Located off the coast of the Persian Gulf, Doha is a modern metropolis in the desert. Once a city of pearl divers and sea pirates, Doha has transformed its landscape to include skyscrapers, manmade islands, and endless architectural marvels. Doha offers an array of activities for most any visitor to enjoy.

Before finalizing your plans to visit Doha, consult this guide to get an idea of places to go, things to do, and precautions to keep in mind. You can also use to it discover information you should know about purchasing travel medical insurance or travel insurance before you go.

Doha Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

International travel can be fraught with unexpected risks. You can fall sick, injure yourself, or suffer an accident. Your domestic health insurance may not provide any coverage when you are in Doha. Travel medical insurance can allow you to seek the best medical care abroad, with less worry about hospital bills.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Doha?

As a short-term visitor to Qatar, travel medical insurance is not a legal requirement. However, all expatriates living in the country must carry sufficient medical insurance. Even without a requirement, it is in your best interest to have proper insurance to protect your finances. Without it, you would be required to pay the entire amount for any treatment, surgery, tests, etc. you need to receive during your time in Doha. These bills can add up quickly, and the only way to lessen their effect is by having insurance with proper coverage.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Doha?

Healthcare facilities in Doha are considered excellent, but they can be extremely expensive. Emergency treatment could easily cost thousands. When you compare that to the relatively low cost of travel medical insurance, it makes good financial sense to have coverage.

Doha Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

No one wants to pay for a trip they cannot take. However, if your trip to Doha were to be canceled and you didn't have insurance, this is exactly what could happen. The money you have to pay up front for airfare, hotel reservations, event tickets, etc. is often nonrefundable. If your trip is unable to go forward, you'll want a way to get it back. With trip cancellation insurance, you can have the option to receive that refund.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Doha?

When you plan a trip many months in advance and pay for your flights and accommodations up front, the thought of canceling is usually the furthest thing from your mind. However, there are situations beyond our control that can make cancellation a requirement. If you were to get sick or injured, you may have no choice but to stay home. The same goes for government travel restrictions or natural disasters that make it impossible to travel.

Though no insurance can make up for lost travel plans, trip cancellation insurance can at least help you bear the financial brunt of cancellation. It can allow you to be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you trip has to be canceled for a reason that's covered by the policy.

What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Doha?

When you purchase travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage, it can compensate you if you have to cancel your trip. However, the benefits of travel insurance can go far beyond that. Other coverage options to consider can include:

• Flight delay coverage
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• The option to cancel for any reason
• Flight insurance
• Coverage for loss of passport, emergency cash transfer, and other ancillary benefits.

Think of travel insurance as a helpful friend that can be there when you need them during your trip. Take a look at the various travel insurance policies available to you, and choose one with the coverage that suits you best.

Things to Do for Travelers in Doha

Katara Cultural Village

The Cultural Village offers a glimpse into the medieval culture of the region. The Arabian-inspired architecture is sure to take you back in time. With amphitheaters, concert halls, exhibition galleries, beaches, mosques, and food stalls, the village is a feast for the senses. The traditional artisans working on their calligraphy and batik crafts serve as the perfect muse for photographers.

Desert Safari

The Mesaieed Dunes around Doha offer the thrilling experience of a desert safari with half-day and full-day tours from the city. Enjoy dune bashing, sand-boarding, camel rides, and a spectacular desert sunset while visiting a Bedouin Camp.

Souq Waqif

This heritage market is a popular tourist landmark, replete with traditional restaurants, spices, jewelry, antique stores, shisha lounges, and more. Located close to the waterfront, the market even has a Falcon Souq and offers animal rides for both children and adults.

National Museum of Qatar

This iconic museum sits on the Doha bay, near the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, and is dubbed the "Desert Rose" after its unique architecture. The museum is filled with artifacts and sculptures, although you won't find any hanging pieces of art on its slanting walls. Instead, videos are projected onto the walls for visitors to enjoy. Don't forget to visit the corniche that is located on the edge of the museum and connected by a pedestrian bridge.

Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art was founded in December 2008 and is located on an artificial island close to the Souq Waqif. The collection includes early Qurans, manuscripts, and various artifacts of ceramics, glass, carpets, ivory, wood, textiles, and precious stones.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Doha

Dress conservatively

This applies to both men and women. Tourists are expected to dress appropriately, especially in religious places. Short or revealing dresses may attract unwanted attention and rude stares from the locals. Islamic laws frown upon public displays of affection as well, and any kind of unacceptable behavior could result in legal consequences.

Alcohol laws

You won't be able to buy alcohol from a local store without an alcohol license, which is given only to expats and local residents. As a short-term visitor, your best bet is to hit a licensed pub or a bar. Being drunk in public and carrying alcohol in public without an alcohol license is considered illegal and can lead to penalties, imprisonment, or even deportation in some cases. Refrain from using obscene language in public as well.

Photography considerations

There may be certain restrictions on filming and taking pictures around religious, military, or construction sites. Tourists have been arrested for taking pictures in sensitive areas. Look out for signs prohibiting photography. If you can't find one, ask for permission from the guards.

Before You Travel to Doha - Do This

• Prepare for the heat. Bring good sunscreen, and dress in light, breathable fabrics.
• Know medication laws. Some over-the-counter medications are considered controlled substances in Qatar, and must be accompanied by a prescription. Many other medicines may be banned, although special permission can be granted in some cases. Be sure to check all regulations before you bring medication.
• Get the coverage you need. Buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance to have essential financial protection in case of a health or travel mishap.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.