Healthcare in Qatar

RP and Healthcare

When you arrive in Qatar you will need to apply for a Residents Permit (RP). You and all of your family members will need an RP in order to remain in Qatar. Usually someone from your company will help you with the procedure which on the face if it can be quite daunting. You and all of your family will need to undergo a medical which will involve a blood test, chest X-ray and blood group analysis. You will also need to have your finger prints taken. Make sure you have at least 20-30 passport size photos as you will find that everything you apply for requires a photo! It is best to have photos taken here as passport photo sizes and backgrounds can vary from country to country. There are many studios located in the malls and the cost is minimal.

Qatar has a lot to offer in terms of healthcare. It boasts not only one of the most advanced neonatal care programs in the world but also some of the most advanced medical equipment. There are also many highly qualified specialists in Qatar from all around the world. Medical facilities are being improved continually and by 2012 Qatar will have increased the number of hospital beds from 1,000 to 2,000 with the opening of several new clinics including Hamad medical city.

Hamad Hospital is the government hospital in Qatar and you will need a medical card in order to receive treatment. The medical card will cost QR100, however they will see anyone in an emergency. There are also many other private hospitals and clinics such as Al Ahli Hospital and Doha Clinic. The fees here are quite a lot higher than at Hamad, however most employers offer private medical care through an insurance company such as ALICO or QIC. Some hospitals / clinics will directly bill the insurance company whilst some work on a reimbursement basis. All hospitals and clinics have English speaking doctors. Most clinics have a dental clinic and they are also many private practices.

Qatar’s health sector and medical facilities have highly qualified doctors and medical staff as well as some the most advanced medical equipment in the world. It is only one of 4 countries in the world that offers services like its neonatal programme that screens newborn babies for inherited disorders.

Hamad medical cooperation (HMC) hosts a number of medial conferences that result in attracting a number of experts and world authorities. HMC is state sponsored and subsidised, it also has one of the highest expenditures in the gulf region.

•Women’s Hospital (Generally Gynaecology and Obstetrics)

•Al Khor hospital (Ranges Form Dermatology, Obstetrics to Dental & Plastic Surgery)

•Al Amal Oncology Hospital (Cancer treatment- detection therapy counseling, Rehabilitation & Education)

•Hamad General Hospital (Surgery, Pediatrics Laboratory Medicine and Pathology)

•Rumailah Hospital (Plastic Surgery, ENT and ophthalmology)

Health care services are free for Qatari nationals, however, expatriates will have to pay for the use of medial and dental facilities.

Alternative medicine is not recognised and is banned by the Ministry of health. Nationals and expatriates seeking this type of treatment travel abroad to places known for particular treatments.

Alternatively, you could go to the Health Card Office at the Rumeila Hospital or the nearest government health facility and complete the necessary forms. They will need to be accompanied by two photos, a copy of your Qatar ID card and a fee of QR 100. The card should be ready in two to three weeks and the receipt for the fee may be used at health care facilities until the card is issued. The health card will only be valid for the same length of time as your residence visa.

One of the best places to renew your health card is the Post Office. For a fee of QR 100, you may submit your old health card, one photo, plus a copy of your Qatar ID card, and they will let you know when to collect your new card by putting a notice in your post box.

Car insurance can vary between 5% and 8% which depends entirely on the cost of your car. Cars generally built for speed may be black listed. You can still get insurance for these type of cars but at a cost.

House hold insurance is advisable for those who have valuable house hold goods and items. Theft is rare but does occur.

Private medical insurance is available and in most cases is provided by the employees sponsor.

List of Companies Offering Medical, Home & Life Insurance:

Al Khaleej Insurance & Reinsurance Company
Tel: 4441 4151
Website: www.alkhaleej.com/en...