Published: 20 August 2024
HMC releases leaflet for visitors that answers important questions about visitor health insurance
NT Bureau
Doha
All visitors to Qatar, except GCC nationals, are required to take Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance and this scheme provides coverage for emergency medical treatment up to QR150,000 during their visit, the Hamad Medical Corporation has said.
The HMC said this in a leaflet released to the public to introduce the healthcare system in Qatar.
“The health and wellbeing of visitors to Qatar is a priority for the Ministry of Public Health. To ensure that every patient receives quality healthcare services if needed, the Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance Scheme was implemented in 2023 for those visiting Qatar,” the leaflet said.
“All visitors to Qatar, except GCC nationals, are required to pay for any medical treatment required during their visit, however the scheme provides coverage for emergency medical treatment up to QR150,000 and emergency medical assistance (emergency ambulance transportation and medical evacuation to visitor home country) up to QR35,000, COVID-19 and quarantine up to QR50,000 and repatriation of mortal remains covered up to QR 10,000,” the HMC said.
To be eligible for the mandatory Visitor Health Insurance Scheme, the patient’s condition must be categorized as a medical emergency to be covered by the scheme. “you proceed with treatment and your condition is not categorized as a medical emergency, you will be subject to payment,” the HMC said.
In the leaflet, the HMC has answered several key questions which every visitor must know.
The following are the questions:
Are you a visitor to Qatar and require medical treatment?
Welcome to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) emergency department. As a visitor requiring emergency medical treatment and assistance, this leaflet will help you understand the healthcare system in Qatar.
A visitor is any non-Qatari individual entering the State of Qatar for neither residence nor work purposes.
Residents and nationals in Qatar are not eligible for this type of insurance and do not fall under the criteria of a visitor.
Understanding Health Insurance in Qatar
The health and wellbeing of visitors to Qatar is a priority for the Ministry of Public Health. To ensure that every patient receives quality healthcare services if needed, the Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance Scheme was implemented in 2023 for those visiting Qatar.
All visitors to Qatar, except GCC nationals are required to pay for any medical treatment required during their visit, however the scheme provides coverage for emergency medical treatment up to QR150,000 and emergency medical assistance (emergency ambulance transportation and medical evacuation to visitor home country) up to QR35,000, COVID-19 and quarantine up to QR50,000 and repatriation of mortal remains covered up to QR 10,000. Please see the full details here: Ministry of Public Health – Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme.
What is your level of health insurance coverage?
I have Qatar’s Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance but no private medical health insurance
Qatar’s Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance Scheme will cover you for up to QR150,000 for emergency medical treatment.
Your condition must be categorized as a medical emergency to be covered by the scheme. If you are unsure, please speak to a member of one of our insurance coordinators located in the Emergency Department who will assist you or redirect you to a medical facility that best suits your needs.
If you proceed with treatment and your condition is not categorized as a medical emergency, you will be subject to payment.
I have Qatar’s Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance and private medical health insurance
Qatar’s Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance Scheme will cover you for up to QR150,000 for emergency medical treatment. Your condition must be categorized as a medical emergency to be covered by the scheme.
If your condition is a medical emergency and your treatment cost exceeds the covered amount, your private insurance may cover the payment amount depending on the policy coverage. You may be subject to payment if not.
If your condition is not categorized as a medical emergency, you will not be covered by Qatar’s Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance Scheme, however your private insurance may cover you for some or all of your treatment depending on your policy coverage. Please note that if HMC does not have an agreement with your insurance company, you will be requested to pay for your treatment and then claim reimbursement from your insurance company according to their policy. If your insurance company is part of HMC’s approved list, we will bill your insurer directly.
I do not have Qatar’s Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance but I do have private medical health insurance
Your treatment, whether categorized as a medical emergency or not, may be covered by your private insurance depending on the policy, therefore you may be subject to payment.
Please note that if HMC does not have an agreement with your insurance company (local or international), you will be requested to pay for your treatment and then claim reimbursement from your insurance company according to their policy. If your insurance company is part of HMC’s approved list, we will bill your insurer directly.
I do not have any insurance coverage
Your treatment, whether categorized as a medical emergency or not, will be subject to full payment.
Please note, if you proceed with treatment at HMC, you will be required to sign a consent form, agreeing to payment for any incurred costs. The form will be explained to you by a member of staff. Also, additional charges such as pharmacy may apply.
