Health insurance for expatriates in the Sultanate of Oman

The healthcare system for expatriates in the Sultanate of Oman operates on two separate levels: mandatory basic coverage through the Dhamani platform affiliated with the Financial Services Authority, and optional additional coverage through private or international health insurance companies that offer a wider hospital network and higher coverage. For those planning to move to Oman for work, real estate investment, or permanent residency through property freehold, understanding the difference between these two levels and what each actually covers is a key step in planning the move. This guide explains how the system works in full.

What is the Dhamani Health Insurance System in Oman?

"Dhamani" is the unified health insurance policy project launched by the Financial Services Authority (formerly the Capital Market Authority) with the aim of making health insurance mandatory for private sector employees, resident expatriates, and visitors to the Sultanate. The system is based on a unified electronic platform that connects insurance companies, hospitals, clinics, and private pharmacies with each other, as well as with other regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, and the Royal Oman Police, to unify the medical record for the insured person across different service providers.

The main objective of Dhamani is to ensure a minimum level of basic health coverage for every worker and expatriate in the Sultanate, including emergencies and essential aspects that may affect their ability to work, without the cost becoming a significant burden on employers. The system does not prevent the employer or individual from adding broader coverage above this minimum, which is where private or international health insurance comes in as a supplementary layer.

Who is covered by the Dhamani system?

The system targets three main categories:

• Private sector employees: The employer is required to provide a basic health insurance policy for each employee.
• Expatriates residing in the Sultanate: Including family members of employees authorized to reside with them.
• Visitors: In coordination with the Royal Oman Police regarding visa and health insurance procedures for visitors.

For expatriates entering the Sultanate through a route not linked to an employment contract, such as real estate residency linked to property freehold, health coverage is not automatically provided by an employer. This makes obtaining private or international health insurance on a personal initiative a practical necessity, not a luxury, to ensure adequate medical coverage throughout the stay.

Stages of Dhamani System Implementation So Far

The Dhamani system is being implemented in gradual phases, and the authority does not move to the next phase until the success of the previous phase is ensured. Key indicators of progress up to mid-2026 include: linking more than 30 private hospitals to the Dhamani electronic platform, starting to link private health complexes and clinics, and reaching about 60% electronic linkage for pharmacies with 271 pharmacies registered on the platform. This gradual approach means the network of fully connected providers to the unified system is still expanding, making it important to verify the actual linkage status of the hospital or clinic an expatriate plans to use before relying solely on the basic coverage.

Read also: What is the Cost of Living in Oman 2026?

The Difference Between Mandatory Dhamani Insurance and Private International Health Insurance

Dhamani provides a minimum level of basic coverage including emergencies and essential services, but it does not necessarily offer the same level of broad medical network, international coverage outside the Sultanate, private rooms, or coverage for chronic and pre-existing conditions that private or international health insurance packages provide. The main practical differences are:

• Medical network: Private insurance usually gives access to a larger number of private hospitals within Oman, and sometimes a regional or international network.
• Coverage outside Oman: International health insurance is specifically designed to cover treatment in other countries, suitable for those who travel frequently or want the option of treatment in their home country.
• Pre-existing conditions and maternity coverage: Often not included in the basic coverage and require a special or additional package.
• Coverage limits and rooms: Private insurance usually offers higher coverage limits and the option of private rooms instead of shared ones.

Practically, many insurance consultants in the Omani market advise starting with the mandatory Dhamani coverage as the legal minimum, then adding a supplementary private or international package as needed for the individual or family, rather than relying on only one level or unnecessary duplication between them.

The Cost of Health Insurance for Expatriates in Oman

The cost of health insurance in Oman varies depending on the level and type of coverage required. Market comparisons indicate that the basic policy under the Dhamani system usually falls within a relatively low price range serving the purpose of mandatory basic coverage, while private and international health insurance packages for an individual vary according to the level of medical network and required coverage limits. The total cost of comprehensive family packages increases according to the number of family members and age group, especially in the case of retirees or those over 60 years old, as this group is usually classified under special packages at higher prices.

Since prices change periodically and vary between licensed insurance companies in the Sultanate, the most accurate practical step is to request an updated quote directly from a licensed insurance company or an authorized insurance broker instead of relying on general figures, especially as the Omani market is seeing new entrants and package updates as Dhamani implementation progresses.

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How Does Health Insurance Relate to the Plan to Move to Oman?

For foreigners moving to Oman through the real estate residency route linked to property freehold, health insurance is not tied to an employment contract provided automatically by an employer as is the case for private sector employees. This makes arranging health coverage a step that must be planned independently and early as part of the relocation process, alongside other steps such as completing the real estate residency itself, opening a local bank account, and registering accommodation. Early planning for this aspect spares the expatriate a health coverage gap during the first months of residence, a period that usually involves the most administrative procedures and adjustment to a new lifestyle.

Health insurance for expatriates in Oman is considered a key element in daily quality of life after relocation, especially for those planning long-term residence through the real estate residency route, away from employer-provided insurance. Understanding the difference between mandatory basic coverage through Dhamani and supplementary coverage through private or international insurance allows for proper planning for this aspect before moving, not after.

At Imtilak Global, our role is not limited to helping you choose the right property for your residency plan in Oman, but we also help you understand the practical steps related to the actual move to live here, from real estate residency to essential daily arrangements such as health insurance, housing, and banking services, based on our experience with investors and expatriates who have gone through the same steps. For those planning to move to Oman through property freehold, you can contact our team to review your complete settlement plan in the Sultanate, not just the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is health insurance mandatory for every expatriate in Oman?
Yes, in principle, the Dhamani system aims to make health insurance mandatory for private sector employees, resident expatriates, and visitors, but the implementation mechanism is phased. Therefore, it is advisable to check the updated regulatory status upon arrival in the Sultanate.

Does the basic Dhamani policy cover treatment outside Oman?
No, the basic coverage is designed for health services within the Sultanate. International coverage that includes treatment in other countries requires a separate international health insurance package apart from Dhamani.

Does a real estate residency holder in Oman need separate health insurance?
Practically yes, because mandatory coverage is usually linked to an employment contract with a private sector employer, while a real estate residency holder who is not linked to a local employment contract needs to arrange private or international health insurance on their own initiative to ensure adequate medical coverage.