Healthcare in Qatar for Tourists: How Much Does a Doctor Visit Cost Without Insurance

A general practitioner consultation at a private clinic in Doha costs tourists 70–110 $, while a specialist visit runs 110–190 $. These are out-of-pocket prices and do not include lab work or imaging, which are billed separately. Since 2023, Qatar requires all foreign visitors to carry mandatory health insurance as part of the visa process – and in an emergency, that policy covers the main expenses. Here is how the system actually works, what you will still pay for, and where to find help.

• Insurance is mandatory. No policy means no visa and possibly no boarding. The basic plan costs 50 QAR (≈ 14 $) for 30 days and covers only emergencies and accidents.
• Coverage limit: 150,000 QAR (≈ 41,000 $). This is the maximum for emergency medical care under the basic policy. Chronic conditions, dental care, and routine check-ups are not covered.
• Private vs public hospitals. Tourists can use both, but Hamad Medical Corporation public hospitals introduced separate fee schedules for foreign visitors in October 2023.
• Pharmacy consultants as first aid. For minor issues (colds, stomach trouble), every pharmacy has a pharmacist who can recommend medication. This is faster and cheaper than a clinic visit.
• Emergency number: 999. Ambulance dispatch is free, and patients are taken to Hamad General Hospital by default. Request a private hospital if preferred.
• Medication restrictions apply. Some common over-the-counter drugs from other countries are classified as controlled substances in Qatar. Bring prescriptions and a doctor's letter for any medication you carry.
• Travel insurance from EKTA starts at 7 $ for 7 days. Extended sport and adventure coverage starts at around 37 $.

Since February 1, 2023, all tourists must purchase a policy from a Ministry of Public Health–approved insurer. Without it, visas are not issued and airlines may deny boarding.

What the basic 50 QAR/month policy includes:

Important: The basic Qatar policy does not cover: routine doctor visits, dental care, chronic condition flare-ups, elective lab tests, or any non-emergency procedure. If you take regular medication or have pre-existing conditions, you need supplementary international coverage.

This is why many travelers purchase a second policy through international insurers. For full details, see Insurance for Qatar.

Prices at Doha private clinics vary significantly. Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital, and Al Emadi Hospital are mid-range private facilities where consultations start from 100–300 QAR. Premium institutions like The View Hospital or Aman Hospital charge considerably more but offer five-star hospitality standards.

Hamad Medical Corporation operates 12 hospitals across the country, including the flagship Hamad General Hospital in Doha. Since October 2023, visitors without a Qatar Health Card pay published tariffs:

• Pharmacy items are charged at 20% of medication cost.
• Surgical and inpatient procedures follow a fee schedule that can reach hundreds of thousands of QAR for complex operations.
• Emergency cases are treated without question – costs are covered by mandatory insurance (up to the policy limit).

The main advantage of public hospitals is world-class emergency care. Hamad General specializes in trauma, stroke, and cardiology. Private clinics are better suited for planned visits: next-day appointments, no queues, and English-speaking physicians.

Emergency number: 999. Operators speak English and Arabic. Response times are fast: the service operates over 167 vehicles and helicopters for critical evacuations. Patients are transported to Hamad General Hospital by default – specify your preference if you want a private facility.

For urgent but non-life-threatening situations (fracture, deep cut), call 16000 for a phone consultation with a doctor, available daily from 07:00 to 23:00. The doctor can refer you to the nearest 24-hour PHCC urgent care facility.

Note: All healthcare facilities in Qatar require identification. Without a passport (or a copy), non-emergency treatment may be refused. Always carry a copy of your passport and a printout of your insurance policy.

Pharmacies in Doha are easy to find – near malls, at hospitals, and in residential areas. Some operate 24/7. Basic over-the-counter medication (paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines) costs 2–5 $.

Three things every tourist should know about pharmacies in Qatar:

In-house pharmacist. Every pharmacy has a pharmacist who can help with colds, allergies, or digestive issues. This is faster and cheaper than a clinic visit.

Controlled substances. Codeine, tramadol, certain sedatives and psychotropic drugs are strictly controlled. If you need to bring prescription medication into Qatar, prepare: the original packaging, a prescription, and a stamped letter from your doctor in English stating the diagnosis, drug name, dosage, and treatment duration. Without these, your medication may be confiscated at the border.

Drug names vary. Brand names in Qatar differ from those in other countries. Write down the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) of your medication – pharmacists can quickly find the local equivalent.

Qatar's climate is the primary risk factor. Here is what to prepare for:

Dehydration and heatstroke. Summer temperatures (June–September) reach 45–50 °C. Even winter daytime temperatures can hit 25–30 °C. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Skin problems. Dry air, dust, and intense UV radiation cause flaking, irritation, and dermatitis flare-ups. Moisturizer and SPF 50+ sunscreen are essential.

Eye issues. Conjunctivitis and dry eyes are frequent complaints among visitors. Pack lubricating eye drops.

Stomach upset. Tap water in Qatar is desalinated seawater and technically safe, but may cause an unfamiliar reaction. Bottled water is recommended – a 1.5-liter bottle costs about 0.50 $.

Get comprehensive insurance before you travel. The basic Qatar policy at 14 $ covers only emergencies. An international policy through EKTA starts from 7 $ for 7 days (START plan) and goes up to 42 $ (MAX+ for leisure travel). Adventure activity coverage (dune bashing, water sports) starts from 37 $ (GOLD).

Pack a travel medical kit. Paracetamol, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal medication, lubricating eye drops, and sunscreen. All of this is easier and cheaper to bring from home.

Use telemedicine. The 16000 hotline offers free phone consultations. Some private hospitals (Aman Hospital) provide video consultations at lower rates than in-person visits.

Do not delay treatment. A neglected problem = hospitalization = a bill in the thousands. Handle minor issues at a pharmacy, moderate ones via telemedicine, and serious ones at a clinic under insurance.

1. Can I see a doctor in Qatar without insurance? Yes, private clinics will accept uninsured patients – but all costs come out of pocket. A GP visit runs 70–110 $, a specialist from 110 $. At HMC public hospitals, uninsured visitors are treated only in genuine emergencies.

2. How much does the mandatory visitor health insurance cost? 50 QAR (≈ 14 $) for 30 days. The policy is purchased online from approved insurers before travel. For visa-on-arrival stays under 30 days, the insurance is not formally required but strongly recommended by the Ministry of Public Health. Extensions beyond 30 days require a policy.

3. Does the mandatory insurance cover dental visits? No. The basic policy covers only emergencies and accidents. Dental care, routine check-ups, and chronic condition treatment must be paid out of pocket. For comprehensive coverage, purchase supplementary international insurance.

4. What medications are restricted in Qatar? Controlled substances include codeine-based drugs, tramadol, certain benzodiazepines, and psychotropic medications. To bring prescription medication into Qatar, carry the original packaging, a prescription, and a doctor's letter in English specifying the diagnosis, medication name, dosage, and treatment duration. Check the Qatar Ministry of Public Health website for the current list of controlled substances.

5. Will my international insurance work in Qatar? It depends on your policy. Qatar recognizes international insurance if it is issued by an approved or recognized provider, covers Qatar specifically, is valid for the entire duration of your stay, and includes emergency medical coverage with a minimum limit of 150,000 QAR. Check with your insurer before traveling. The simplest approach is to buy the mandatory Qatar policy for 14 $ and supplement it with international coverage for full protection.

Healthcare in Qatar is high-quality and expensive. The mandatory basic insurance at 14 $ covers emergencies, but everything else – from routine GP visits to dental care – comes out of pocket. The optimal strategy: purchase the mandatory Qatar policy + international insurance through EKTA + pack a medical kit before departure. This approach protects against any medical bills while minor issues can be resolved at the nearest pharmacy for a few dollars.

• Insurance for Qatar
• Safety in Qatar: rules, cameras, and fines travelers should know
• What to Eat in Qatar: Traditional Dishes, Street Food, Desserts and Drinks
• What to Wear in Qatar: Dress Code Do's and Don'ts for Tourists

• Ministry of Public Health Qatar – Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme
• Hamad Medical Corporation – Visitor Insurance Information
• UK Government – Qatar Travel Health Advice
• Qatar Official Gazette – Medical Treatment Fees (Resolution No. 28-29, 2023)