Qatar: Mandatory Health Insurance System to be Implemented

Analysis

In line with the health insurance requirements implemented across other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Qatari government will roll out its own health insurance system in five phases, although an implementation date, details on premiums, and immigration procedural requirements have yet to be announced.

According to preliminary details provided by the government, Qatar's health insurance scheme requires:

• All basic healthcare services to be provided by the National Health Insurance Company alone, while additional healthcare services may be provided by accredited health insurance providers;

• Health insurance providers to obtain approval from the Supreme Council of Health and the Central Bank before offering services;

• The government to be responsible for paying health insurance premiums for Qatari nationals;

• Employers to pay for their employees' health insurance; and

• Visitors to pay for their own health insurance during their visit.

What This Means for Employers