In Qatar, healthcare services are provided at highly subsidized rates to the citizens and Qatari residents at government hospitals and clinics. To get these subsidized medical services, a citizen must have a government-issued card called a Health card. In other words, it is often referred to as the Hamad Card because it is linked to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
While an active Health Card grants access to numerous healthcare services, an expired card will prevent you from receiving these benefits. Therefore, it is recommended to renew your Health Card before it expires.
Renewing a Health Card is a seamless process. You can choose between online or in-person method, depending on your preference. For online renewal, apply through the Hukoomi website or visit your nearest Hamad Medical Corporation facility if you want to renew your card physically.
In this article, we will guide you on how to renew your health card in Qatar. From costs to proceedings and the detailed information required, Seek Qatar will discuss the renewal process of the Health card in detail.
Hamad Health Card – Your Health, One Card Away
Qatar Health Card is a government-issued card, the same size as a driver’s license (which you can use to hunt top-rated driver jobs in Qatar), that contains your ID card number, photo, nationality, and date of issue. With this card, you can avail healthcare services—from consultations to prescriptions—at discounted rates. You can also purchase prescribed medicines at government pharmacies at effective special prices. But before that, you should check your QID status online.
A unique aspect of the Qatar Health Card is that, unlike in many other countries, Qatar officials don’t print the expiry date on the card. To check when it expires, you can simply log in to your online portal. Also, when you renew your card, you won’t get a new physical one; your details will just be updated online.
If you’re also thinking about getting a driving license, you can visit driving schools in Qatar to start your journey from learner to driver. For residents who already hold a valid foreign driving license, they may not need to go through the full process of attending driving school. Instead, they could potentially be eligible for direct license conversion after meeting certain requirements.
Why is Renewing a Health Card Essential?
Curious about why renewing your health card in Qatar is important? Here’s a list of reasons that highlight its significance. To renew your card, you can either check the online portal for updates or if needed, access services at your nearest healthcare center. The Doha Metro does provide a direct connection to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Specifically, the Red Line of the metro will take you directly to Hamad Hospital (also known as Hamad General Hospital), which is part of the Hamad Medical Corporation network.
1. Getting Smooth Access to Hamad Healthcare Services
The first and foremost reason to renew your health card is to maintain complete, continuous, and seamless coverage to healthcare services. If not, you may have to pay higher charges for medical services, which could exceed your budget.
2. Acquiring Legal Compliance
As per Qatar’s official laws and regulations, everyone residing in Qatar must have a valid Qatar Health Card. If you don’t have one, you could be seen as not following the rules, which may lead to legal issues and complications with residency permits or work visas.
3. Ensuring Your Security
By updating your health card, you ensure that your personal data is up to date and secure. However, failure to keep it updated may result in consequences during medical emergencies—certainly not a situation anyone wants to face.
4. Avoiding Delays in Healthcare Services
Getting your health card renewed on time ensures continuous availability of medical care and prevents delays or denials of healthcare services when needed
When to Check the Hamad Health Card Validity?
To avoid any last-minute hassle and maintain uninterrupted healthcare services, it’s essential to act early and begin the renewal process in advance. Make it a habit to regularly verify your health card’s expiration date to stay ahead.
1. Verifying the Expiry Date Timely
Usually, a health card in Qatar is activated for a year or more from the date of issuance. Keeping this in mind, you can estimate your health card expiry. Just keep checking on it and start processing it before it expires.
Here’s the validity of health cards in Qatar, based on the individual’s status:
- Qatari citizens: Health cards are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
- Non-Qatari residents: Health cards are valid for 1 year. Renewal is required annually.
- GCC Nationals: Health cards for GCC nationals are also valid for 5 years. Similar to Qatari citizens.
- Local staff (expatriates working in Qatar):: For local staff, including those employed by Qatari companies, health cards are typically valid for 1 year.
- Newborn babies: : Health cards for newborns are generally issued with a validity of 1 year.
2. Set a Mark on the Renewal Timeline
Set a highlighted mark on your calendar for the health card renewal timeline and start the renewal process at least a month in advance. This will give you enough time to complete the required documents and submit your application
How to Renew Your Hamad Health Card?
Two conventional methods are used to renew your health card in Qatar, online and offline. Here’s the complete guide on how to apply for the renewal of your health card.
1. Renewing Your Hamad Health Card Online
The most convenient and efficient way to renew your health card is through the online process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to updating your health card:
- Visit the Hukoomi Qatar E-Government official website
- Open the Health Card E-services page for your renewal request.
- Enter your QID card number on it.
- Select the transaction type as “Renew” and click Next.
- Enter your phone number and the desired validity period for your health card.
- Enter your email address to receive the receipt/voucher by mail.
- Enter your phone number to receive SMS notifications about health card updates and changes
- Proceed to the next section, where you will enter the payment details.
- Complete the payment process and apply.
- Verify the email or SMS you receive to get updates about your renewal request.
2. Renewal of Your Health Card Offline
If you prefer in-person services to renew your health card, visit the nearest Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) or Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) facility during working hours. Below are the required documents for applying offline to renew your health card:
- For Adults:
- Qatari ID Card or Valid Passport
- Passport Size Picture (recent)
- For Children:
- Qatar ID card
- Old Health Card
- For GCC Citizen (both Adults and Children):
- Copy of ID
- QID Card Number
- Old Health Card
- For Qatari Residents (Adults):
- Qatar ID card with valid resident permit
- Old Health Card
- For Qatari Residents (Children):
- QID card with a residential permit
- Old health card
- QID card of the sponsor
- For Local Staff:
- QID card with permit of residency
- Old Health card
- QID card of the sponsor
Fee to Pay for Health Card Renewal Process
Well, the fee to be paid for the renewal process of a health card varies depending on the category of the applicant, as outlined below:
- Qatari Adults & Children: QAR 50.00
- GCC Nationals: QAR 50.00
- Adult Residents/Children (Expatriates): QAR 100.00
- Local Workers: QAR 50.00
Reprinting the Damaged or Lost Qatar Health Card
In Qatar, reprinting a damaged or lost health card follows the same process as the renewal procedure.
For a lost but active card:
- Qatari residents: A fee of QAR 50 is required.
- Non-Qatari residents: The fee is QAR 100.
· In cases when the card is both lost and expired:
- Qatari residents: A fee of QAR 100 is required to replace and reactivate the card.
- Non-Qatari residents: The fee is QAR 200 for replacement and reactivation.
To get your essential documents printed, Explore Typing Centers near you in Qatar
Pro Tips For a Smoother Renewal Process of Health Card
Consider these pro tips to help you achieve a smooth health card renewal process:
1. Begin Your Renewal Journey Early
Starting your health card renewal process ahead of time and keeping everything organized will help you avoid any complications and issues in the future.
2. Planning to Avoid Chaos
It is recommended to start the renewal process at least a month before your health card expires. In this way, you will be away from all the chaos being caused at the last moment.
3. Completing Backup Documents
Having backup documents ready will make it easier to complete your health card renewal on time. That way, if you need them, you’ll be prepared.
Major Issues that May Occur and How to Handle Them
Sometimes, people face significant challenges during the health card renewal process, which can make it difficult to complete their application effectively. The following are common problems you may encounter and how to handle them single-handedly:
1. Technical Issues During Online Renewal Process
Browser issues may cause the Hukoomi website to not function properly. Try switching to a different browser for a smoother experience.
Cache problems can also affect browser performance. Clear your browser cache to resolve any hindrances in the application process.
If the issue persists, contact customer support for assistance.
2. Document Issues During Online/Offline Process
Before you apply for the card, make sure all required documents are ready. If any document is missing, obtain it first, as your application won’t proceed without it.
Take a moment to review all the information you’ve entered for the application. Any incorrect or missing details could delay the renewal process.
If you’re having trouble uploading your documents, check the file size and make sure the images are of high quality for a smoother submission.
3. Payment Issues During Renewing of Health Card
Facing payment issues during your health card renewal? Start by checking if your bank account has enough funds to cover the renewal fee. If the problem continues, try using a different active account for payment. Still facing trouble? Contact your bank to resolve the issue and complete your application without any delays.
Conclusion
Renewing your health card in Qatar is a simple but mandatory process that must be completed on time. To make it easier, the Qatari government offers both online and offline methods for renewal. So, what’s the hassle? Check your health card’s validity today on the Hukoomi website and begin the renewal process right away.
Keep in mind, you won’t receive a physical new card. Only the main credentials on your card will be updated online. This is how the health card renewal process works in Qatar. Save time and money by applying now and avoid any legal complications later.
Related Articles:
- How to Check Qatar QID Status Online
- Dos and Don’ts in Qatar
- QDC Appointment Guide – How to Register and Book Online
People May Ask
| Is it important to renew your health card? Yes, it is important to renew your health card because it is stated in the national laws and regulations. If you don’t renew your health card, you will have to face the consequences of legal compliance. |
| Is there any additional payment for late renewal? No, there’s no extra fee you need to pay for the late renewal but you won’t get the perks of healthcare services lately. So it is better to apply earlier. |
| Will I receive a new card after renewal? No, you will not receive a new card. Only the main credentials on your existing health card will be updated on the main portal. |
