently requires the QID to be valid for at least one year.

Where do I pay the health-card fee?

You can apply through Nar’aakom and pay at the designated PHCC health centre when collecting the card, or apply in person at a PHCC health centre. Online renewal is available through Hukoomi.

Does employer-provided insurance replace the public health card?

Do not assume that it does. A valid health card provides access to subsidized PHCC and HMC services, while separate insurance coverage depends on the policy’s benefits and provider network.

Do visitors need health insurance?

The Ministry of Interior states that visitors need valid health insurance from an insurer registered with the Ministry of Public Health. Check the current requirements for the relevant visa category before travelling.

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