The Qatari government has made it mandatory for international visitors to show proof of travel insurance from a recognised provider before being allowed into the country.
Those who do not have their own comprehensive travel insurance must purchase a health insurance policy from an approved local Middle East provider at a cost of QAR50 (US$14). This policy would cover emergency and accident services only.
The new regulation, which came into effect from 1 February, applies to travellers who need to apply for a Qatar visa in advance, as well as those who can obtain a visa on arrival. Transit passengers are exempt from the requirement.
In addition to the visitors’ health insurance policies issued by local companies registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), health insurance policies issued by MOPH approved international insurancecompanies are also accepted.
However, there are fears that airlines could erroneously deny boarding to passengers who don’t have the required travel insurance policy and were planning to buy a local policy on arrival.
On its website, the MOPH in Qatar states that visitors must ensure that their international insurance policy fulfils the acceptance criteria, which include:
The geographical coverage must include the state of Qatar.
The policy is valid and cover the period of the full duration of visitor’s stay in the country.
The policy covers emergency and accidents healthcare services with a limit of QAR150,000, without deductibles or co-payments.
The policy covers Covid-19 with a limit of QAR50,000.
Presence of a physical proof of health insurance coverage (paper format of the policy) to be presented to the border authority and healthcare providers on demand.