How to Get Qatar Health Card: Step-by-Step (2026)
The Qatar Health Card (also called the Hamad Health Card) is your passport into Qatar’s public healthcare system. Without it, you’re paying full private rates at HMC facilities or going through the Emergency Department for everything, neither of which is a situation you want to be in long-term.
Here’s the frustrating part that nobody tells you upfront: not every expat in Qatar automatically qualifies for a health card, and the process is more involved than a simple online registration. I’ve helped colleagues navigate this more times than I can count, and the most common mistake is showing up at the wrong place with incomplete documents and wasting an entire morning.
This guide covers who qualifies, exactly what documents you need, where to go, how long it takes, and what happens if your application hits a snag. If you’re trying to understand the broader public versus private healthcare landscape in Qatar first, start with our complete Qatar healthcare guide, then come back here when you’re ready to apply.
What Is the Qatar Health Card?
The Qatar Health Card (QHC) is issued by Hamad Medical Corporation and gives you subsidized access to all HMC facilities, including the specialist hospitals covered in our best hospitals guide. Cardholders pay significantly reduced rates (or in some cases, nothing) for consultations, investigations, and treatment at HMC hospitals and clinics.
For Qatari nationals, the card is essentially free healthcare. For expatriates, the card provides access at reduced rates that are still much lower than private hospital costs. A specialist consultation at an HMC facility with a health card typically costs QR 50-100, compared to QR 300-600 at a private hospital for the same type of appointment.
The card is separate from your employer’s private health insurance. You can hold both, and many residents do.
Who Qualifies for a Qatar Health Card?
This is where a lot of confusion starts. Eligibility is not simply “anyone with a QID.”
Automatically eligible:
- Qatari nationals
- Spouses and dependent children of Qatari nationals
- Government employees (Qatar government ministries and departments)
- Employees of quasi-government entities (Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Airways, and similar – though many of these have their own corporate insurance arrangements instead)
Eligible with employer sponsorship:
- Private sector employees whose employers are registered with HMC and pay the health card fee on their behalf
- Domestic workers sponsored by Qatari households
Eligible for self-pay health card (reduced rate access):
- Expatriates who do not qualify through the above categories but wish to pay for a health card independently
- Family members of expat employees on certain visa categories
Not eligible or limited access:
- Tourist visa holders (emergency treatment is available to everyone regardless of card status, but routine care is not)
- Visitors on visit visas
The honest reality as of 2026: a significant number of private sector expat employees fall into a middle category where their employer technically should provide health coverage but either provides a basic private insurance plan instead of an HMC card, or provides minimal coverage. If you’re unsure whether your employer has arranged HMC card access for you, ask HR directly and ask them to show you the actual arrangement in writing.
Documents You Need
Getting your document list wrong is the most common reason people leave the PHCC or HMC registration office empty-handed. Bring everything on this list, originals plus copies.
For employees (employer-sponsored):
- Original Qatar ID (QID) – must be valid
- Passport (original and copy)
- Employment contract or salary certificate (original, on company letterhead, signed and stamped)
- Company’s CR (Commercial Registration) copy – your HR department should have this
- Employer authorization letter stating they are applying for health card on your behalf
For self-pay applicants:
- Original Qatar ID (QID)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Proof of residence (tenancy contract or utility bill in your name)
- Bank statement showing Qatar-based account (some offices ask for this, some don’t)
For dependents (spouse/children on your sponsorship):
- Your QID
- Dependent’s QID or passport with valid residence permit
- Your marriage certificate (for spouse) – must be attested if issued outside Qatar
- Birth certificates for children – attested if issued outside Qatar
- Your health card (if already obtained)
Attestation of foreign documents is a topic in itself. If your marriage or birth certificates were issued outside Qatar, they typically need apostille or embassy attestation plus Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qatar attestation. For details on document attestation in Qatar, see our document attestation guide.
Where to Apply: The Right Location Matters
This is the detail that saves you the most time. There are multiple places you can apply, and the right one depends on your situation.
PHCC Health Centers (Primary Health Care Corporation) For most expat employees and self-pay applicants, your local PHCC health center is the starting point. There are over 30 PHCC health centers across Qatar. Find the one nearest to where you live or work at phcc.com.qa.
When I helped a colleague register in 2024, we went to the Al Thumama PHCC center at 7:30 AM on a Tuesday and were done by 9:15 AM. Arriving before 8 AM matters. By 10 AM the registration queue can be an hour long.
HMC Corporate Relations (for employer-batch registrations) If your company is registering multiple employees at once, your HR department handles this through HMC’s corporate channel rather than individual PHCC visits. If your company has more than 10-15 employees needing cards, push HR to use this route, it’s significantly faster.
Online via MyHealth Portal HMC has expanded its online registration options. As of early 2026, existing QID holders can initiate health card applications through the MyHealth portal (myhealth.hamad.qa). However, in practice many people find they still need to visit in person at some stage to complete biometrics or verify documents. Start online but be prepared for an in-person follow-up.
HMC Main Registration, Hamad General Hospital For complex cases (dependents with unusual visa categories, cases where employer documentation is complicated), the main registration office at Hamad General Hospital can handle situations that PHCC health centers sometimes can’t resolve. It’s more crowded than a local PHCC center, but the staff have more authority to resolve non-standard cases.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility category Before anything else, confirm whether you’re applying as employer-sponsored, self-pay, or as a dependent. This determines which documents you need and where you should go.
Step 2: Gather your documents Collect everything listed above for your category. Make photocopies of everything. Some offices have a photocopier on-site, but don’t rely on it.
Step 3: Visit your nearest PHCC health center Go in the morning, ideally before 8 AM. Tell the reception you’re there for health card registration. In most centers, registration is handled at a dedicated counter separate from the medical consultation queue.
Step 4: Submit documents and complete the registration form The staff will review your documents and have you complete a registration form. For employer-sponsored cards, your employer’s details are entered at this stage. The form is straightforward, mostly confirming your personal details from your QID.
Step 5: Biometrics (photo and fingerprint) New applicants provide a photo and fingerprint scan at the registration counter. This takes about five minutes. If you’ve previously had an HMC health card and are renewing or updating, your biometrics may already be on the system.
Step 6: Pay the fee (if applicable) Employer-sponsored health cards are typically paid by your employer directly to HMC, so you may not pay anything at this step. Self-pay applicants pay the annual fee at the counter.
Step 7: Receive your card or collect later In some PHCC centers, a temporary card or registration confirmation is issued immediately and the physical card is printed within a few days. In others, you’re told to collect the physical card after 3-7 working days. Some centers mail the card to your registered address. Ask specifically at your center which process applies.
Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay
| Card Category | Annual Fee (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qatari national | Free | Government-funded |
| Government employee (expat) | Free or employer-paid | Varies by ministry |
| Private sector (employer-sponsored) | QR 300-500 | Employer pays, not employee |
| Self-pay individual | QR 500-800 | Paid directly at registration |
| Dependent (per person) | QR 300-500 | Under main cardholder’s account |
These figures are approximate as of early 2026. HMC adjusts fees periodically, and your specific employer arrangement may mean a different structure. Always confirm the current fee at the time of your application.
The fee covers your access for the card year. It does not mean all treatment is free. Even with a health card, you pay consultation fees and some treatment fees, though at substantially reduced rates compared to what you’d pay as a non-cardholder.
How Long Does It Take?
From walking into a PHCC center with complete documents to walking out with a confirmed registration: typically 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on queue length.
Physical card collection: 3-7 working days at most centers.
From initial visit to being able to use your card for a specialist appointment: typically 1-2 weeks, accounting for card processing and booking your first PHCC appointment to get a specialist referral if needed.
Employer batch registrations can take longer, sometimes 2-4 weeks, because they go through HMC’s corporate channel. If you need healthcare access urgently during this period, ask HR for a letter confirming your registration is pending, which some HMC facilities will accept as interim proof.
After You Get Your Card: Using It
Getting the card is step one. Using it efficiently is where the real knowledge matters.
Your health card gives you access to PHCC primary care clinics first, and from there you get referred into HMC specialist hospitals as needed. You can book PHCC appointments through the MyHealth app (available on iOS and Android), by calling 16060, or by walking in.
For specialist care at facilities like Heart Hospital, NCCCR, or Women’s Hospital, you generally need a PHCC referral first. The exception is Emergency, which you can access at any HMC facility without a referral.
One thing that trips up a lot of newly registered cardholders: your health card is tied to a “home” PHCC center based on where you registered. You can change this, but it requires a brief admin visit. If you move to a different area of Doha, update your registered PHCC center to avoid inconvenience.
Renewing Your Qatar Health Card
Health cards are typically valid for one year, aligned with your QID validity. Renewal involves the same basic process: visit your PHCC center, confirm your documents are current, and pay the renewal fee if applicable.
Start renewal 2-3 weeks before expiry to avoid any gap in coverage. HMC typically sends a renewal reminder via SMS to your registered mobile number.
If your QID is close to expiry, renew your QID first, then renew your health card. Trying to renew a health card on an expiring QID often creates administrative complications. For the QID renewal process, see our complete QID guide.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: “My employer says I have health coverage but I don’t have a health card.” Your employer may have enrolled you in a private insurance plan rather than an HMC health card. These are different things. Ask HR specifically: “Is my healthcare coverage a Hamad Health Card or a private insurance policy?” Both provide healthcare access but through different systems and facilities. Neither is automatically better; it depends on your needs.
Problem 2: “I registered but my card hasn’t arrived after two weeks.” Visit the PHCC center where you registered with your registration receipt. Cards occasionally get lost in the process. They can reprint or reissue with your original registration details.
Problem 3: “My PHCC center says I need additional documents that aren’t on the official list.” Discretion exists at local level and individual staff sometimes ask for documents beyond the standard list. If you’re told you need something unusual, ask to speak with the center manager or try the main HMC registration office at Hamad General, which tends to handle cases more by the book.
Problem 4: “I’m on a family visa sponsored by my spouse, not a work visa.” You would apply as a dependent under your spouse’s health card if they have one, or as a self-pay applicant if they don’t. Bring your QID, passport, marriage certificate (attested), and your spouse’s health card or QID.
Problem 5: “My documents from my home country aren’t attested.” Marriage and birth certificates issued abroad need attestation before PHCC will accept them for dependent registrations. This is a separate process involving your home country’s authorities and Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It takes weeks to months depending on the country. In the meantime, your children can access emergency care, but routine health card registration for dependents will wait until attestation is complete.
Problem 6: “I changed jobs – do I need a new health card?” If your health card was employer-sponsored and you’ve changed employers, your new employer needs to update the card to their account or issue a new one. Your old card may be deactivated when your previous employer terminates your sponsorship. Check with your new HR as part of your onboarding process, and don’t assume continuity.
FAQ
Can I get a Qatar Health Card without a QID? No. A valid QID is a prerequisite for health card registration. If you’ve just arrived in Qatar and your QID is being processed, you won’t be able to get a health card yet. For urgent healthcare during this period, you’ll use private facilities or the HMC Emergency Department.
Is the health card the same as health insurance? No. The health card provides subsidized access to HMC public facilities. Health insurance (whether through your employer’s private plan or self-purchased) covers costs at private hospitals and may cover HMC facilities depending on the policy. Many residents have both. For full details, see our Qatar health insurance guide.
How much does a health card cost for a family of four? Roughly QR 1,200-2,000 for the full family annually in a self-pay scenario, covering two adults and two children. Employer-sponsored cards are covered by the employer so there’s no direct cost to you.
Can I use my health card at any HMC hospital? Yes. Your health card is valid across all HMC facilities, including Hamad General, Heart Hospital, Women’s Hospital, NCCCR, and others. However, accessing specialist hospitals typically requires a PHCC referral rather than walking directly into the specialist facility.
What happens if I need emergency treatment and don’t have my card with me? Emergency treatment at HMC facilities is provided regardless of card status. You will be treated and billed or sorted out administratively afterward. Don’t delay emergency care because of a missing card.
Can my domestic worker get a health card? Yes, if sponsored by a Qatari household. The sponsoring employer handles registration. For expat-sponsored domestic workers, the situation is more complex and you should check directly with HMC about current eligibility.
Does the health card cover dental treatment? Basic dental care is available at some PHCC centers for health card holders, but Qatar’s dental coverage within the public system is limited. For anything beyond basic extractions and pain management, most people use private dental clinics. For costs and recommendations, see our best hospitals guide.
Can I register my newborn baby? Yes. Register your newborn as a dependent as soon as their birth certificate and QID are processed. Newborns receive their QID within a few weeks of birth. Until the QID is issued, they can still receive treatment at HMC under your account in the interim.
What if I lose my health card? Visit your registered PHCC center with your QID and report the loss. A replacement card is issued, sometimes with a small administrative fee.
Is there an age limit for health card holders? Children are registered as dependents typically up to age 18, or up to 25 if in full-time education in some cases. Adult children who begin working take out their own cards through their employers.
Cost and Timeline Summary
| Stage | Time Required | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | 1-3 days | Variable (attestation can cost QR 200-500 per document if needed) |
| PHCC visit and registration | 1-2 hours | Self-pay: QR 500-800; Employer-sponsored: QR 0 |
| Card processing | 3-7 working days | Included in registration fee |
| First PHCC appointment (after card) | 1-3 days | QR 50 consultation fee |
| Specialist referral processing | 1-3 weeks | Included |
Next Steps
- Confirm your eligibility category by speaking with your HR department or checking your visa type against the criteria above
- Gather your documents before visiting any PHCC center – incomplete documents mean a wasted trip
- Locate your nearest PHCC center at phcc.com.qa and check their registration hours before going
- Understand your health insurance situation alongside the health card – read our Qatar health insurance guide to make sure you have appropriate coverage
- Download the MyHealth app after registration to book PHCC appointments and manage your health card online
Last updated: February 2026.
Eligibility criteria, fees, and processes are subject to change by HMC and PHCC. Always verify current requirements directly with your local PHCC health center before applying.
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