You likely have private insurance, but it’s hard to compete with the sheer amount of health services on offer through Hamad’s network of public hospitals. Many of Hamad’s medical departments have expert staff that have worked in world-class facilities abroad—and medical treatment is typically available either free or at a heavily subsidised rate. That is, once you have a health card in hand.
All legal residents can take advantage of the medical services offered by the Hamad network of hospitals, and even visitors can receive treatment at Hamad for less than it would cost at a private clinic. The only exception is Sidra Medicine—patients must pay for services they receive at Sidra if that service is also provided by another hospital. Babies born in Qatar receive free medical care up to the first year of life and do not require a health card until their first birthday. Those born outside of Qatar will need a health card to receive subsidised medical care through the Hamad system, including free vaccinations. You can also apply for a health card for any household employees that you sponsor.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you’ll need to get health cards for you and your family.
You’ll need:
- A copy of your Qatar ID
- A copy of your passport ID page
- Proof of address: This is typically a copy of your Kahramaa utility bill
- One photograph of the blue plates outside your residential complex
- One passport-sized photograph with a blue background (4x3cm)
- For infants less than one year born outside of Qatar: In addition to the above, bring the vaccination card and birth certificate from your home country as well as the health card of the mother or father
- For household employees (maids, nannies, drivers): In addition to the above, copies of their passport ID page and Qatar ID, a passport-sized photo, and copies of your (their sponsor) health card and Qatar ID
- QR 100 per family member or QR 50 per household employee in cash (some clinics will also accept cards)
Step 1
Call the Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) hotline at 107 to find your assigned clinic. If you’re lucky, it will be the nearest clinic to your address, but that’s unfortunately not guaranteed. The hotline can also confirm the Hamad card registration desk hours, which are usually in the morning, Sunday to Thursday.
Step 2
Visit your assigned PHCC clinic to register for your Hamad health cards. Once your documents are processed, you’ll either be issued a health card on the spot or given a number to get it printed out at another PHCC clinic or Hamad General Hospital.
Step 3
With your new health card, you can make appointments using the PHCC hotline—the key exception are vaccinations, which can only be made in person at your assigned clinic. Be aware that most clinics have long wait times for vaccination appointments, so be sure to book ahead.
Step 4
Renew your health card annually. It costs QR 50 and can be easily done online (hukoomi.qa). You’ll receive a text message when the card is reissued. It can either be delivered to your home for QR 20 or picked up from a post office for QR 10.
