Getting and renewing a health card

Who this is for

Residents of Qatar who want to use public health centres and Hamad hospitals need a health card (also called a health file). Qatari citizens no longer need one: since 12 September 2025 they show their Qatari ID instead, with no fee. The health card is offered to citizens and residents; visitors fall under the mandatory visitor health insurance scheme.

Before you start

• A valid Qatar ID (QID). To apply in the Nar'aakom app, it must be valid for at least one more year.
• Proof of where you live: a rental contract or a Kahramaa (electricity and water) bill.
• A passport-size photo (4 cm x 3 cm) if you apply in person.
• A credit or debit card. Health centres do not accept cash for the fee.
• A Tawtheeq (National Authentication System) account if you want to use the Nar'aakom app. You must be 18 or older.
• For a child applying for the first time: the child's QID and vaccination card. For domestic workers: the sponsor's QID as well.

Steps

1. Check whether you need a health card

   If you are a Qatari citizen, you can skip this guide: just carry your Qatari ID when you visit a public health facility. Residents should continue with the steps below.

2. Find your health centre

   PHCC assigns your health centre based on your home address. In the Nar'aakom app you can enter the building, street and zone numbers from your blue address plate to see which centre covers your area. Married residents register through PHCC; single residents can register through PHCC or HMC.

3. Apply online or in person

   Online: log in to the Nar'aakom app with Tawtheeq and choose 'Register New Health Card'. You can apply for yourself and for children under 18 who have a valid QID. In person: go to your nearest PHCC health centre during morning working hours with your documents.

4. Pay the fee and complete registration

   Once your request is approved, complete it at your assigned health centre and pay the fee by card. You then receive a PHCC health file number, which links you to your health centre and family doctor.

5. Renew before it expires

   The health card has an expiry date. You can renew it on the Hukoomi government portal, in the Nar'aakom app, or in person at any PHCC health centre or HMC hospital. You will need the health card number and a valid QID.

6. Update your health centre if you move

   If you move to a new area, use 'Change My Health Center' in the Nar'aakom app. You need a valid health card, a QID valid for at least one year, and a rental contract or Kahramaa bill for the new address. Requests are reviewed under PHCC's registration policy.

Good to know

• Always carry your valid QID when you visit a health centre or hospital.
• Mandatory health insurance: under Law No. 22 of 2021, the Ministry of Public Health has said that residents and visitors must have health insurance through insurers registered with the ministry, introduced in phases. The first phase, for visitors, started on 1 February 2023.
• Visitor insurance covers emergencies and accidents. It is for people who come to Qatar for neither residence nor work; residents and citizens cannot buy it.
• Check the Ministry of Public Health website for the latest on insurance phases for residents before relying on any other source.
• Children need to be registered too. In the Nar'aakom app, a parent can add children under 18 who have a valid QID as dependents and request their health cards.
• Schools ask for the child's health file when you register them, so sort this out first.