Getting healthcare access in Qatar starts with one essential document – the Hamad Health Card. Without this card, medical visits at government facilities cost significantly more, making it a must-have for all Qatar residents and citizens who want affordable healthcare services.
How to Apply for Hamad Health Card? (Quick Answer)
To apply for a Hamad Health Card in Qatar, download the Nar’aakom app and log in with your QID. Upload required documents including your Qatar ID, passport photo, and KAHRAMAA bill. Pay the fee (QR 50-100 depending on nationality) using a credit card. You’ll receive your health card number immediately for medical visits. Alternatively, visit your assigned PHCC center with documents.
What Is the Hamad Health Card?
The Hamad Health Card serves as your gateway to subsidized healthcare across Qatar’s public medical system. This credit card-sized document contains your Qatar ID (QID) number, nationality, photograph, and issue date. Every resident and citizen of Qatar qualifies for this card, which works at all Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) centers and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospitals throughout the country.
Card holders save money on medical consultations, treatments, and prescription medications. Without the card, a simple doctor’s visit costs much more. Government pharmacies also provide medicines at reduced rates exclusively for card holders. The card remains valid for multiple years, depending on your residency status and renewal period.
Who Can Apply for a Hamad Health Card?
All Qatar residents and citizens qualify for the Hamad Health Card, including:
- Qatari nationals (adults and children)
- GCC citizens living in Qatar
- Expatriate residents with valid QID (Check your Qatar ID Status using our tool)
- Domestic workers sponsored by individuals
- Manual laborers employed by companies
- Children born in Qatar or residing with parents
Your visa type, employment status, or nationality doesn’t prevent you from getting the card. As long as you hold a valid Qatar ID with at least one year remaining, you meet the basic requirement.
Required Documents for Health Card Application
For Qatari Citizens
Adults need these documents:
- Valid Qatar ID card
- One passport-size photo (4cm x 3cm) with blue background
- Utility bill (KAHRAMAA electricity/water bill) as address proof
- Payment method (credit or debit card)
Children require additional papers:
- Birth certificate showing QID number
- Vaccination card for first-time applicants
- Parent’s QID copy
For GCC Nationals
The document list matches Qatari requirements:
- Valid Qatar ID
- Passport photo with blue background
- Proof of residence (utility bill or rental contract)
- Old health card for renewals
For Expatriate Residents
Non-GCC residents must provide:
- QID with valid residence permit
- Recent passport-size photograph
- KAHRAMAA bill or Baladiya-certified rental agreement
- Credit/debit card for payment
For Domestic Staff
Workers sponsored by individuals need:
- Valid QID and residence permit
- Passport-size photo
- Sponsor’s QID copy
- Utility bill under sponsor’s name
- Payment card or cash (at certain centers)
Special Requirements for Children
All children, regardless of nationality, must submit:
- Vaccination records from Qatar health centers
- Birth certificate with QID number
- Parent or guardian’s QID
- Recent photograph
Online Application Through Nar’aakom App
The Nar’aakom mobile application makes applying from home simple and quick. This method saves time and eliminates waiting at health centers.
Step 1: Download and Install
Get the Nar’aakom app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app works on both iPhone and Android devices. Make sure your phone has enough storage space and a stable internet connection.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Open the app and register using the National Authentication System (NAS), also called Tawtheeq. Enter your QID number and create a password. If you already have a Tawtheeq account from other government services, use those same login details.
Step 3: Start Your Application
After logging in, look for the E-Services section. Select “Apply for Health Card” from the menu. The app displays clear instructions in both Arabic and English.
Step 4: Enter Personal Information
Fill out all required fields accurately. Double-check your QID number, phone number, and email address. Mistakes here delay your application. Select your preferred PHCC health center based on your residential area.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Take clear photos of each document or scan them beforehand. The app accepts JPG, PNG, and PDF formats. Each file should be under 5MB. Upload:
- QID front and back
- Passport photo against blue background
- KAHRAMAA bill from the last three months
- Additional documents based on your category
Step 6: Make Payment
The app accepts credit and debit cards only. Cash payments don’t work online. Fees are:
- Qatari citizens: QR 50
- GCC nationals: QR 50
- Expatriate residents: QR 100
- Domestic workers: QR 50
- Manual laborers: QR 50
Step 7: Get Your Health Card Number
After successful payment, the system generates your health card number immediately. Write this number down – you can use it for medical visits right away, even before receiving the physical card. The app sends confirmation to your registered email and phone number.
In-Person Application at PHCC Centers
Some people prefer applying directly at health centers. This method works well if you need help with the process or don’t have smartphone access.
Step 1: Finding Your Assigned Health Center
Call the 107 hotline to find your designated PHCC based on your address. Each residential area has an assigned center. You cannot choose a different center during initial registration. The call center operates in multiple languages including Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu.
Step 2: Visiting the Health Center
Health centers process applications during morning hours only, typically from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on Sundays and Mondays. Bring all original documents plus photocopies.
Step 3: Submitting Your Application
Staff at the patient service desk guide you through the process. They check your documents, help fill the application form, and take your photograph if you didn’t bring one. The entire process takes 20-30 minutes when all documents are complete.
Step 4: Payment Methods
Most centers now require card payments, though some locations still accept cash. Bring both payment options to avoid problems. Keep your receipt – it serves as temporary proof until you receive the physical card.
Step 5: Collection Process
Some centers print cards immediately using on-site machines. Others schedule collection after 3-5 working days. Morning collection times apply, usually before noon. Bring your QID and receipt when collecting.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Single Male Workers
Bachelor workers living in labor camps follow a different process. They cannot apply individually at health centers. Instead, their company PRO (Mandoob) submits applications at the Hamad Health Card Printing Office. Companies usually handle this during the visa process.
Newborn Babies
Parents can apply for newborn health cards after receiving the birth certificate with QID number. Babies born at HMC hospitals get expedited processing. Bring the hospital discharge summary along with standard documents.
Lost Card Replacement
Lost card replacement costs depend on the card’s validity status:
- Valid card replacement: QR 50 for Qataris, QR 100 for non-Qataris
- Expired card replacement: QR 100 for Qataris, QR 200 for non-Qataris
Report lost cards immediately through the Nar’aakom app or by calling 107.
Health Card Renewal Process
Cards require renewal based on your residency permit validity. The system sends SMS reminders 30 days before expiration.
Online Renewal
Use the Nar’aakom app or Hukoomi portal for renewals. Select the renewal option, choose the number of years (matching your QID validity), and pay the standard fees. The new card arrives by mail or requires collection from your health center.
Offline Renewal
Visit any HMC hospital or PHCC center with your old card and QID. Staff process renewals immediately at dedicated counters. Payment amounts remain the same as initial applications.
Benefits of Having a Health Card
The Hamad Health Card provides substantial healthcare savings:
Consultation Fees
Card holders pay QR 10-30 for specialist visits versus QR 100-300 without the card.
Emergency Services
Emergency department visits cost QR 50 with the card compared to QR 300 for non-card holders.
Prescription Medications
Government pharmacies offer 80-90% discounts on most medicines for card holders.
Diagnostic Tests
Blood tests, X-rays, and scans cost significantly less with the card.
Dental Services
Basic dental care becomes affordable at PHCC centers.
Maternity Services
Pregnant women receive free prenatal care and delivery at HMC hospitals.
Common Problems and Solutions
Application Rejected
Usually happens due to expired QID or incorrect address proof. Update your documents and reapply.
Wrong Health Center Assignment
Contact 107 to request reassignment based on your current address. Provide updated KAHRAMAA bill as proof.
Payment Failed
Bank card issues cause most payment failures. Try a different card or visit the center for cash payment where accepted.
Document Upload Errors
Reduce file sizes, ensure clear photos, and check format compatibility (JPG, PNG, PDF only).
Cannot Access Nar’aakom App
Reset your Tawtheeq password through the official portal. Users under 18 need parent account access.
Important Contact Information
- PHCC Hotline: 107 (for appointments and information)
- HMC General Inquiries: 16060
- Emergency Services: 999
- Nar’aakom Technical Support: Available through app chat feature

Abdullah Hasham is an expat living in Qatar and the founder of Qatar Navigate. Drawing from his own experiences, he creates practical, easy-to-follow guides to help others settle in, explore, and thrive in Qatar. His goal is to make everyday life simpler for fellow expats, residents, and newcomers alike.