Travel Insurance for Qatar

Know more About Travel Insurance

The state of Qatar, or the country more commonly known as Qatar, is located in West Asia and shares a land border with Saudi Arabia to its south. Qatar occupies the Qatar Peninsula in the Middle East and is surrounded by the Persian Gulf, which is mostly flat, low-lying desert land. Qatar’s capital, Doha, is home to most of the country's inhabitants, with a substantial population of Indian expatriates, accounting for approximately 27% of the total residents as of 2024. 

Featuring a harmonious blend of the past and present, Qatar offers a beautiful array of museums and art galleries, stunning landscapes, and impressive modern architecture. Qatar warmly welcomes Indian tourists, offering visas upon arrival and ranking among the top countries for visa openness. In 2024, nearly 5 million Indian tourists visited Qatar, making it one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists.

However, while Qatar is very popular and relatively safe, all tourists are required to have travel health insurance when visiting. It is highly recommended that tourists buy travel insurance from India to Qatar. Here is all you need to know about getting travel insurance for a Qatar trip.

What is Travel Insurance for Qatar?

Regardless of their destination, Indians planning a trip outside India should always consider securing their journey with travel insurance. Qatar travel insurance provides financial protection to Indian travellers travelling to Qatar from several covered risks. 

These risks can be medical and non-medical travel-related and vary in frequency and severity, resulting in financial loss and a negative travel experience. However, travellers covered with insurance can travel without fear and anxiety and confidently face covered risks head-on.

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance From India to Qatar?

All tourists planning a trip to Qatar should note that health insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals. However, while a health insurance policy is highly beneficial when facing medical risks, a traveller might find themselves at a crossroads with anxiety or have to delve into savings for any non-medical travel-related risks they might be exposed to. 

This is where travel insurance provides financial protection to travellers, acting as a safety net to hold them and support them when facing these risks.

What are the Benefits of Having Qatar Travel Insurance?

There are several benefits of travelling with travel insurance for Qatar trip. Here are a few of the key benefits to consider:

• Niva Bupa offers travellers a simple, convenient and affordable way to secure their Qatar trip with Qatar travel insurance.

• Travel insurance Qatar for visit visa is a mandatory requirement to visit Qatar, and this policy enables travellers to visit Qatar while being covered for dozens of risks.

• Coverage of up to $500,000 under travel insurance from India to Qatar.

• Niva Bupa provides 24/7 assistance in any emergency to travellers with travel insurance Qatar. 

• The policy covers policyholders from expenses incurred due to medical emergencies, personal accidents, COVID-19, medical evacuation, repatriation, pre-existing diseases during emergencies, and more.

• Student travellers with student travel insurance for Qatar are also covered for additional risks, including 100% coverage for pre-existing diseases, study interruption coverage, sponsor protection, dental treatment, maternity expenses, and more.

• Travellers are also covered for non-medical risks, such as lost checked-in baggage or essential documents like passports and visas, missed connecting flights, trip delays, interruptions and cancellations, and personal liability. 

What is Covered Under the Travel Insurance for Qatar?

A traveller opting for an international travel insurance policy from Niva Bupa is eligible for coverage for dozens of medical and non-medical travel-related risks. While travellers can check the policy document for the specific coverages, their scope and extent, and any special conditions to avail them, here is a snippet of some of the critical coverages Niva Bupa offers:

Delay or loss of checked-in baggage: 

This coverage offers partial or complete reimbursement for significant delay or loss. 

Missed connecting flight:

This coverage reimburses you for the extra accommodation and travel costs to reach the next destination if you miss a pre-booked connecting flight due to the original flight running late. 

Loss of passport: 

This coverage reimburses you for the cost of applying for a new passport if the original is lost.

Dental treatment:

This coverage reimburses a pain-relieving dental treatment availed under anesthesia. 

Trip delay, cancellation, interruption: 

These three separate coverages offer reimbursement for part of the travel and accommodation costs if your travel is delayed, canceled, or interrupted due to certain conditions mentioned in the policy document. 

Medical emergency (hospitalization): 

This coverage offers reimbursement for the cost of medical treatment.

Emergency outpatient treatment: 

This coverage reimburses any emergency treatment under OPD. 

Medical evacuation: 

This coverage reimburses the transfer cost from one hospital to another if the primary hospital does not offer appropriate care. 

Emergency trip extension: 

If the trip is extended due to certain exceptional circumstances, this coverage offers an extension of the policy up to 7 days. 

Personal accident: 

This coverage pays a portion up to the sum insured for accidental death or disability.

Repatriation of mortal remains: 

This coverage reimburses you for the cost of transporting the mortal remains of the traveler or the cost of cremation in the city/country of death. 

There might also be additional coverage options depending on the type of travel; thus, it is vital to check the policy document for clarity on what is covered.  

What is Not Covered Under the Travel Insurance for Qatar?

Whenever opting for an insurance policy, as important as the coverage, it is also essential to check the policy's limitations or exclusions that an insurer will specifically not cover. 

Here is a snippet of some of the exclusions listed by Niva Bupa:

• Treatment for any injury or illness resulting from nuclear or radiological emissions, war or rebellion, and specific acts of terrorism.

• Active participation in military exercises, war games, or engagement with the enemy.

• Any loss or injury due to committing or attempting to breach the law with criminal intent. 

• Expenses for cosmetic or plastic surgery or any treatment to change appearance, including obesity or weight control programs. Unless in certain circumstances as listed in the policy document.

• Maternity expenses.

• Non-prescription or unproven drugs or treatments.

• The provision of fitting hearing aids, spectacles, or contact lenses, including optometric therapy, any treatment, and associated expenses for alopecia, baldness, wigs, or toupees, and medical supplies, including elastic stockings, diabetic test strips, and similar products.

• If the insured person is travelling against the advice of a doctor or is receiving or is on a waiting list for specified medical treatment.

• Death, injury, medical condition, or disability resulting from suicide or attempted suicide, self-inflicted wound or illness, consumption of alcohol or drugs, or depression.

• Countries with travel restrictions for Indians.

• Medical tourism.

• Damages due to adventure sports are not covered unless part of the coverage.

• Expenses related to any admission specifically for diagnostics and evaluation purposes that are not related or incidental to the current diagnosis and treatment.

  Travellers must also remember that this list is just a summary of the exclusions. It is beneficial to refer to the policy document for a complete list of all specific exclusions and to protect yourself and your loved ones from financial loss or a negative travel experience when travelling with travel insurance for Qatar from India.

Who Should Buy Niva Bupa Travel Insurance for Qatar?

Any traveller looking to secure their Qatar trip with a reliable, comprehensive travel insurance policy at an affordable price can check out the various plans offered by Niva Bupa. With Niva Bupa’s simple and intuitive portal, the purchase process is as simple as clicking a few buttons and uploading the required documents. Similarly, the claims process is simple and hassle-free.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Travel Insurance in Qatar?

Travellers looking to secure their trip with travel insurance should consider the eligibility criteria for a quick and hassle-free purchase process. Here are the eligibility criteria for buying travel insurance for Qatar from Niva Bupa:

• Adults should be between the ages of 18 and 70.

• Dependent children can be up to the age of 25.

• Travellers must possess and furnish the mandatory documents, including copies of passports, visas, income proof, and other relevant papers.

How do You Buy Travel Insurance for Qatar Online?

Travellers planning to secure their Qatar trip with travel insurance can do so easily with Niva Bupa. Niva Bupa offers a simple and intuitive portal that enables travellers to buy travel insurance for Qatar online quickly and affordably from anywhere, as long as they don’t depart from India. 

Here is how you can buy travel insurance to secure your Qatar trip:

1. Start by adding your mobile number.

2. Choose Single-Trip or Student Travel Insurance, then pick your destination(s).

3. Enter your travel start and end dates (double-check for date changes due to time zone shifts when travelling abroad).

4. Provide the age of all travellers- travelling with two or more people earns you a 10% discount.

5. Select your sum insured (between $ 50,000 and $ 500,000) and coverage level: Lite, Basic, Comprehensive, Sport & Adventure or Honeymooners.

6. Click “View Summary” to check all details- including plan type, sum insured, dates, destination, and traveller count.

7. Fill in KYC information, confirm policy details, and consent to Niva Bupa Health Insurance downloading your KYC.

8. Add any personal and medical information as prompted.

9. Complete the purchase, and your policy document will be sent to you by email.

When to buy Qatar travel insurance?

Travellers planning a trip to Qatar should rest easy knowing that they can buy Qatar travel health insurance upon arrival. However, while this is a very real option that enables foreign nationals to enter Qatar, it is essential to note that it is lacking due to the absence of non-medical coverage, non-specialised coverage, and a lack of customizability in terms of sum assured, among other issues. 

So, considering that a traveller will be availing the best travel insurance in Qatar while still in India, there are a few things to remember, such as when to buy the insurance policy first. Travellers planning any foreign trip should note that while it is possible to buy travel insurance until they board their flight to leave India, there are various risks to account for and benefits to mitigate them. 

For example, despite all of the preparation and planning, having your trip cancelled at the last moment can cause harassment, significant financial loss, and a negative travel experience.

Buying travel insurance when the traveller books their flight can provide financial protection from non-medical travel-related risks like missed connections, lost checked-in baggage, trip delays, interruptions, and cancellations.

What is the Process for Filing a Claim for Travel Insurance in Qatar?

Travellers who need to file a claim settlement request for travel insurance can do so easily with Niva Bupa. There are several ways to request a claim settlement from Niva Bupa. Refer to the following methods for a quick and hassle-free claim process.

1. To file a travel insurance claim, you first need to contact your insurer, Niva Bupa. 

2. You may also contact the global third-party administrator if you are travelling overseas.

3. You can raise a claim for travel insurance online, through mail, or even physically. You can do so both while overseas or when you return to India.

4. You must submit a duly filled claim form along with the required documents based on the type of claim—for example, loss of baggage, trip cancellation, medical emergency, or death.

Besides this, one can make two types of claims in the case of a medical emergency. 

Cashless claim

Niva Bupa is partnered with Europ Assistance, a global third-party administrator, to provide cashless claims to hospitals and healthcare centres worldwide.

• The customer intimates the claim to Europ Assistance via a toll-free number or email. 

• The TPA - Europ Assistance will contact the customer and provide them with the required travel insurance for Qatar details.

• Europ Assistance will then initiate the GOP (Guarantee of payment) process with the hospital where the customer will receive treatment.

• Europ Assistance will ask for the documents from the hospital or the customer and, after assessing the claim, will send them to Niva Bupa for approval/rejection/query/investigation.

• Our medical team will approve the claim by e-mail.

• The GOP will be released to the hospital as per the amount claimed.

• The hospital will contact the Europ Assistance team if any additional amount is required.

• At discharge, documents will be sent to Europ assistance and approved accordingly.

• After discharge, the hospital will send the documents to Europe Assistance for settlement to the hospital.

Reimbursement Claim 

Mandatory Documents Required for Reimbursement Claims

• Claim form
• KYC
• Cancelled cheque of the proposer
• Discharge summary
• Final bill along with break up
• Payment receipt
• All investigation reports 

What is the Latest Qatar Visa and Entry Information?

Qatar is one of the top countries in terms of visa openness, enabling Indian tourists to avail of visas upon arrival and making it easier and more convenient for tourists to visit the country.

There are typically four types of visas for entry into Qatar, with each of them serving a different purpose:

• Visit Visa

A visit visa or tourist visa is the most common type of visa for Qatar, enabling travellers to enter the country for up to 3 months, with the potential for an extension of another three months, for a total of up to 6 months.

• Business Visa

This type of visa is for business travellers planning to travel to Qatar for business purposes.

• Official Visa

An official visa is for government officials travelling to Qatar for government-related business.

• Transit Visa

A transit visa allows tourists to connect through Qatar to another destination.

What are the Travel Documents Required While Travelling From India to Qatar?

An Indian traveller visiting Qatar must bring a few documents for entry or a visa upon arrival. Here are a few key documents which travellers should carry to Qatar:

• Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity

• Flight itinerary with confirmed return tickets/tickets for onward journey

• Proof of finances, depending on the number of days, in a valid debit/credit card

• Proof of accommodation/confirmed hotel reservation, etc.

• Travel insurance for Qatar/Qatar travel health insurance

When is the Best Time to Visit Qatar?

Qatar is a desert country with hot and dry weather for most of the year. For travellers, the best time to visit is between December and February, when the temperature ranges from 21°C to 27°C, making it more suitable and pleasant for sightseeing.

Famous Indian Restaurants to Check Out in Qatar

Qatar's culinary scene, particularly in Doha, boasts a diverse array of Indian restaurants, ranging from upscale fine dining establishments to casual, street food-inspired eateries. Here are some of the most famous and highly-regarded Indian restaurants to check out.

• Jamavar: Located in the Sheraton Grand Doha, is part of a globally renowned chain. It has received a Michelin Star and is celebrated for its luxurious pan-Indian cuisine.

• Qalamkarri: This fine-dining restaurant offers a blend of traditional Indian flavours and modern cooking techniques.

• Masala Library: With a focus on progressive Indian cuisine, Masala Library offers an artistic and colourful dining experience. It's known for its meticulously plated dishes and a menu that includes subtle influences from West Bengal.

• Asha's: Founded by the legendary singer Asha Bhosle, this chain offers a vibrant and modern take on North Indian cuisine, such as dal makhani and butter chicken.

• Kailash Parbat: A popular vegetarian restaurant that offers a wide variety of North and South Indian street food.

Dos and Don’ts to Remember When Visiting Qatar

Qatar is a fascinating blend of traditional Islamic culture and modern cosmopolitanism. To ensure a smooth and respectful visit, it's crucial to be aware of the local customs and laws, which can be quite different from Western norms.

• Both men and women should aim to dress modestly in public.

• When greeting, shaking hands, giving, or receiving items, always use your right hand.

• Qataris are known for their warm hospitality, if you are invited for coffee or a meal, it is polite to accept and show gratitude.

• Don't engage in public displays of affection including hugging and kissing.

• It is illegal to import alcohol, pork products, and narcotics. Any such items found in your luggage will be confiscated at the airport. Alcohol is only available in licensed hotel restaurants and bars.

• Don't drink or be drunk in public.

• Always ask for consent before taking a photo of a local, especially women.

• Don't criticize the government or religion.