Qatar Health Insurance

The oil rich nation of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf, has the world’s highest GDP per capita ratio. In addition to this, Qatar can also offer access to some of the best quality healthcare facilities in the world. Qatar has excellent emergency health facilities and routine treatment facilities. However, for non-Qatari residents and those who are not liable for the publicly funded national health plan, these healthcare facilities can be quite expensive.

Feeling comfortable in the knowledge that if something was to happen to a family member their medical costs will be taken care of, is important to us all. Our expert consultants can advise on the most suitable level of coverage for families, individuals, groups, travelers, and teachers expatriate health insurance.

Expatriate Health Insurance Qatar

Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker specialising in providing overseas medical insurance for Qatar nationals living, working or holidaying abroad. If you are a non Qatar national and moving to Qatar we can also provide plans that meet your specific requirements.

The policies that we can provide are guaranteed renewable for life and globally portable, so even if you should relocate away from the country your plan will continue to cover you. With a number of extra benefits including maternity coverage, emergency evacuation and repatriation, dental treatment, out-patient consultations, alternative medicines, complimentary therapies, and specialist consultations, you can be assured that an international health insurance Qatar plan will give you the coverage that you need. For more information about the products and services that we can offer, or to receive a free quote, please contact us today.

Professional Service you can trust

Pacific Prime Insurance will be with you for the duration of your policy. We offer additional customer services that include claims advice, emergency contact numbers and medical advice lines. We also maintain a comprehensive list of Qatar hospitals/doctors. Most of our clients are expatriates so we maintain a list of Embassies in Qatar.

As a leading broker of medical insurance in Qatar we keep up on the latest insurance trends and Qatar Insurance News.

We can offer expatriates in Qatar dedicated international health insurance plans that will provide comprehensive coverage in the East and around the world. Plans that we can offer will usually have a number of benefits that a policyholder is able to tailor to suit their specific requirements. With coverage options including out-patient, dental, maternity, and emergency evacuation, you will be assured of receiving the highest levels of quality treatment anywhere in the world.

Qatar Travel Tips

Whenever you travel overseas it is often useful to understand the local laws and customs in the destination country, as they can often be radically different from your own. Qatar is an Islamic country in which local law and Muslim values and beliefs are deeply enshrined together. These laws and values can be quite different from the ones that you maybe used to. As such we have provided some Qatar travel advice so that you may stay safe and better enjoy your trip.

Please be advised that the information contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning, as such you should consult a travel expert prior to departing on your journey.

• A general threat from terrorism in Qatar remains present. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region in particular references to attack Western interests, including residential compounds, places of worship, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
• As of 26th September 2008, it has been made aware that new immigration regulations may affect foreign passport holders that have previously held residence permits in Qatar. It is strongly advisable that all foreign nationals who previously have held residence permits in Qatar and are planning to travel here as tourists to contact their airline and nearest Qatari Embassy, before they depart, to check the immigration requirements, as it may not be possible for them to purchase visit visas on arrival at Doha, Qatar, and may be refused entry into Qatar, and subsequent deportation may be a consequence.
• A large number of tourists visit Qatar every year. The main types of incident for which foreign nationals required consular assistance in Qatar are replacing lost and stolen passports; and dealing with arrests or detentions.
• Most visits are trouble free. There is minimal threat from crime; most criminal occurrences are related to mainly petty theft. Although incidents are not common, female visitors should take all necessary precautions and pay strict attention to all immediate surroundings when traveling alone at night.
• Regional political developments, including those in Iraq, Israel, Iran, and Lebanon continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these types of issues. You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, as they could be possible terrorist targets.
• It is advised that road discipline is of poor quality; speeds limits are high and minor accidents common. In the first 10 months of 2007, 240 people died as a result of road traffic accidents. This equates to a ratio of 30 road deaths per 100,000 of population. This in comparison to U.S which has 10.2 road deaths per 100,000,  U.K which has 5.5 road deaths per 100,000, and Australia which has 5.2 road deaths per 100,000
• If you have a motor accident, remain with your vehicle. It is an offence to leave the scene of the accident. Remain calm at all times, as there are significant penalties even any minor expressions of "road rage", such as rude gestures, and vulgar use of language.
• Foreigners may drive in Qatar for a maximum of 14 days on a foreign driving license following their arrival. After 14 days they must apply for a temporary Qatari license. This license is valid for 3 months. Once you obtain a residency permit, you must contact the local traffic department to obtain a full Qatar driving license, as you will no longer be permitted to drive on a foreign or temporary license. Driving on an International driver’s license is strictly prohibited in Qatar, and fines may apply.
• It is a serious offence in Qatar to drink and drive. There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Offenders of this nature will be detained and fined. Under new Qatari law regulations offenders are also likely to be imprisoned and in some cases deported. It should be further noted that any police case file being opened against you in respect of a driving or drinking related incident automatically results in a ban on leaving Qatar until your case has been resolved.  Most cases are straightforward and are dealt with by the Public Prosecutor. However, more serious cases can take up to six months to be heard.
• Local laws reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. As Qatar is an Islamic nation and accordance with Muslim values, it is expected that visitors dress modestly and behave in a courteous manner at all times; women should dress modestly with clothing covering the shoulders and knees at all times.
• The importation of any narcotics, alcohol, pornography, pork products and religious books and material, other than that of Muslim nature, is forbidden. Be aware that DVDs and videos may be subject to disapproval of the Qatari customs and may be censored accordingly. In particular, the penalties for possession of or trade in drugs are severe, often resulting in prison sentences.  It is a serious punishable offence to drink alcohol, or be drunk, in public. Offenders may incur a prison sentence or deportation. Alcohol is, however, available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Intimacy in public, between men and women including teenagers, is strictly prohibited, and any homosexual behavior of any kind is illegal and carries high penalties of court.
• Expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system. You should not carry alcohol with you, including in your car.
• HIV/AIDS is not common in Qatar however you should exercise normal precautions to avoid possible exposure and infection to HIV/AIDS. The current adult prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Qatar stands at 0.09%  
• Qatar is not known to have many diseases; however it is advised that you check with your local travel agency for any recommended vaccinations.
• Visitors should take precautions against the weather in Qatar as sandstorms are quite common and it is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 50˚C.