Qatar Travel Insurance Guide
Qatar requires mandatory health insurance for visitors obtaining prior entry visas, though visa-on-arrival travelers are exempt for the first 30 days. The Level 1 advisory indicates low risk, but insurance is still essential as the mandatory policy (QAR 50/month) provides limited coverage, and comprehensive policies offer better protection for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
- What there is to do in Qatar Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
Qatar is generally safe for women travelers with low crime rates. Conservative dress code expected (shoulders and knees covered). Women may experience restrictions in certain public spaces. Social norms are conservative but violent crime against women is rare. Exercise cultural awareness and respect local customs.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Homosexuality illegal with up to 3 years imprisonment for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Capital punishment possible for Muslims in sharia courts (never imposed). Same-sex marriage not recognized. Trans people can be arrested for 'impersonating opposite gender'. Reports of police abuse, torture, and entrapment via dating apps. No legal protections. Extreme discretion essential.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date)
- Visa required - most nationalities can obtain visa on arrival or via Hayya platform
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days (waiver program)
- Mandatory health insurance required for visitors with prior entry visas (not required for visa-on-arrival for first 30 days)
- Proof of onward/return travel may be requested
- Hotel reservation confirmation recommended
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days under waiver program
- Visa-on-arrival travelers are exempt from mandatory insurance for first 30 days
- Visitors requiring prior entry visa must purchase mandatory health insurance (QAR 50/month) before visa issuance
- Mandatory insurance policy must cover emergency and accident healthcare (QAR 150,000 limit) and COVID-19 (QAR 50,000 limit)
- Tourist visas can be extended for additional 90 days through Qatar Immigration
- GCC residents can enter visa-free with valid residence permits
- Transit visas available for stays up to 96 hours
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Qatar offers world-class healthcare with state-of-the-art facilities and internationally trained medical professionals. The country invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, resulting in excellent hospitals including Hamad Medical Corporation (the main public healthcare provider), Sidra Medicine, and Al Emadi Hospital. Tourists can access both public and private healthcare, but costs are significantly higher in private facilities. Public hospital ER visits cost QAR 300-500 ($80-140 USD), while private hospitals charge QAR 500-1,000+ ($140-275+ USD). Doctor consultations range from QAR 100 ($27 USD) in public facilities to QAR 300-600 ($80-165 USD) at private clinics. Hospital admission can cost QAR 500-1,000 ($140-275 USD) per day in public hospitals and QAR 1,500-3,000+ ($410-825+ USD) in private facilities. The mandatory health insurance for visitors with prior entry visas (QAR 50/$14 per month) provides basic coverage for emergencies and accidents up to QAR 150,000, COVID-19 treatment up to QAR 50,000, and emergency ambulance transportation up to QAR 35,000. However, this policy has significant gaps: it doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, chronic illness treatments, or dental emergencies. English-speaking medical staff are widely available. Emergency services: dial 999. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to supplement or replace the mandatory policy for better protection.
Typical medical costs
- Emergency room visit: QAR 300-500 ($80-140 USD) at public hospitals
- Private hospital ER visit: QAR 500-1,000+ ($140-275+ USD)
- Doctor consultation (public): QAR 100 ($27 USD)
- Doctor consultation (private): QAR 300-600 ($80-165 USD)
- Hospital admission per day (public): QAR 500-1,000 ($140-275 USD)
- Hospital admission per day (private): QAR 1,500-3,000+ ($410-825+ USD)
- Surgical procedures: QAR 10,000-50,000+ ($2,750-13,750+ USD)
- Medical evacuation to United States: $50,000-150,000 USD
- Mandatory visitor insurance: QAR 50 ($14 USD) per month (limited coverage)
- Recommended comprehensive coverage: $75,000 medical, $250,000 evacuation
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Medical emergencies (mandatory insurance has limited QAR 150,000 cap with gaps)
- COVID-19 related treatment and quarantine expenses (QAR 50,000 sub-limit in mandatory policy)
- Trip cancellations due to sudden travel restrictions or personal emergencies
- Lost or delayed baggage at Hamad International Airport
- Emergency dental care (not covered by mandatory visitor insurance)
- Pre-existing condition complications (excluded from mandatory policy)
- Flight delays and cancellations
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
999
Hamad Medical Corporation - Emergency
+974-4439-9999
US Embassy Doha - 24/7 Emergency
+974-4496-6000
US Embassy from United States
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
US Embassy Address
Al-Luqta District, 22nd February Street, P.O. Box 2399, Doha