Oman – Health Insurance

Is health insurance mandatory for expats in Oman?

The Unified Health Insurance Policy — referred to as “Dhamani” — entered into force in January 2023. It was created by the Omani Capital Market Authority (CMA) to bring structure and regulation to the relationship between insurance market participants and to raise the standard of services delivered by insurers. Because the scheme is being introduced through a staged process, its practical effect on individual expats depends largely on their employer’s size and category.

Since 2023, Oman has been progressively implementing the Dhamani framework. This constitutes mandatory private health insurance, entirely separate from the public system, which delivers foundational coverage for consultations, medical procedures, outpatient services, and hospital stays up to a defined annual ceiling. Under this structure, employers in the private sector bear a legal obligation to secure private health insurance on behalf of their staff.

Oman intends to fully activate the compulsory health insurance policy once its electronic platform is completely operational, a milestone anticipated by the close of 2025. Until comprehensive implementation is applied across all employer categories, the obligation to hold health insurance is tied to your employer’s classification and scale. You should clarify your precise obligations with your employer and review the latest guidance published by the Capital Market Authority (CMA).

Under existing provisions of Omani labour law, private sector employers are required to make medical services available to their expatriate staff in Oman. Expats who have recently arrived may need active coverage before they even set foot in the country, and some employers will organise this in advance. It is wise to resolve all insurance arrangements with your employer prior to departure, as there is potential for a coverage gap during the initial period after arrival.

Once fully implemented, the scheme will extend to private sector workers of all nationalities together with their dependants, as well as domestic and agricultural workers and all tourists and visitors entering Oman. This broad scope makes Dhamani among the most wide-reaching mandatory insurance programmes anywhere in the Gulf.

How does the public health system in Oman work?

Oman’s healthcare system operates under a dual-track model overseen by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Shaped by the Oman Vision 2040 strategy, the system is oriented toward decentralisation and digital transformation in pursuit of universal coverage. Unlike universally accessible systems such as the NHS in the United Kingdom, Oman’s public healthcare structure is fundamentally designed to serve Omani citizens and a specifically defined group of residents.

The system is organised across three tiers: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Primary healthcare centres function as the first port of call for patients, delivering general medical services, preventive programmes, and health education. Secondary care is provided through specialist hospitals and polyclinics, which offer more sophisticated diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Tertiary facilities — including regional and national referral hospitals — address complex clinical cases and provide advanced specialist services.

Oman currently operates nearly 70 hospitals offering approximately 15.5 beds per 10,000 people, supplemented by close to 900 clinics and health centres fitted with contemporary medical equipment. These facilities are spread across the country and consistently deliver a high standard of care.

Omani citizens and nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states receive free treatment at public hospitals throughout the country. A ministerial decision issued in 2023 also extended the right to free public medical care to expatriates employed in the government sector and their immediate family members. For the majority of other expatriates, however, the situation is markedly different.

Access to free public healthcare is not universal for expats. The entitlement applies to all Omani residents, GCC nationals, and those working for the government. Most other foreign nationals are excluded from free public healthcare and must turn to private facilities instead. That said, the emergency departments of all public hospitals in Oman are legally required to treat medical emergencies regardless of a patient’s nationality.

Among the most highly regarded public hospitals are the Royal Hospital of Oman and the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, both situated in Muscat. These institutions serve as the country’s principal national referral centres for complex and specialist care.

How do expats register for public health coverage in Oman?

An expatriate’s access to Oman’s public health system depends entirely on their employment category. Expats working in the government sector have an entitlement to use public healthcare facilities, while those in the private sector are generally directed toward care via the Dhamani scheme or their own private policy. The steps below describe how an eligible expat — typically government-employed — can access public healthcare in Oman. Always verify the current requirements directly with the Ministry of Health Oman.

1. Confirm eligibility. First, determine whether you are entitled to public healthcare. Foreign nationals working in the government sector and their family members may receive free treatment at public hospitals. Private sector employees, on the other hand, will typically need to obtain care through the Dhamani scheme or their own private insurance arrangement.
2. Obtain your residence card (Civil ID). A valid residence permit issued by the Royal Oman Police is mandatory. This document serves as proof of your identity, employment status, and eligibility when registering at any health facility.
3. Obtain a health card from the Ministry of Health. The Ministry has historically required the annual purchase of a health card (previously priced at 1 Omani riyal) along with a small co-payment per visit. Confirm current fees directly with the Ministry of Health, as these are subject to revision over time.
4. Register at your nearest primary healthcare centre. Expats must enrol at a local primary care centre as the starting point for accessing any medical services. The country’s healthcare infrastructure is structured so that most areas fall within a five-kilometre radius of a healthcare centre.
5. Attend your primary care appointment. If your condition requires specialist input, your general practitioner can issue a referral. The GP performs a gatekeeping role for specialist and secondary care, similar to the approach used in countries such as France or Germany.
6. For private sector workers — register with Dhamani. Organisations providing health insurance are required to register on the Dhamani ePlatform. All policy transactions and information exchanges are conducted through this platform from the moment a policy becomes effective until it expires. Your employer is responsible for managing this registration process on your behalf.

Requirements and procedures will continue to evolve as the Dhamani scheme progresses through its phased rollout. Always consult the Ministry of Health or the Capital Market Authority for up-to-date information.

What costs are involved in the public health system in Oman?

Historically, the Ministry of Health has charged a small annual fee for a health card alongside a nominal co-payment per visit for those accessing public facilities. These charges apply to non-entitled expats who use public services. As the Dhamani framework continues to develop, however, cost structures are subject to change. Always confirm current charges with the Ministry of Health before seeking treatment.

Under the Dhamani scheme, employers carry the full cost of their employees’ and dependants’ basic health insurance premiums. This means that for the majority of private sector expats, the basic insurance cost is an employer responsibility rather than a personal one — though this does not translate into completely cost-free healthcare at the point of use.

Policies may include deductible amounts and co-insurance requirements that fall to the insured individual. Employers also retain the option to extend their offering with supplementary benefits such as maternity, dental, and vision coverage. The existence of co-payment elements means that even insured expats should set aside a budget for personal out-of-pocket expenses when seeking care.

The Dhamani scheme’s basic tier covers doctors’ consultations, medical treatments, ambulance services, and hospital admissions for private sector employees and their dependants, subject to a maximum annual benefit of OMR 4,500 (as of 2024). This figure incorporates an inpatient sub-limit of OMR 3,000 and a repatriation sub-limit of OMR 1,000 for costs relating to the repatriation of deceased individuals.

For expats not entitled to free care who access public facilities on a fee basis, the Ministry of Health has published a schedule of applicable charges. Consult the Ministry of Health website for the current fee schedule, as these figures are periodically revised.

What does public health cover in Oman include and exclude?

The Dhamani scheme mandates a baseline level of health coverage that encompasses inpatient care, emergency treatment, physician consultations, outpatient services, diagnostic testing, and medications prescribed by licensed doctors. This constitutes the minimum floor of protection — employers are free to offer enhancements above this baseline.

Maternity care, childbirth, paediatric health, dental treatment, and optical care are all classified as optional benefits that employers may elect to include. This means none of these categories are automatically covered under a standard Dhamani policy; they must be specifically negotiated or supplemented through an additional plan.

Those who do qualify for free public healthcare — primarily Omani nationals, GCC citizens, and government-employed expats — benefit from comprehensive primary care, specialist appointments, and virtually all necessary treatments at no personal cost. Expatriates who fall outside these entitlement categories will find their access to public hospitals considerably restricted.

In practice, non-entitled expats may only be permitted to use public hospital facilities in genuine emergency situations, or where a required diagnosis or treatment is unavailable within the private sector. For all routine and planned care, most expats must turn to private providers, whether covered through Dhamani or via a personal private insurance policy.

Mental health support represents a particularly notable gap in standard coverage. A number of insurance plans explicitly exclude mental health treatment, and dental hygiene services are similarly excluded from basic cover. Expats with ongoing mental health needs should carefully scrutinise any prospective policy for this provision and seek supplementary cover where it is absent.

Both private and public dental care in Oman is considered to be of a good standard, and maternity services — across both public and private hospitals — are widely regarded as excellent. Whether these services are accessible under a standard Dhamani policy will ultimately depend on the specific optional benefits that an employer has chosen to include.

What are the advantages of international private health insurance for expats in Oman?

Even when employer-provided Dhamani coverage is active, a significant number of expats opt to take out supplementary or standalone international private medical insurance (iPMI). There are compelling reasons driving this decision.

Public hospitals deliver high-quality care but serve primarily Omani nationals and government employees. The private healthcare sector — tightly regulated by the Directorate General of Private Health Establishments — is the primary route through which most expatriates access medical services. Having a personal private or international policy ensures direct, unconditional access to this network without any reliance on employer-managed arrangements.

Expatriates typically make greatest use of private hospitals and clinics, which offer reduced waiting times and up-to-date facilities. These advantages come at a cost, and private health insurance removes the financial obstacle to using them — a particularly meaningful benefit for families with young children or individuals managing ongoing health conditions.

In the event of a serious medical emergency demanding intensive care or complex surgery, the financial exposure for an uninsured patient can easily exceed OMR 10,000 to OMR 20,000 (approximately $26,000–$52,000). This figure starkly illustrates the inadequacy of the basic Dhamani policy’s OMR 4,500 annual limit in worst-case scenarios.

International health insurance delivers comprehensive, globally portable coverage beyond any local mandatory requirement, including admission to leading private hospitals worldwide, medical evacuation services, and multilingual customer assistance. For expatriates, this breadth of protection offers genuine peace of mind and substantially greater resilience against catastrophic healthcare costs.

When selecting a health insurance plan, expats should prioritise policies that include: air ambulance transfer to the home country in an emergency; full reimbursement of all medical expenses; coverage for the healthcare needs of accompanying dependants; and repatriation of remains in the event of death. These elements are seldom included within the baseline Dhamani employer policy.

How do international private health insurance plans work in Oman?

The insurance industry in Oman operates under the regulation and supervision of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), established by Royal Decree 80/98. Any insurer — whether based domestically or overseas — must hold CMA authorisation to operate legitimately in Oman. When evaluating a private policy, confirm that your chosen provider is either CMA-licensed or, for international plans, is accepted by the major private hospitals you intend to use.

Expats in Oman can choose between two principal categories of private health insurance:

• Local private health insurance: Local policies tend to be more affordable and offer solid coverage within Oman, but they are geographically limited to the country, may involve co-payments, lack full international portability, and can have gaps in access to premium-tier care.
• International private medical insurance (iPMI): International plans offer comprehensive coverage that extends globally, encompassing access to world-class private hospitals, medical evacuation services, and multilingual support. The premium is typically higher, but the added flexibility is particularly valuable for expats who travel regularly or wish to seek treatment in their home country.

When selecting a plan, prioritise providers whose network of approved clinics and hospitals is extensive throughout Oman. An insurer with direct billing arrangements at major hospitals means the insurer settles costs directly with the facility, sparing you from having to pay large sums upfront and subsequently manage reimbursement claims.

During the comparison process, pay careful attention to the following factors:

• Inpatient vs outpatient cover: Some entry-level policies restrict coverage to inpatient (hospitalisation-related) treatment only. Cover for outpatient services — including consultations, diagnostic investigations, and prescription medicines — is often available only as a paid add-on or within higher-tier plans.
• Pre-existing condition exclusions: The great majority of insurers apply waiting periods or permanent exclusions to conditions that predate your enrolment. Always disclose all pre-existing conditions fully and honestly during the application process.
• Geographic coverage: Verify whether your policy extends to treatment in your home country and whether any regional restrictions apply. Some plans exclude treatment in particular countries or regions.
• Annual limits and sub-limits: Even the most comprehensive policies carry maximum benefit thresholds. Ensure the limits specified are adequate to meet serious or long-term medical costs.

Scrutinise coverage terms carefully, particularly around major medical procedures. Healthcare costs in Oman can be substantial, and individuals lacking adequate insurance or the personal funds to settle outstanding bills risk being prevented from departing the country until all debts are cleared. When comparing plans, ensure the policy addresses a full range of healthcare needs, encompassing mental health treatment, dental care, and emergency services.

What should expats watch out for with health insurance in Oman?

Several recurring pitfalls in Oman’s health insurance landscape can take newly arrived expats by surprise. Understanding these risks ahead of time can prevent significant inconvenience and financial hardship.

Coverage gaps on arrival. Some employers arrange insurance before their new employee lands in the country, but many do not move quickly enough. A period without active coverage between arriving and having a policy in force is a genuine risk. Taking out short-term or travel insurance to cover this transitional window is strongly recommended.

Conflating travel insurance with health insurance. Travel policies are built to cover emergency treatment and medical evacuation during short trips — they are not suited to routine care, chronic conditions, or extended residence abroad. Anyone living and working in Oman beyond a brief period requires a dedicated health insurance product, not a travel policy.

Overestimating employer-provided cover. The standard Dhamani policy carries an annual maximum benefit of OMR 4,500 (as of 2024), which may prove woefully insufficient in the event of serious illness or a major surgical procedure. Take time to understand exactly what your employer’s plan covers and consider enhancing it with a supplementary policy if necessary.

Failing to obtain pre-authorisation. Many insurers in Oman require advance notification or formal pre-authorisation before patients undergo non-emergency treatment, particularly specialist consultations or elective procedures. Claims submitted without the required pre-authorisation are frequently rejected. Review this aspect of your policy carefully before seeking any planned care.

Outstanding medical bills and travel restrictions. Treatment in Oman’s private sector can carry substantial costs, and hospitals often require payment before discharge. Those without adequate insurance coverage and lacking the personal means to settle outstanding medical bills may find themselves unable to leave Oman until those debts are cleared. This is a serious legal and financial risk that underscores the importance of comprehensive cover.

Restricted provider networks. Before committing to any policy, verify the list of approved hospitals and clinics. Some plans impose tight restrictions on which facilities are eligible, or exclude certain private clinics and hospitals from coverage. Cross-check the approved provider network against the institutions you are most likely to need.

Mental health and dental exclusions. These benefits are routinely absent from basic plans. If regular dental treatment or access to mental health support is a priority for you, check for these provisions explicitly before purchasing and consider a supplementary plan if they are not included.

Frequently asked questions about health insurance in Oman

Do I need health insurance if I already have a work visa for Oman?

Omani labour law requires private sector employers to make medical facilities available to their expatriate workers. The Dhamani mandatory scheme is being progressively extended to all private sector employees, so your employer should be organising basic coverage on your behalf. Nevertheless, confirm that a policy is active before or immediately upon arrival, and give serious thought to supplementary private cover given that the Dhamani scheme’s annual benefit is capped.

Can I use my home country’s health insurance in Oman?

The vast majority of domestic health insurance products issued in other countries do not extend coverage to Oman. Unless your policy explicitly names Oman as a covered territory under an international coverage provision, you should not assume that Omani hospitals will accept it. Always verify the position with your insurer before travelling, and put dedicated expat or international health insurance in place if your existing policy does not apply.

Are GCC nationals treated differently from other expats?

Omani nationals and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are entitled to free treatment at public hospitals throughout Oman. Foreign nationals from countries outside the GCC do not share this entitlement, unless they hold a position in the Omani government sector.

What is the Dhamani scheme and does it replace private insurance?

The Dhamani compulsory private health insurance scheme operates entirely separately from the public healthcare system. It provides a basic level of coverage — encompassing doctors’ fees, medical treatments, ambulance services, and hospitalisation — for private sector workers and their dependants, subject to a maximum annual benefit of OMR 4,500 (as of 2024). It is not a substitute for comprehensive private insurance, and many expats choose to complement it with an international policy that offers wider protection.

What happens if I get sick before my insurance is activated?

Emergency departments at all public hospitals in Oman are legally obligated to treat medical emergencies regardless of a patient’s nationality. However, if you are not insured, you will be expected to meet the cost of that treatment personally. Medical care in Oman can be expensive, and facilities frequently require payment in advance. Bridge any gap before your main policy is operational with short-term or travel insurance.

Is dental and optical care covered under Oman’s health insurance schemes?

Under the Dhamani framework, dental care, optical care, maternity, and child health services are classified as optional benefits that employers may choose to include, but they do not form part of the mandatory basic coverage. Check whether your employer has opted into these add-ons; if not, explore a supplementary plan or an international policy that encompasses these benefits.

Are there waiting times to see specialists in Oman?

Expatriates often gravitate toward private clinics because of the flexibility they offer — registration with a specific GP is not always required, and walk-in appointments are common. While private clinics frequently provide rapid access, even well-regarded private hospitals may have wait times for particular specialists. Holding a comprehensive private policy that gives you freedom of choice over your provider is the most effective way to keep delays to a minimum.

Who regulates health insurance in Oman?

The insurance sector in Oman is regulated and supervised by the Capital Market Authority (CMA). The CMA administers the Dhamani platform, grants licences to insurers, and establishes minimum coverage requirements. For the most current guidance on mandatory insurance obligations and approved providers, visit the official CMA website or the Ministry of Health Oman.