- The best travel insurance plans for Qatar
- Is it currently safe to travel to Qatar?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Qatar?
- Why take out travel insurance for Qatar?
- What Travel Insurance for Qatar Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Qatar
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Qatar
- Understanding your insurance coverage in Qatar
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Qatar: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Qatar covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians on short stays but is strongly recommended for protection.
3. Healthcare cost: High-quality healthcare in Qatar is expensive, with hospital stays costing over AUD 1,000 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Qatar typically costs between AUD 40 and AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Respect local laws and customs, including conservative dress codes, to avoid any potential legal issues.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Qatar.
The best travel insurance plans for Qatar
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | Our top choice for Qatar. - very high medical ceiling - repatriation included - broad coverage |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Ideal for short trips to Qatar. - strong 24/7 support - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 800k AUD | Practical, affordable for tourists. - solid medical protection - emergency assistance - easy claims |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M AUD | Flexible option for business or holiday. - includes repatriation - hospital care - wide geographic scope |
| Globe Partner | 480k AUD | Essential cover for international stays. - good baseline protection - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | 800k AUD | Good for short, lower-risk visits. - emergency medical - quick processing - reasonable ceiling |
- very high medical ceiling
- repatriation included
- broad coverage
- strong 24/7 support
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical protection
- emergency assistance
- easy claims
- includes repatriation
- hospital care
- wide geographic scope
- good baseline protection
- repatriation
- civil liability
- emergency medical
- quick processing
- reasonable ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to Qatar?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Qatar, mainly due to the volatile regional security situation in the Middle East.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: although Qatar is regarded as stable, rising regional tensions can lead to sudden airspace closures or flight cancellations, especially if conflict in neighbouring areas escalates.
- Health risks: cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) have been confirmed. Australian travellers should avoid contact with camels or camel products and expect extremely hot weather, with temperatures above 50°C in summer.
- Legal constraints: strict laws govern online speech, public conduct and dress. Posting critical comments about Qatar’s government or commercial enterprises is prohibited and can result in arrest.
- Cultural norms: conservative dress codes apply in all public places. For example, covering shoulders and knees is required at markets, museums and religious sites.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Qatar.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Qatar?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens to enter Qatar if visiting for 30 days or less.
It is still strongly recommended because healthcare costs in Qatar can be substantial and must often be paid upfront. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also highlights the risk of unexpected incidents, such as medical emergencies or travel disruptions, which can result in high expenses.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Qatar. This high percentage reflects the unpredictable regional context and the potential costs of private healthcare in Qatar.
Why take out travel insurance for Qatar?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Qatar.
Foreign visitors are generally directed to private healthcare providers in Qatar, such as Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha, where treatment is often expensive and upfront payment may be required. Even routine care, diagnostic tests, or emergency admission can result in high costs for Australians, especially without reciprocal arrangements.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and repatriation to Australia if you face a serious incident during your trip.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Qatar.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hamad Medical Corporation | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalised 48 hours after contracting an infection | 6,000 QAR (2,500 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 8,000 QAR (3,350 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 80,000 QAR (33,400 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 14,000 QAR (5,850 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Qatar Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Pays for hospitalisation, consultations, medications, and emergency treatments if you fall ill or are injured. Recommended minimum: 350,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Covers air ambulance or evacuation to Australia or a nearby country if you cannot receive adequate care locally. Recommended minimum: 150,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or curtailment | Refunding non-refundable travel and accommodation if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to covered unforeseen events. Recommended minimum: 12,000 AUD. |
| 💼 Baggage and valuables | Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal effects during the journey. Recommended minimum: 5,000 AUD. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Protects you if you accidentally cause injury or property damage to others while travelling. Recommended minimum: 2,000,000 AUD. |
| 🏨 Travel delay | Compensates costs for accommodation and meals in case of significant travel delays for reasons such as weather, strikes, or technical failures. Recommended minimum: 2,000 AUD. |
| 💊 Emergency dental | Covers sudden dental emergencies and pain relief treatments while in Qatar. Recommended minimum: 2,000 AUD. |
| 🌪️ Natural disaster cover | Covers evacuation, extra accommodation, or rebooking if natural disasters (like dust storms) affect your travel. Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD. |
Recommended minimum: 350,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 150,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 12,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 5,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 2,000,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 2,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 2,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD.
Travel insurance from local Qatar providers or bank cards is often limited, with lower benefit limits and many exclusions, particularly for medical evacuation and valuables. Choosing a comprehensive and trusted insurer keeps you safer. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Qatar
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 41 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 71 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 115 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 202 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
G'day! When sorting out travel insurance for Qatar, remember the price is influenced by several things: your age, the length of your stay, your chosen level of cover, and any extras like trip cancellation. The regional security situation can also play a part. Keeping these factors in mind will help you snag the right policy without any nasty surprises.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Qatar
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Qatar while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Premiums rise with longer stays. Many Australians visit Qatar for 1-2 weeks, which impacts cost. | Get coverage only for the actual length of stay and avoid rounding up unnecessarily. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Family or group policies can be more cost-effective for couples or families travelling together. | Consider bundled or family plans for groups to reduce the individual premium per person. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Healthcare costs in Qatar are high, but unnecessarily high coverage can drive up your premium. | Select realistic coverage limits that fit Qatar’s costs and embassy recommendations, not excessive sums. |
| ⚠️ Policy excess | The amount you pay in the event of a claim affects your premium. Higher excess reduces cost. | Opt for a higher excess if you have a good health record and are willing to pay more in a rare event. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | Premiums typically increase with age but insurers vary in their approach to risk pricing. | Compare different providers, as Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🚩 Activities covered | Insurance for activities such as dune driving or sports may not be needed for all travellers. | Exclude optional adventure or sports coverage if these activities are not part of your travel plans. |
| 🌍 Region of coverage | Regional or Qatar-only policies are likely cheaper than worldwide plans if you stay in one place. | Select a policy targeted just for Qatar or the Middle East if you aren’t transiting through other areas. |
Understanding your insurance coverage in Qatar
It is legitimate to wonder if your current cover—public health insurance, private insurance, or credit card insurance—could protect you during a trip to Qatar. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient, especially for medical emergencies overseas. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Qatar? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No health coverage outside Australia. Does not pay for medical fees, evacuation, or any healthcare in Qatar. | Travel insurance covers up to 10,000,000 AUD for medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and evacuation, all excluded by Medicare. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Emergency overseas medical expenses possibly up to 50,000 AUD, but excludes evacuation and many incident types. | Travel insurance may reimburse medical costs up to 10,000,000 AUD, and includes repatriation, theft, and trip interruptions. |
| Classic credit card (Westpac Low Rate, ANZ First, NAB) | Limited coverage | Emergency cover, luggage, or delays, generally up to 5,000–20,000 AUD. Excludes pre-existing illness, evacuation. | Travel insurance often covers up to 10,000,000 AUD and includes adventure activities, liability, and medical evacuation. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, CBA Diamond, NAB Qantas Rewards Premium) | Limited coverage | Enhanced limits (medical up to 100,000 AUD), strict criteria and exclusions for high-risk destinations. | Travel insurance offers up to 10,000,000 AUD for medical expenses, personal liability, cancellations, and fewer exclusions. |
Example
While exploring Doha, Aussie tourist Chloe suffered severe heatstroke. Her hospital bill reached AU$11,000. Her CommBank Debit Mastercard's complimentary insurance had a low limit, and her domestic health cover was invalid overseas. She had to pay nearly the full amount, a costly lesson as insurance isn't mandatory for short stays.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude crucial cover like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always check the policy wording carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Qatar?
No, Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Qatar for stays of up to 30 days. Entry is visa-free, but you should have a valid passport for at least three months from arrival, proof of accommodation, and a confirmed return or onward ticket. Always check for the latest entry requirements before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Qatar?
To purchase travel insurance, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check policy details and exclusions closely, especially the medical coverage and activities relevant to Qatar. Complete your purchase online. After payment, you will receive your insurance certificate by email for your records.
Are there specific health risks to consider when travelling to Qatar?
In Qatar, travellers should be aware of high temperatures, air pollution, and occasional dust storms that can cause respiratory issues. Cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) have been reported, so avoid contact with camels and their products. Adequate medical cover in your travel insurance is essential due to potentially high hospital costs.
Does travel insurance cover disruptions like flight cancellations or regional security issues in Qatar?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for trip cancellations, delays, and some disruptions linked to regional events. However, it’s important to check the policy for exclusions related to civil unrest or government travel warnings, as cover may be limited in situations considered foreseeable or high-risk.
What documents do I need to provide if I make a claim on my travel insurance while in Qatar?
You should keep all relevant receipts, medical reports, police reports for theft or loss, and your insurance policy number. Insurers might also ask for proof of travel such as flight tickets and accommodation bookings. Promptly contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team for support and guidance throughout your claim.
Is travel insurance recommended even if I am only in Qatar for a short stay?
Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended even for short trips. Medical care in Qatar is of high quality but can be expensive without adequate insurance. Insurance also helps cover costs for lost belongings, delays, and emergencies, providing peace of mind throughout your journey.
Do I need a visa to travel to Qatar?
No, Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Qatar for stays of up to 30 days. Entry is visa-free, but you should have a valid passport for at least three months from arrival, proof of accommodation, and a confirmed return or onward ticket. Always check for the latest entry requirements before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Qatar?
To purchase travel insurance, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check policy details and exclusions closely, especially the medical coverage and activities relevant to Qatar. Complete your purchase online. After payment, you will receive your insurance certificate by email for your records.
Are there specific health risks to consider when travelling to Qatar?
In Qatar, travellers should be aware of high temperatures, air pollution, and occasional dust storms that can cause respiratory issues. Cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) have been reported, so avoid contact with camels and their products. Adequate medical cover in your travel insurance is essential due to potentially high hospital costs.
Does travel insurance cover disruptions like flight cancellations or regional security issues in Qatar?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for trip cancellations, delays, and some disruptions linked to regional events. However, it’s important to check the policy for exclusions related to civil unrest or government travel warnings, as cover may be limited in situations considered foreseeable or high-risk.
What documents do I need to provide if I make a claim on my travel insurance while in Qatar?
You should keep all relevant receipts, medical reports, police reports for theft or loss, and your insurance policy number. Insurers might also ask for proof of travel such as flight tickets and accommodation bookings. Promptly contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team for support and guidance throughout your claim.
Is travel insurance recommended even if I am only in Qatar for a short stay?
Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended even for short trips. Medical care in Qatar is of high quality but can be expensive without adequate insurance. Insurance also helps cover costs for lost belongings, delays, and emergencies, providing peace of mind throughout your journey.
