Qatar has an incredibly well-developed medical infrastructure and the standards of healthcare in the country are very high. The country’s medical facilities – public and private clinics and hospitals – are all modern, hi-tech and easily accessible for residents and expatriates alike. Everyone is able to avail themselves of the health services that are financed by public money, and access is open to all, for people of all nationalities. The system comprises state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained professional staff, who operate within a nationwide system of hospitals and healthcare clinics.
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the name of Qatar’s not-for-profit healthcare provider. In order to receive treatment from Hamad Hospital, you must first apply for and acquire a Hamada Health Card.
What are the benefits of having a Hamad Health Card?
- HMC offers the most advanced medical equipment and highly qualified staff.
- All citizens and residents have the right to equal access to health services regardless of residency or nationality.
- Health cardholders may also have prescriptions filled at government-run pharmacies at subsidized rates.
- Treatment is FREE at health centers.
- Consultations or non-emergency treatments may cost extra but is subsidized for those who have a valid health card.
So, what documentations do I require?
You will need the following documents to acquire a Hamad Health Card:
Qataris and GCC nationals:
Qatari Adults: Copies of your passport or ID, a passport-size photograph (4cm X 3cm).
Qatari Children: Birth certificate with Qatar personal identity number or passport, passport-size photograph, vaccination card (for first-time issue).
GCC National Adult Residents: Copy of passport or ID with Qatar personal identity number, a passport-size photograph, your old health card (in case of renewals).
GCC National Child Residents: Birth certificate or passport with Qatar personal identity number, one passport-size photograph, vaccination card (for first-time issue for children born in Qatar), old health card (in case of renewals).
Residence:
Adult Residents: Valid QID or passport with valid residence permit, a passport-size photograph.
Children: Passport, with a valid residence permit, a passport-size photograph, vaccination card (for first-time issue and for those born in Qatar, or who have had their vaccinations done in Qatar).
Domestic Staff: Valid passport with a valid residence permit, a passport-size photograph, original QID of your sponsor (as for professions approved by the MoI for personal sponsorship)
All: A copy of a utility bill (phone, water/electricity) that confirms your address.
Fees
You must pay by credit card. No cash is accepted. The health center will either issue your card immediately or ask you to come back within a few days to collect it.
- For Qatari adults and children- QR 50
- GCC Nationals adult residents and their children – QR 50
- Adult residents and their children – QR 100
What are the procedures?
Obtaining a health card is quick, easy and it is available at all Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospitals. Simply visit one of the cashier counters at an HMC hospital along with all the above mentioned documents and fees. The offices are located in the reception area of the Outpatient Department, and also at the main entrance of the hospital. Health cards are issued during morning working hours only.
How to renew a health card?
In the unfortunate event that you have lost your health card, remember that it may still be valid. The only stipulation for Qatari nationals is that you should pay QR 50 for a replacement card. Non-Qatari residents need to pay QR 100.
If you lose your health card and it has expired, Qatari nationals need to pay QR 100 for a replacement, while non-Qataris have to pay QR 200 for a replacement.
You can also renew your health card online by clicking here.
Contacts:
Hamad Medical Corporation
Phone: (+974)4439-5777
Email: contactus@hamad.qa
Website: www.hmc.org.qa
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(Cover Image credit: Hamad Medical Corporation )
