When Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced the rollout of the first phase of its Health Insurance Scheme for visitors, GCC nationals had been exempt from its purview.

However, there seems to be a change in the stance now, with Qatar now asking travellers from the Gulf region to electronically obtain their policies before entering the country through the Abu Samra Border.

“GCC residents and companions of GCC Citizens visiting #Qatar through the Abu Samra border crossing should obtain a health insurance policy for visitors electronically before arriving at the border through this link,” Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said in a tweet today.

The #GCC residents and companions of GCC Citizens entering the country through the Abu Samra border crossing shall obtain a health insurance policy electronically before their arrival through this link. https://t.co/aN7kBnfRUo #MOIQatar pic.twitter.com/6oIpaI3Tn9

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) March 6, 2023

It also urged travellers to obtain their vehicle insurance electronically, thereby helping reduce waiting time and expediting entry procedures.

Gulf citizens had been exempt from mandatory health insurance when the scheme was rolled out on February 1.

“GCC citizens are exempted from the mandatory health insurance while entering Qatar,” Hamad General Hospital’s Medical Director Dr Yousef Al Maslamani had told Rayyan TV at the time.

Visitors and GCC travellers entering the country can purchase their insurance policies through one of these nine companies.

1. QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company

2. Doha Insurance Group

3. Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Company Q.P.S.C

4. AlKhaleej Takaful Insurance Company

5. Beema

6. Qatar Insurance Company QIC

7. Doha Takaful

8. Islamic Insurance

9. General Takaful Company

The premium for the mandatory visitors’ health insurance policy has been fixed at QR50 per month and will cover all emergency and accident services. A visitor can also purchase additional coverage (top-ups) by paying extra premiums.

The policy will cover emergency medical treatment, worth up to QR150,000, within Qatar. Emergency medical assistance with a sub-limit of QR35,000 includes ambulance transportation within Qatar, and where necessary, and medical evacuation to the individual’s country of residence.

The policy will also cover Covid-19 quarantine and treatment and also the cost of repatriation of a visitors’ body should he or she pass away (up to an amount of QR10,000).

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