Is your Qatar health card about to expire? Without a valid card, you’ll pay full price for medical care at Hamad Medical Corporation facilities and PHCC centers. Renew your card today to maintain access to subsidized healthcare, discounted medications, and essential medical services across Qatar.
How to Renew Your Qatar Health Card? (Short Answer)
Renew your Qatar health card online through the Hukoomi portal or in-person at PHCC centers. Enter your QID, select “Renew,” pay the fee (QR50 for Qataris/GCC nationals, QR100 for expatriates), and receive instant confirmation. Your existing card remains valid with the updated expiry date. Renew at least two weeks before expiration to maintain subsidized healthcare access.
Why Qatar Health Card Renewal Matters?
The Qatar Health Card, also known as the Hamad Health Card, is a crucial document for anyone living in Qatar. This card, similar in size to a driving license, contains your ID number, nationality, photo, and issue date. It serves as your gateway to Qatar’s public healthcare system, providing access to subsidized medical services.
Renewing your health card on time offers several important benefits:
- Continued access to subsidized healthcare at all public hospitals and clinics
- Reduced costs for medical consultations and treatments
- Discounted prices on prescription medications at government pharmacies
- Smoother appointment booking at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) centers
- Legal compliance with Qatar’s healthcare regulations
An expired health card means you’ll pay much higher fees for medical services, making renewal essential for all residents.
When to Renew Your Qatar Health Card?
The validity period of your health card depends on your residency status:
| Category | Validity Period |
| Qatari citizens | 5 years |
| Expatriate residents | 1 year |
| GCC nationals | 5 years |
| Domestic workers | 1 year |
| Children | Based on parent’s status |
To avoid any gap in coverage, start the renewal process at least 2-4 weeks before your card expires. While there are no penalties for late renewal, an expired card will block your access to subsidized healthcare until you renew it.
Online Health Card Renewal via Hukoomi Portal
The fastest and most convenient way to renew your Qatar health card is through the Hukoomi government portal. This online method takes just a few minutes and is available 24/7.
Step 1: Visit the Hukoomi Portal
- Go to the Health Card E-Service page on the Qatar Government Portal (Hukoomi)
- Direct link: https://services.hukoomi.gov.qa/en/e-services/renew-health-card
Step 2: Enter Your QID Number
- Type your 11-digit Qatar ID number in the designated field
- Select “Renew” as the transaction type
- Click “Next” to proceed
Step 3: Fill in Required Details
- Choose the number of years for renewal (based on your residency status)
- Enter your telephone number
- Provide your email address if you want to receive the receipt by email
- Add your mobile number if you want SMS notifications
- Click “Next” to continue to payment
Step 4: Review and Pay
- Check that all information is correct
- Click “Pay” to proceed to the payment screen
- Complete payment using a credit or debit card (online payment only)
- The renewal fees are:
- Qatari citizens: QR 50
- Expatriate residents: QR 100
- GCC nationals: QR 50
- Domestic workers: QR 50
Step 5: Confirmation
- After successful payment, you’ll receive an instant confirmation on screen
- A confirmation email and/or SMS will also be sent to you
- No new physical card will be issued—the expiry date is simply updated in the system
- Continue using your existing card
In-Person Health Card Renewal
If you prefer face-to-face service or encounter issues with online renewal, you can renew your health card in person at any PHCC center or Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) facility.
What to Bring for In-Person Renewal
The documents required vary based on your category:
For Qatari Adults:
- Valid Qatar ID (QID) or passport copy
- Passport-size photo (4cm x 3cm)
- Your existing health card
For Qatari Children:
- QID number
- Old health card
For GCC Nationals (Adults and Children):
- Copy of ID
- QID number
- Old health card
For Resident Adults:
- QID with valid residence permit
- Old health card
For Resident Children:
- QID with valid residence permit
- Old health card
- Sponsor’s QID
For Domestic Staff:
- QID with valid residence permit
- Old health card
- Sponsor’s QID
In-Person Renewal Process
Step 1: Visit during morning hours
- Health cards are typically issued and renewed only during morning working hours
Step 2: Go to the registration desk
- Inform staff that you want to renew your health card
- Submit all required documents
Step 3: Pay the renewal fee
- Most centers prefer card payments
- Some centers may accept cash
- Fees are the same as for online renewal
Step 4: Receive confirmation
- Your existing card’s validity will be updated in the system
- You’ll keep using the same physical card
Checking Your Health Card Expiry Date
Not sure when your health card expires? You can easily check online:
- Visit the Hukoomi portal
- Go to the Health Card E-Service page
- Enter your QID number
- Select “Check Expiry” and click “Next”
- The system will display your card’s current status and expiry date
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Health Card
If you’ve lost your health card or it’s damaged, you’ll need to request a replacement rather than a simple renewal.
Replacement Fees
The cost depends on whether your card is still valid or already expired:
For a valid but lost card
- Qatari nationals: QR 50
- Non-Qataris: QR 100
For an expired and lost card
- Qatari nationals: QR 100
- Non-Qataris: QR 200
How to Replace a Lost Card?
Online Method
- Visit the Hukoomi portal
- Enter your QID
- Select “Reprint” instead of “Renew”
- Complete the payment
- Follow instructions for collection
In-Person Method
- Visit any PHCC center or HMC facility
- Bring your QID and required documents
- Pay the replacement fee
- Collect your new card
Health Card Renewal for Different Categories
For Qatari Nationals
As a Qatari citizen, your health card is valid for 5 years. The renewal process is straightforward:
- Renewal fee: QR 50
- Required documents: QID or passport copy and a passport-size photo
- You enjoy priority services at most healthcare facilities
For Expatriate Residents
Non-Qatari residents need to renew their health cards annually:
- Validity: 1 year
- Renewal fee: QR 100
- A valid residence permit is essential for renewal
- The card provides access to subsidized healthcare, though at slightly higher rates than for citizens
For GCC Nationals
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries have a status similar to Qatari nationals:
- Validity: 5 years
- Renewal fee: QR 50
- Required documents: ID copy, QID number, and old health card
For Domestic Workers
Domestic workers have specific requirements for health card renewal:
- Validity: 1 year
- Renewal fee: QR 50
- The sponsor must be involved in the renewal process
- Required documents include the worker’s QID, old health card, and sponsor’s QID
Qatar Health Card for Children
Registering a Newborn
New parents in Qatar should register their baby for a health card within the first year of birth:
- Fee: QR 100 for non-Qatari residents (free for Qataris)
- Required documents: Birth certificate, parents’ QIDs, passport copies
- The card provides access to essential pediatric services and vaccinations
Renewing Children’s Health Cards
The process follows the same steps as adult renewals:
- Validity period matches the parents’ status (1 year for expatriates, 5 years for Qataris)
- Required documents include the child’s birth certificate or passport and parent’s QID
- Children’s health cards provide access to specialized pediatric facilities
Common Issues and Solutions
Technical Problems with Online Renewal
If you encounter technical difficulties:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Try using a different browser or device
- Ensure your internet connection is stable
- If problems persist, visit a PHCC center for in-person renewal
Payment Issues
When facing payment difficulties:
- Check that your card has sufficient funds
- Ensure your bank allows online international transactions
- Try an alternative payment method
- Contact your bank if necessary
Document Problems
To avoid document-related issues:
- Make sure all documents are valid and not expired
- Bring original documents and copies
- Ensure photos meet the required specifications
- Have your Qatar ID with you at all times
Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process
- Start early – Begin the renewal process at least 2-4 weeks before expiration
- Keep digital copies of all your important documents
- Use the online portal for faster processing when possible
- Double-check all information before submitting your application
- Save your confirmation email for reference
- Know your health center – Each resident is assigned to a specific PHCC center
- Remember your renewal date – Mark it on your calendar for next time
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my Qatar health card outside the country?
No, the Hamad Health Card is only valid within Qatar.
Q: How long does online renewal take?
Online renewals are processed instantly, with the validity period updated in the database immediately.
Q: Do I need an appointment for in-person renewal?
Appointments are not typically required, but it’s best to check with your local PHCC center.
Q: Can I pay for health card renewal in cash?
Most centers prefer card payments, but some may accept cash. It’s best to bring both payment options.
Q: What happens if I don’t renew my health card on time?
You’ll lose access to subsidized healthcare services until you renew your card.
Q: Can I renew health cards for my family members?
Yes, you can renew cards for your dependents if you have the necessary documents.
Q: Is health card renewal mandatory?
While not legally required, having a valid health card is essential for accessing affordable healthcare in Qatar.
Q: Can I renew my health card if my residence permit is expiring soon?
It’s advisable to renew your residence permit first, as a valid permit is usually required for health card renewal.
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.