Healthcare in Oman
Oman has a world-class health care system, ranked one of the best in the world. Unfortunately, most expats do not qualify for public health care, and will need to arrange private coverage for themselves and their families. However, expats do benefit from the state-of-the-art medical facilities and highly skilled doctors throughout the country.
The largest hospitals in the country are located in Muscat, the capital, but medical clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies can be found throughout the country. Medical professionals almost always speak English to high levels, as most doctors and specialists have trained and studied outside of the country, or are expats themselves. The government is working to encourage more Omani students to go into the fields of medicine.
The public health care system
Free healthcare is provided by the Sultanate to all Omani citizens, as well as expats from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This covers primary care, specialist appointments, and almost all medical treatments as needed. If you are an expat but are employed by the government, then you usually receive public health care. If you are from outside the GCC and employed in the private sector, then you are not covered by the public system and will need to have private insurance.
Private healthcare
Previously, expats in Oman had to organise their own health care, as it was not mandatory for employers with insurance. However, a new law in 2018 has announced that providing health insurance for international workers is now mandatory, although the details are still not known as it to how this will be implemented.
There is a wide range of private health insurance providers in the country, so research plans in advance to ensure they will best meet the requirements of you and your family. Some of the leading health insurance providers are:
Consider having a look at their offers according to your needs and get a free quote on Expat.com's Health Insurance for expatriates in Oman page.
It is helpful to ensure that your plan includes coverage for all medical treatments, and air ambulance coverage, in case of emergencies, if you need to fly back to your home country for treatment.
Medical treatments can be accessed quickly, and the private system provides care to a very high standard. In Muscat, medical facilities are very easy to access, but if you are spending time in more remote areas, consider asking your doctor for information on the area's medical services before you travel. Medicines can also be accessed easily, although it is important to note that some medications, such as certain antidepressants, are banned in the country, so talk to your doctor before travelling to ensure you have access to your medications overseas.
Good to know:
The emergency services number in Oman is 9999. Ambulance services can be hard to come by, so you may need to arrange your own travel to be treated.
Other considerations
Temperatures can be extremely hot in Oman, and the weather is often dusty. That can cause dehydration and can cause respiratory problems. Talk to your doctor before considering a move to Oman if this may impact you.
Before moving to Oman, expats are recommended to receive the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Polio
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Tetanus
- cough
- Flu shot
Useful links:
