Health Insurance in Qatar: Complete Expat Guide (2026)
How health insurance works in Qatar. NHIC (Seha), employer insurance, private plans, and what to do when visiting a doctor.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Qatar?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Qatar. Under Law No. (7) of 2013 and subsequent regulations, employers are legally required to provide health insurance for all employees and their dependents. Domestic workers must also be covered by their employers.
The national health insurer is the National Health Insurance Company (NHIC), which runs the Seha program. Seha provides a baseline of coverage for all residents. Many employers supplement this with additional private coverage.
The NHIC (Seha) Program
Seha is Qatar's mandatory national health insurance program, administered by the NHIC. It covers a defined benefits package at accredited providers including Hamad Medical Corporation (public hospitals), as well as a network of private clinics.
Seha coverage includes:
โขGP consultations
โขSpecialist referrals
โขEmergency care
โขMaternity care (basic)
โขChronic disease management
โขEssential medications
Seha does NOT cover dental, vision, cosmetic procedures, or experimental treatments unless medically necessary.
Private Supplemental Insurance
Most corporate employers in Qatar provide private health insurance on top of Seha. Common providers include:
โขCigna โ widely accepted across Qatar, popular with multinationals
โขAXA Gulf โ broad network, popular for families
โขMednet โ regional network, common with SMEs
โขQIC (Qatar Insurance Company) โ local insurer, large network
โขAl Khaleej Takaful โ Islamic insurance option
Always carry both your Seha card (mandatory national plan) and your private insurance card to every medical appointment.
Finding a Doctor Who Accepts Your Insurance
Not all private clinics in Qatar accept all insurance plans. Before booking, always call ahead to confirm:
1.That they accept your insurance plan by name
2.Whether your specific procedure or consultation is covered
3.Whether prior authorization is needed (usually for specialist visits >QAR 1,000)
Tabibfi shows which insurance plans each doctor accepts, so you can filter by your plan directly on our specialty pages.
Self-Pay (No Insurance) Costs
If you are visiting on a tourist visa or do not have insurance, self-pay fees apply:
โขGP consultation: QAR 150โ300
โขSpecialist consultation: QAR 300โ700
โขDental examination: QAR 100โ250
โขDermatology visit: QAR 300โ500
โขGynecology visit: QAR 350โ600
โขEmergency room visit: QAR 500โ1,500+
Prices vary significantly between premium West Bay clinics and community clinics in areas like Al Sadd or Wakra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Seha health insurance card in Qatar?โพ
Seha is Qatar's national health insurance program managed by NHIC. It provides mandatory coverage for all residents. Your Seha card is given by your employer and must be presented at accredited clinics and hospitals.
Which insurance plans are accepted most widely in Qatar?โพ
Cigna, Mednet, AXA Gulf, and Seha (NHIC) are the most widely accepted plans. Larger clinics generally accept all major plans; smaller specialty clinics may have limited networks.
Can I use insurance at Hamad Medical Corporation?โพ
Yes. HMC accepts Seha (mandatory national plan) and most private insurance plans. Emergency care at HMC is available to all regardless of insurance status.
Does Qatar insurance cover dental and vision?โพ
Basic Seha does not cover dental or vision. Many private supplemental plans include basic dental. Premium corporate plans often include both. Check your policy documents carefully.
This guide is written and reviewed by the Tabibfi editorial team, with input from licensed healthcare practitioners in Qatar and the UAE. All medical information is for general guidance only โ consult a licensed physician for personal medical advice.