Qatar mandates health insurance for expats, visitors
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has affirmed that based on Law No. 22 of 2021, of developing and regulating the health sector in the country, a mandatory health insurance system will be implemented for all expatriates and visitors to the country to provide basic healthcare services to them through healthcare providers in several government health facilities and the private sector, according to their insurance coverage.
The provisions of the law also oblige employers to provide health insurance for their non-Qatari workers through the insurance companies registered with MoPH to provide them with basic insurance coverage. The same obligation to provide basic insurance coverage applies to residents, who apply to bring someone to the country.
The health insurance system will lead to the development of the health sector and services provided to the public, by alleviating the challenges facing the healthcare sector resulting from the steady population growth, through the participation of the public and private sectors in providing healthcare services to the population, which in turn will reduce waiting times in the government health facilities in the country and provide appointments for medical consultations within a time that meets the health needs of citizens at the highest level of quality.
The law will be implemented six months after its issuance, and during this period, services will continue to be provided to all residents. The MoPH will issue and publish all controls related to the implementation of the law and the health insurance system during the coming period.
