Is healthcare in Oman good enough for expats?

Yes, especially in Muscat. Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the Royal Hospital provide excellent public care, while Muscat Private Hospital and Starcare rival private facilities in Dubai at lower prices. The $1.5 billion Sultan Qaboos Medical City will further expand capacity. For routine care, Oman is fully adequate. For highly specialised procedures (e.g., complex oncology), some expats travel to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or India — flights are short and affordable.

Do I need health insurance in Oman?

While not yet legally mandatory for all residents, health insurance is essential. Most employer contracts include comprehensive coverage. Without insurance, private care costs are manageable (GP visit OMR 8–20) but hospitalisation can be expensive. The government is moving toward mandatory insurance for all residents. If self-employed or on an investor visa, budget OMR 150–500/year for individual coverage.

Can I use public hospitals as an expat?

Yes. Legal residents with a valid health card can access government hospitals at subsidised rates. Emergency care is available to everyone. However, wait times for non-emergency specialist appointments can be 2–8 weeks, which is why most expats with insurance prefer private facilities for routine care. Public hospitals are excellent for emergencies and complex procedures.

How does healthcare in Salalah compare to Muscat?

Salalah has Sultan Qaboos Hospital (Salalah branch) and Badr Al Sama clinic for routine care — adequate for most needs. However, for complex or specialist treatment, you may need to travel to Muscat (1.5-hour flight). Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation to Muscat if you are based in Salalah or other regional cities.

Is dental care affordable in Oman?

Yes, dental care in Oman is notably affordable compared to Western countries and even other Gulf states. A routine cleaning costs OMR 10–25 ($26–$65), fillings OMR 15–30 ($39–$78), and a root canal OMR 50–100 ($130–$260). Many expats use dental visits in Oman to catch up on procedures they delayed in their home country. Several international-standard dental clinics operate in Muscat.

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🇴🇲 Oman

Healthcare

OMR 8–20 ($21–$52)

GP Consultation (private)

Walk-in or appointment

OMR 15–40 ($39–$104)

Specialist Visit

Private clinic

OMR 80–250 ($208–$650)

Hospital Stay/night

Private room

OMR 10–25 ($26–$65)

Dental Cleaning

Private dental clinic

OMR 150–500/year

Health Insurance

Employer-provided is standard

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Muscat 🌴Salalah

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Overview

Oman has built a respected healthcare system over the past four decades, with 59 hospitals (49 government, 10 private) and 897 medical centres nationwide. Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the Royal Hospital anchor the public system, while Muscat Private Hospital and Starcare Hospital serve the private sector. Employer-provided health insurance is standard for expats, and the upcoming $1.5 billion Sultan Qaboos Medical City will add five new hospitals to Muscat.

Key Takeaways

Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH): Oman's premier teaching hospital — advanced specialties, research-focused, Muscat
Muscat Private Hospital: largest private hospital in Oman — multi-specialty, trained international staff
Employer-provided insurance: standard in most professional employment contracts
Muscat Pharmacy and Oman Pharmaceutical are the largest chains — multiple locations across Muscat
Al Massara Hospital: Oman's primary public psychiatric facility in Muscat

Public Healthcare System

Oman's public healthcare system is operated by the Ministry of Health and provides subsidised care to all legal residents. The system has expanded dramatically since the 1970s and now includes 49 government hospitals and an extensive primary care network across the country.

Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH): Oman's premier teaching hospital — advanced specialties, research-focused, Muscat
Royal Hospital: largest government hospital in Oman — trauma, cardiac surgery, oncology, and emergency care
Khoula Hospital: specialist orthopaedic and accident hospital, Muscat
Public healthcare access: legal residents with health cards can use government facilities at subsidised rates
Emergency care: available at all government hospitals — minimal fees for residents
Wait times: non-emergency specialist appointments can be 2–8 weeks in the public system
Prescription medication: OMR 1–5 at government pharmacy with health card

Private Hospitals and Clinics

Oman's private healthcare sector has grown significantly, with hospitals that compare favourably to five-star facilities in terms of amenities and service. Most expats with employer-provided insurance use the private system for faster access and English-speaking staff.

Muscat Private Hospital: largest private hospital in Oman — multi-specialty, trained international staff
Starcare Hospital: modern private facility in Al Khuwair — cardiology, orthopaedics, maternity
Atlas Healthcare (Badr Al Sama group): chain of private clinics across Oman — affordable, accessible
Aster Medical Centres: part of the regional Aster DM chain — multiple Muscat locations
Sultan Qaboos Medical City: $1.5 billion mega-project under construction — five new hospitals for Muscat
Most private consultations: OMR 8–20 ($21–$52) for GP, OMR 15–40 ($39–$104) for specialist
Private health insurance is standard in most expat employment packages — premiums OMR 150–500/year

Health Insurance for Expats

Health insurance is essential for expats in Oman. Most employers provide comprehensive coverage as part of the employment package, and the government is moving toward mandatory health insurance for all residents.

Employer-provided insurance: standard in most professional employment contracts
Coverage typically includes: GP visits, specialist consultations, hospitalisation, emergency care, and prescriptions
Annual premiums: OMR 150–350 ($390–$910) for individual; OMR 400–800 ($1,040–$2,080) for family
Major insurers: Oman Insurance, National Life & General Insurance, Dhofar Insurance, AXA Gulf
Pre-existing conditions: coverage varies by plan — check policy carefully before accepting
Dental and optical: often separate riders — verify inclusion with your employer
Government hospitals accept most insurance plans; private hospitals may require pre-authorisation

Pharmacies and Medications

Pharmacies are widely available across Oman, with chains and independent outlets in every neighbourhood. Many common medications are available over the counter, but some require prescriptions.

Muscat Pharmacy and Oman Pharmaceutical are the largest chains — multiple locations across Muscat
Operating hours: most pharmacies open 8am–10pm, with 24-hour pharmacies at major hospitals
Common medications available over the counter: paracetamol, ibuprofen, cold/flu remedies, antacids
Prescription required for: antibiotics, controlled substances, and specialist medications
Prices: generally affordable — OMR 1–10 for common medications
International brand medications available but may cost more than generic equivalents
Bring a supply of any specialist medications and a doctor's letter when first arriving

Mental Health Services

Mental health services in Oman are developing, with growing awareness and expanding access to counselling and psychiatric care. While still less established than physical healthcare, options are available in Muscat.

Al Massara Hospital: Oman's primary public psychiatric facility in Muscat
Private counselling: several psychologists and therapists in Muscat — OMR 20–50 per session ($52–$130)
International counsellors available: English-speaking therapists at private clinics
Online therapy platforms (BetterHelp, Talkiatry) accessible from Oman
Employer EAP (Employee Assistance Programmes): larger companies often provide confidential counselling
Cultural sensitivity: mental health stigma exists but is gradually decreasing among younger generations
Crisis support: limited compared to Western countries — maintain connections with international support networks

FAQs