Qatar insurance company Doha
Doha, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, is the capital city of Qatar. It is Qatar’s largest city, with a population of around 1 million, and is also the country’s economic and trade center. Doha is the seat of government, and home to an area that is dedicated to research and education called Education City. Doha’s international reputation has been rising, as it has been in the spotlight in recent years. In 2006, Doha hosted the largest Asian Games ever held. It also won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Doha’s climate is quite arid. In the summer, the city is very dry and hot, with temperatures around 50°C. It is humid and mild throughout the rest of the year with temperatures around 25°C.
The majority of Qatar's population concentrated around Doha, consequently, the best private and public medical centers in the country can be found in Doha.
Public hospitals have highly trained doctors, medical personnel, and some of the most advanced equipment in the world. The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is a state-sponsored, and heavily subsidized non-profit healthcare provider located in the capital city, Doha. It was established in 1979, and manages some of the most sophisticated hospitals in the region. In addition, it also hosts many medical conferences to attract health experts to Qatar.
Nationals can use HMC facilities free of charge. Expat residents may apply for health cards, which allow them to use HMC facilities. This allows them access, but foreigners will still have to pay for a part of the services. Most expatriates, however, have their own medical insurance plan provided either by their companies or by themselves.
Since the 90s, the Qatari government has been trying to develop the private healthcare sector. The first private hospital opened in 1999, and today the private health sector plays an important role in supplementing the services of the public sector, supplementing the public sector, particularly for expatriates. Today, the government is still encouraging the growth of the private health industry. In May 2010, the Qatari government announced plans to allow foreign investment in Qatar’s healthcare services. The goal is to continue ti raise the level of care and standards at hospitals and health centers.
Public hospitals tend to be time-consuming, as the lines are long and facilities are overcrowded. Qatar has a rapidly growing population, but the public health sector is yet capable of supporting that growth. However, aside from that the quality of care provided in both private and public facilities is very high. The only exception may be highly specialized services. Some services may not be available within the public sector, and patients seeking certain types of specialized services may have to seek private facilities or physicians for treatment.
If you are a traveler, it is not possible for you to receive a health card that allows you to use public facilities. With the exception of emergencies, foreigners without a health card will be denied access to public facilities. This leaves you only with private health centers, which are very expensive. A typical doctor’s consultation can be as high as $120 USD, excluding medicine and further diagnostic tests, which is why traveler’s are highly recommended to purchase travel medical insurance. Travel medical insurance is very affordable, and can be as low as $5 USD a day.
If you are a resident, it is most likely that your employer will provide you with medical insurance anyway, which will grant you access to private facilities. However, for expatriates that frequently return home or travel abroad, it is recommended that you consider an international medical insurance plan. Having an international plan allows you the freedom and peace of mind to go anywhere in the world and be covered. Furthermore, if you develop a medical condition in the time that you are in Qatar, you will be covered for life. If you only have a local plan, the medical conditions you develop while you are in Qatar may not be covered when you switch insurance after you leave the country.
One thing to look out for when purchasing an international medical insurance policy is whether the insurer covers emergency evacuation services. When you are traveling or in an unfamiliar location, it is not unusual for people to venture out to see the more remote areas of the country. If you are injured or ill in a remote area, you may need to be evacuated to a different location that can provide you the medical attention you need. Depending on your location and medical condition, this can be a very expensive cost.
Regardless of what your requirements are, we can help you design a plan that suits you. We have plans that cover all kinds of budget and needs. Our service is absolutely free.
Contact our team today for more information on Qatar insurance company Doha or an international medical insurance plan.