Qatar’s healthcare system features a dual model, blending a robust public network with a growing private insurance sector. By 2025, under Healthcare Services Law No. 22 of 2021, both citizens and residents receive mandatory health insurance. Public insurance offers comprehensive coverage through government-funded facilities, focusing on universal access and affordability. In contrast, private insurance provides tailored plans, often with quicker access to specialized services, but at higher costs. Both systems aim to ensure quality care, yet differ in service speed, cost, and provider choice. Public insurance prioritizes equitable access, while private insurance emphasizes personalized options. Together, they form a comprehensive healthcare framework, balancing accessibility and choice:
Key Differences
1. Target Population & Eligibility
- Public Insurance (e.g., Seha, HMC system): Primarily for Qatari citizens and GCC nationals. Citizens receive full or subsidized access to public health services. Government covers their premiums.
- Private Insurance: All non-Qatari expatriates and visitors must have insurance. Expats need coverage via employer plans or personal policies.
2. Funding & Payment Structure
- Public: The government fully funds healthcare for citizens, with only minor costs like Health Card fees. Most non-citizens do not receive subsidies.
- Private: Employers must legally fund health coverage for expat employees and their families, either through contributions or personal purchase.
3. Access & Service Speed
- Public: Services are mainly offered at Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Centers. Access is organized but may require longer waits..
- Private: Experience swift service, minimal wait times, and access to top-tier private hospitals such as Sidra Medicine, Doha Clinic, and Al-Ahli Hospital.
4. Coverage Scope
- Public: Provides comprehensive, standardized coverage for inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental, vision, mental health, and emergency services.
- Private:Plans are flexible, offering enhanced maternity, dental, vision, alternative medicine, and global coverage options.
Key Similarities
1. Quality of Care
Public and private sectors deliver top-notch care with modern infrastructure and certified professionals. Public facilities like HMC are globally acknowledged, and private hospitals uphold international standards.
2. Mandatory Nature
In Qatar, health insurance is mandatory. The government provides coverage for citizens, while expatriates and visitors must obtain private insurance, ensuring universal health coverage.
3. Digital Integration
Both sectors are merging with national e-health and insurance systems. Public and private insurers work with GlobeMed Qatar and similar networks for handling claims, digital ID cards, and instant provider access.
4. Preventive Care Emphasis
Qatar’s healthcare system, both public and private, prioritizes preventive care.
Qatar’s public health insurance focuses on state-funded programs for citizens, GCC nationals, and visitors. It aims to provide universal healthcare for Qataris while managing increased demand from residents and foreigners. Key programs are assessed based on cost, services, accessibility, and satisfaction.
1. Qatar National Health Insurance Scheme (Seha)(Official website: https://www.taameenqatar.com/index.php?go=s&s=qatar-s-national-health-insurance-scheme)
Cost: Free for Qatari citizens; government-funded
Available Services: Inpatient and outpatient care, maternity, pediatric care, dental, vision, mental health, emergency, and specialist consultations
Open for: Qatari citizens and GCC nationals (full/subsidized), expats excluded
Core Financial Features: Government pays full premiums for citizens; subsidies apply to select GCC nationals
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Overview:Seha, a phased mandatory program, guarantees full healthcare for citizens through Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Centers. Offering standard services without out-of-pocket expenses, it is valued for its affordability and accessibility. However, some users experience delays in scheduling specialist appointments.
2. Public Healthcare Services via Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)(Official website: https://www.hamad.qa/EN/Patient-Information/National-Insurance-Scheme/Pages/About-Seha.aspx)
Cost: Free or nominal Health Card fee (~QAR 100)
Available Services: Full spectrum – emergency, surgeries, cancer care, dialysis, rehabilitation, maternity, mental health, pediatrics
Open for: Qatari citizens, GCC nationals, residents with health cards
Core Financial Features: Publicly funded for citizens; minimal co-pay for others based on nationality
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Overview: HMC is the core of Qatar’s public health, running many hospitals and clinics. Although it provides excellent care, increasing demand may cause long waits. Yet, it remains trusted by citizens and well-integrated with Seha, receiving positive public feedback.
3. Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) Services
Cost: Free for Qataris; low-cost for others with a health card
Available Services: Family medicine, vaccinations, maternal/child care, chronic disease management, mental health screening
Open for: All health card holders; priority access for Qatari citizens
Core Financial Features: Government-funded for citizens; nominal fees for expats
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)
Overview:PHCC oversees more than 28 health centers in Qatar, serving as an entry point to the public healthcare system. Renowned for its convenience and accessibility, particularly in preventive care, it enjoys high satisfaction rates. However, some non-citizens report inconsistencies in appointment availability.
4. Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance Scheme
Cost: Approx. QAR 50/month per person (minimum); varies by provider
Available Services: Emergency treatment, accidents, medical evacuation, basic inpatient care (up to QAR 35,000)
Open for: Mandatory for all non-GCC visitors
Core Financial Features: Paid by the visitor or sponsoring entity before visa issuance
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★☆☆ (3.8/5)
Overview:Launched in 2023, this program guarantees all visitors have emergency coverage. While its scope is limited, it effectively serves its purpose and enhances Qatar’s global healthcare standards.
5. GCC Nationals Public Access Provisions
Cost: Subsidized based on reciprocal agreements
Available Services: Access to primary and secondary care via HMC and PHCC
Open for: Nationals of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman)
Core Financial Features: Subsidized fees; co-payment structure in place
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)
Overview:GCC nationals enjoy Qatar’s public services thanks to regional agreements. While not as extensive as citizen benefits, the services remain affordable and dependable, including screenings, vaccination programs, and wellness initiatives.
Top Private Health Insurance Providers in Qatar: 2025 Evaluation of Coverage, Cost & Consumer Satisfaction
Qatar now requires private health insurance for all non-Qatari residents and visitors, leading to a rise in demand for comprehensive, adaptable, and globally compliant plans. The top private health insurers in Qatar are highly trusted, providing broad coverage for expatriates, residents, and businesses. These insurers are assessed on factors like cost, coverage, accessibility, financial stability, and customer reviews.
1. Aetna International (Qatar Primecare)(Official website: https://www.aetnainternational.com/en/qatarprimecare.html)
Cost: Starts around QAR 3,000–6,000 annually for individuals; family plans vary
Available Services/Coverage: Inpatient and outpatient care, dental, vision, maternity, mental health, chronic disease, prescription drugs
Open for: Expats, residents, employers (corporate/group and individual plans)
Core Financial Features: Offers direct billing with 450+ local providers; no co-pay for international claims outside the U.S.; optional deductibles
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Highlights: Aetna’s Primecare Qatar offers customizable, compliant health plans. Users appreciate its easy settlement process, global portability, and outstanding customer service.
2. MetLife Gulf – Qatar(Official website: https://www.metlife.com)
Cost: Approx. QAR 2,500–7,000 per year depending on plan and age; employer group plans offered
Available Services/Coverage: Inpatient/outpatient care, maternity, pediatric care, diagnostics, day surgeries
Open for: Expatriates and residents; mainly via employer or group policies
Core Financial Features: No-claims discounts, 100% inpatient coverage in-network, digital claims submission
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Highlights:Renowned for seamless claims, cashless options at top private hospitals, and tailored employer solutions. Perfect for corporate teams and small enterprises.
3. Bupa Global(Official website: https://www.bupaglobal.com)
Cost: Premium plans from QAR 6,500–15,000 annually; family and executive plans available
Available Services/Coverage: Full global coverage, inpatient, outpatient, dental, maternity, wellness, evacuation, mental health
Open for: Expatriates, residents, high-net-worth individuals
Core Financial Features: Direct billing across major hospitals worldwide; high annual limits (up to USD 3 million); multiple currency options
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★★★ (4.6/5)
Highlights: Bupa excels in luxury care, extensive global hospital access, and exclusive member perks. Customers praise its exceptional service, perfect for international clients.
4. AXA Insurance – Gulf Region(Official website: https://www.giggulf.om)
Cost: Plans start at QAR 2,800/year and go up to QAR 12,000+ for premium tiers
Available Services/Coverage: Tiered plans covering inpatient/outpatient, dental, vision, maternity, chronic illness
Open for: Residents, expats, employers; also offers travel and student plans
Core Financial Features: Transparent co-pay structures, digital claims, 24/7 helpline
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Highlights: AXA is popular for its cost-effectiveness and reliable coverage. It boasts extensive regional networks and is a top choice for family plans and small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) group coverage
5. Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Company (QGIRC)(Official website: https://www.qgirc.com)
Cost: QAR 2,000–5,000/year for basic to enhanced plans
Available Services/Coverage: Local compliant health plans, inpatient, maternity, specialist consultations, basic diagnostics
Open for: All residents; individuals and corporate clients
Core Financial Features: Works with global partners like Aetna to offer Primecare Qatar plans; localized underwriting
Consumer Satisfaction Score: ★★★☆☆ (3.9/5)
Highlights: Affordable plans comply with Qatar’s Healthcare Law, appealing to smaller employers and budget-conscious expats.
READ MORE: Private and public health insurance of Malaysia (Make informed choices)
