Medication

Health card can b applied with qid

Having a Qatar health card is of great help, whether it is to compliment your private insurance or to ensure proper medical care in the absence of private insurance. Having a health card ensures you get medical care for a lower price than usual at a government clinic or hospital.

Here's some useful advice about how to get a health card.

First, you must have a valid Qatar residency permit.

To apply for a health card you will need to supply the following documents with your application:

- Residency permit (RP)

- Copy of each applicant's passport

- Qatar ID (issued when you get your RP)

- Two photographs (4x3 cm, blue background)

- QR100 fee

- Copy of water and electricity bill to confirm your address

- Children need valid birth certificates and vaccination cards

Once you have gathered all the documents you need and completed the application form, it is time to find your nearest primary medical centre.

Remember to take all your documents and make sure you go in the morning, as they do not accept health card applications in the afternoon. Early morning is best, as each centre will have a different cut-off time for accepting applications.

Once you have submitted your application forms, your health cards will be issued on the spot. Children born in Qatar do not require a health card and all medical treatment and medicines are free for their first year courtesy of HMC.

Renewing your health card is a simple process and can be done immediately at all HMC health centres and hospitals. You can also renew your health card online or at any Qatar General Post Office.

If renewed online or at the post office, the card will be delivered within two to three weeks of submitting the application.

You can apply for the Health Card at the health centre closest to you or HMC and it is valid for 1 year. It cost Qr.100.00 per year

Your employer can get it done or in some companies a Health Insurance is applied. But it cost more.

Doctor consultation is free for health issues, if you got to pay, they will tell you. The normal rates are about 50 to 75. Keep in mind the private centres will cost you about 3 to 4 times more.

I believe, since you are on meds. it is better to get the health card and have a regular check-up, for which (Mostly) there is no charge. If the meds need to be changed, the doctor will prescribe. which I feel is safer for you.

Thank you Shiva and Angelo#

Your comments and advice is most apperciated.

Can I ask:

I am working here and my job covers health care which is all free. I was told that medication would cost money but at a very small price or discount.

1) where do I get a health card? does this card cost?

2) Can my employer give me this card or a doctors only?

3) Is a doctors consultation free?

Thanks guys

Get yourself a health card, all meds discounted. Plus free consultation (mostly). Checkups are also covered.

Dead Nad,

Qatar Govt has got very good healthcare system. If you are working here please get a healthcard in the nearest Primary Healthcare Centre (PHCC) and after doctor consultation you can get the prescribed medicines at 10% of the original cost ie., 90 percent discount. I am sure it will cost you less than what you used to pay in your country. Have peaceful and good time in Qatar.

With all that medicines you require to survive, you should not have come here in the first place. I guess you are really sick. On the other hand, there some medicines that are available off-the-shelf here while others need a doctor's prescription. If you were getting the medicines mentioned in your post through a doctor's prescription in the UK, the likelihood is that you will be needing a prescription here also. Suggest you visit a pharmacy near your place of residence and they will advise you best.