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Qatar Health Guide

Health insurance in Qatar

If you're considering a long-term relocation to Qatar, addressing your health care needs should be part of your advance planning. Aetna International is here to help. We've created this guide to provide health-related information you'll need when preparing for your time in Qatar.

Vaccinations

Knowing that you and your loved ones have the necessary vaccinations gives you peace of mind when relocating to another country. In Qatar, current recommended vaccinations include:

  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B

Vaccine recommendations for travellers are subject to change, so it's a good idea to check current requirements with your doctor before departing. You should also make sure that tetanus and polio vaccinations are up to date for you and other family members.

Health care system

Qatar is investing heavily in its health care system and health services. You will find well-equipped, first-class hospitals in the capital city of Doha--where most treatments are available—including psychiatric and cancer treatments. Outside of Doha medical care and services are expanding, but they are not yet as comprehensive as in Doha. Qatar, like many countries—requires you to undergo a health check which may be completed after arrival. If you do not pass the health check, which includes a test for HIV, a chest x-ray and blood work, you will not be granted residency.

Qatar has recently launched the National Health Insurance Scheme, “Seha”. In Arabic “Seha” means “Health”. This is currently available to Qatari’s but expected to become available to Resident Permit Holders and visitors in 2015.

If you have a full residency permit for Qatar, you can apply for a Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) health card, which costs circa 100 Qatari riyals a year (roughly $27 US dollars). The card entitles you to free treatment at public hospitals and subsidized prices on prescription medicines. Employers and expatriates in Qatar may choose private health insurance to ensure access to both public and private providers.

Political environment

Qatar is a stable, peaceful state. The nation's ruler, or "Emir," remains committed to a reform program designed to increase public participation in decision-making, modernization and open government.

Obtaining health insurance

If you are an expatriate who desires private health insurance in Qatar, while there are other options, Aetna International provides the experience and knowledge needed to ensure that you find high-quality coverage and have access to the best possible treatment—whenever and wherever it's needed*.

Aetna® is a trademark of Aetna Inc. and is protected throughout the world by trademark registrations and treaties.

*Aetna cannot and shall not provide any Policy in violation of any U.S., U.N. or E.U. economic or trade sanctions. If it does, such coverage shall be null and void. Aetna cannot insure, reinsure or pay for health care services involving a blocked interest or provided in a country under sanction by the United States unless (a) permitted under a written Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) license and (b) approved by the Aetna.

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