Medical insurance

InTheChoiceTrap
By InTheChoiceTrap

Am looking to move to Doha, and the company says they only pay for the employees private medical insurance. When I asked about the family, they said the national healthcare was only a 100qar per person and I could get that for my wife and kids... Am moving from Singapore, being offered 40k base + housing, car and 75% of kids edu. We are stuck on this topic of med insurance. Any thoughts?

By Bachus• 6 Aug 2012 14:47
Bachus

OK then. 40k a month is fine then, if housing, car and most of school fees are covered. Just make sure the housing allowance is reasonable (15k per month minimum for a decent family villa; more if you want something especially nice).

I'd still push for private medical insurance. If you have it, it may be possible to contact the insurer and see if you can have a private policy with them (I have no idea what the cost would be). Regardless, I would not rely on the national system for routine care, especially for your children.

Good luck.

By InTheChoiceTrap• 6 Aug 2012 10:29
InTheChoiceTrap

Sorry I didn't specify that.

From what I gather the 100qar per yr is something I can try out first before the family get there, and if needed then I could spend 4-5k per year for the family private insurance... (assuming 4-5k for the family and not per family member)

By InTheChoiceTrap• 6 Aug 2012 10:29
InTheChoiceTrap

Sorry I didn't specify that.

From what I gather the 100qar per yr is something I can try out first before the family get there, and if needed then I could spend 4-5k per year for the family private insurance... (assuming 4-5k for the family and not per family member)

By Talhaamir• 6 Aug 2012 10:07
Talhaamir

Government health care system is the BEST.

You pay 100 QR and get good services. Even if you have private insurance, some time private hospitals can not handle your case and refer you to Hamad Medical Corporation.

By ghazalz• 6 Aug 2012 09:47
ghazalz

vivme and Fomatted soul, you are right.

OP is asking for Medical insurance and I'm sure he is mentioning his monthly salary, but I wonder why Bachus said it's hard to keep a family here in this income.

By Formatted Soul• 6 Aug 2012 09:35
Formatted Soul

vivme.. exactly my question... I read it few times.. didnt see anywhere that its per annum nor per month..

yes if its per month..you can easily get pvt medical insurance for family which will cost only 4-5k a year..

By vivme• 6 Aug 2012 09:19
vivme

Guys, am I reading this right? Where is it mentioned that the package is 40K per annum?

I assume it is per month and that is plenty!

By Stevanlea• 6 Aug 2012 08:59
Stevanlea

Hi I am a British expat living and working in Doha for 12 years and we have always had our local health card costing Qr 100 . People are spoilt here with having private insurance and don't know how good the local services are.

Why pay for a private clinic.? All they are interested in is making profit.

Go to the government run clinics and everything is subsidised by the government here.

Money is no object! You get the best.

I have had two major operations done here in Hamad hospital.

I have been going to a local clinic for 12 years and had excellent care.

They refer you straight to a specialist if they suspect anything wrong.

I have had in the last month a colonoscopy, and endoscopy , seen a heart specialist and had a complete medical to check there is nothing going on that could cause future problems. All because I am over 50 and these checks can save lives in the future.

Excellent care here.

This would never happen in the UK. You would be on a wait list for a year at least to just see one specialist and have one procedure.

Each procedure , done under sedation only cost me Qr75 .

For a paltry sum of Qr100 I recommend the health care in Qatar.

Of course you wait a little when you go for your check up. Not like the private hospitals, but for the standard of care here it's well worth it.

By mkg83us• 6 Aug 2012 08:55
mkg83us

Yes 40k is not enough...plus private Medical facilities here are too costly..National Healthcare is for the Govt Run Hospital Called Hamad Medical Corporation. If you go for a routine checkup..you may end up staying there for around 5-6 hours..better think of this twice as moving with Family would be a very big decision without proper Medical facilities.

By ush1977• 6 Aug 2012 05:09
ush1977

Yes 40k is not enough and i dont think you can apply for the family visa unless the company is doing it for you....

By Tarsiers• 6 Aug 2012 04:53
Tarsiers

As far as I know more than 50% of expatriates in Qatar are living with their families with only 5000 QR per month!

By ghazalz• 6 Aug 2012 04:10
ghazalz

Tarsiers, Bachus means 40K per annum ain't enough for a family to live here.

National healthcare is only a 100/- QR per person is true Mr.InTheChoiceTrap.

By Bachus• 6 Aug 2012 03:21
Bachus

The national health is passable for emergency care but for routine and elective procedures, private is the only reasonable option.

40k base is not enough for a family to live on even with the benefits you mentioned.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.