Article: Qatar’s New Mandatory Travel Insurance Requirement

[AFF Editor]

Qatar’s New Mandatory Travel Insurance Requirement is an article written by AFF editorial staff:

Qatar's New Mandatory Travel Insurance Requirement

International visitors to Qatar must now purchase an eligible travel insurance policy from an approved local provider at a cost of QAR50.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

 

[Princess Fiona]

About $20 per person?
No big deal in the overall cost of International travel.
Nice earner for the Qatar insurance companies though.

 

[Lynda2475]

Not that I ever intend to visit Qatar given their appalling treatment of women, but this $20 would be a non-event. Cuba has had a requirement for tourist to have a policy that includes medical evacuation for decades.

However, I wouldn't be relying solely on this $20 policy, and would make sure I had comprehensive travel insurance as well. I would expect to have better coverage form an aussie policy than such a cheap one. Looks like government revenue raising.

 

[kpc]

Just more beauracratic red tape in the post Covid era of travel.

 

[drron]

Just another tourist tax. Why can't they be honest.
I admit I have been thinking about Qatar but this change drops them back. It's the principle not the amount.

 

[Pushka]

Saudi Arabia has the same thing. Except it's around $100. Waiting for other Emirates states now to do the same thing. Easy money for them.

 

[Quickstatus]

BorderForce should make appropriate TI mandatory for entry into Australia based on the number of people we see seeking medical attention without travel insurance.

They invariably give a false address and costs of medical care are never pursued.

But the above $20 is just a visa fee by stealth

 

[Pushka]

BorderForce should make appropriate TI mandatory for entry into Australia based on the number of people we see seeking medical attention without travel insurance.

They invariably give a false address and costs of medical care are never pursued.

But the above $20 is just a visa fee by stealth

I don't think they ever pursue it. And totally agree unless they come from a country with mutual agreements.

 

[Quickstatus]

It is likely that in the totality of the health budget, the uninsured traveller unpaid medical costs are insignificant. However, when we are told to be mindful of the costs of treatments, I get a bit miffed especially when it's a $100 vial instead of the $20 one (and only used once)

 

[Pushka]

It is likely that in the totality of the health budget, the uninsured traveller unpaid medical costs are insignificant. However, when we are told to be mindful of the costs of treatments, I get a bit miffed

Or wait for delays on important procedures but considered 'elective'. It all adds up.

 

[Quickstatus]

It all adds up.

One place I worked at, all staff had to pay for Christmas lunch. And the "free" bread sent to the staff room was expired frozen

 

[Pushka]

One place I worked at, all staff had to pay for Christmas lunch. And the "free" bread sent to the staff room was expired frozen

I wonder who might have purchased that bread

 

[Daver6]

BorderForce should make appropriate TI mandatory for entry into Australia based on the number of people we see seeking medical attention without travel insurance.

They invariably give a false address and costs of medical care are never pursued.

But the above $20 is just a visa fee by stealth

Given how costly a tourist visa is to Australia, some might argue it should include some insurance!

 

[bussyboy]

All good until:

- Denied insurance on arrival, pre existing medical conditions
- Australian insurer gets locked into battle over double insurance with qatar insurer and you have to deal with the fallout

 

[Quickstatus]

it should include some insurance

Some Visa classes require a health insurance policy. Others do not
Make it all mandatory

Those with Adequate TI get a Visa
Those whose TI does not cover pre-existing conditions can get a Visa with extra but expensive cover. There may be situations where some people with preexisting conditions may not be able to get a Visa.

It would also cause other countries to then make Australian travelling overseas take out TI. Good!

 

[Berlin]

Aaah- stupid Qatar. Will never forget the appalling treatment I got when I had a bottle of expensive Bordeaux in my luggage and the liquid detector alarms (seriously!) went off. Could have thought you were… right in the Middle East!

I know it’s the same same when it comes to women or gay rights but still- Dubai/Abu Dhabi are much easier on this kind of stuff. Still sucks if you ask me.

Love Qatar as an airline. Doha and the airport, not so much.

 

[jeza]

Appears to have been updated & now only for stays greater than 30 days.

Health insurance policy | Travel information

Travellers entering Qatar are required to obtain health insurance with any insurance company that is registered with the Ministry of Public Health.

visitqatar.com

 

[burmans]

Much more reasonable!