Health insurance must for expats and visitors in six months: MoPH

QNA Doha The healthcare services law issued by HH the Amir on Tuesday would make health insurance mandatory for expatriates and visitors when it comes into force in six months, the Ministry of Public Health confirmed on Wednesday. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday issued Law No. 22 of 2021, which will become effective six months after its publication in the official gazette. The Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday said the law aims to develop and organise the health sector in the country. Based on the new law, a mandatory health insurance system will be implemented for expatriates and visitors to the country. The system will provide basic health care services to them through government and private health facilities, as per their coverage policy. The provisions of the law also obligate employers to provide health insurance to non-Qatari workers through insurance companies registered with the Ministry of Public Health. The same obligation applies to a resident who brings someone to Qatar. As per the draft law that was approved by the Shura Council earlier this year, proof of having health insurance would be a prerequisite before a residence permit can be granted or renewed. The ministry said the insurance system would reduce the waiting time in government health facilities with the participation of more private players along with the public facilities in providing health care services to the population. The ministry said it would set the standards for the application of the law and the health insurance system shortly.