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Healthcare

Caring for the health and wellbeing of all GUQ students

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Student Health Insurance
Required Immunizations
Medical Care
Medical Leaves of Absence

Student Health Insurance

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) requires all students to have a supplementary private health insurance coverage. Additionally, all enrolled students must obtain and carry their Qatar National Health (Hamad) Card to access public health resources.

Qatar National Health

The State of Qatar provides national health coverage for all residents of Qatar by providing them with a National Health (Hamad) Card. International students are eligible to obtain a National Health Card after receiving their Residence Permit. GU-Q will help students obtain their card. All other students (Qatari citizens and expatriates residing in Qatar) must apply for and renew their National Health Card.

Explore National Health Coverage

Private Health Insurance

GU-Q requires all students residing in Qatar to carry a supplementary private health insurance, in addition to their Qatar National Health (Hamad) Card. We have negotiated a comprehensive medical and travel policy designed specifically for GU-Q students. All students will be automatically enrolled and charged a premium fee for this insurance on their student billing accounts.

GU-Q Student Health Insurance Policy

Student Health Insurance

Insurance Quick Links
Student Insurance Customer Care Contact Information

Email: customercare@sanadinsurance.com
Phone: +974 7781 3869 (Phone and WhatsApp)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday from 8am–9pm; Saturday from 12pm–5pm

See the SANAD contact sheet for additional resources.

Can I waive the GU-Q student insurance policy?

All students will be automatically enrolled in the student insurance arranged by GU-Q, unless they decline the coverage and provide documentation of an adequate insurance coverage under another private policy. If students have coverage by another private insurance that remains in effect throughout the academic year, and they wish to decline the student health insurance arranged by GU-Q, they must complete the Insurance Waiver Form and provide a copy of their current private insurance. Students will receive email reminders every spring about the waiver option. Students must fill the waiver form every year, even if their enrollment in a private health insurance coverage stays active in subsequent years. If students wish to maximize their health care access, they may enroll in the insurance arranged by GU-Q along with their own private health coverage. Please compare your insurance policy with the Student Insurance Policy and Table of Benefits to make a decision about waiving the insurance plan arranged by GU-Q.

Who is responsible for understanding my health insurance coverage?

Students are responsible for understanding their insurance coverage and benefits and must carefully read the enrollment and benefit details, including the inclusions, exclusions, and limitations of their coverage. For detailed benefits of insurance enrollment refer to the Student Insurance Policy and Table of Benefits.

Are there any medical facilities that have direct billing with GU-Q student health insurance?

Current Student Health Insurance offers Direct Billing Facilities in Qatar and Direct Billing Facilities Abroad. To benefit from these direct billing options, you would need to present your Qatar ID, student ID, and the insurance card.

What if a medical facility does not have direct billing with GU-Q student health insurance?

If there is no direct billing between the insurance company and health care providers and pharmacies, you will need to pay out of pocket and then claim the cost by completing the Medical Claim Form and following the instruction on Insurance User Guide in order to be reimbursed. It is your responsibility to check with your Student Insurance Policy and Table of Benefits for covered medical services.

What if I have a condition that requires treatment and medication over a long period?

If you have a condition that requires long term treatment/taking medication, please follow below steps:

  1. Ask your medical provider to complete the Chronic Claim Form, and specify duration for which the treatment and medication is required.
  2. Keep a copy of the completed form and submit the original to the pharmacy.
  3. The insurance company will review the request. When the request is approved,  the pharmacy is allowed to dispense up to a maximum of three months’ supply.
  4. Once the medication is finished, you may return to the same pharmacy and present the copy of the Chronic Claim Form to refill the prescription.

There is no need for another doctor’s visit unless there are changes to the treatment.

I am planning to study abroad. What should I do about my student health insurance?

When studying at another university, including Georgetown University DC campus, you must follow the insurance policy for that university as well as Georgetown University Education Abroad Insurance. For more information about insurance coverage requirements refer to the Qatar and Study Abroad Insurance Flowchart. If you have further questions, please contact us by email at guqstudentwellness@georgetown.edu.

I am traveling abroad. How can I show proof of health insurance coverage to obtain a visa?

Please contact Student Insurance Customer Care to obtain a letter confirming your health insurance coverage.

Required Immunizations

All GU-Q students are required to be compliant with university immunization requirements and testing.

FAQs

What vaccinations are required?

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) requires all students at the time of registration to provide documentation of vaccination or immunity from Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Meningitis. In addition, all students are required to have documentation of a Tuberculosis (TB) test in the last year.

How do I submit proof of vaccinations or a meningitis waiver?

Students are asked to submit the Immunization History Form and Tuberculosis Test Form upon admission. These forms must be completed and certified by a health care physician and returned to us by July 1st.

If a student chooses to waive the Meningitis Vaccination, they have to read the Meningitis Fact Sheet and complete and sign the Meningitis Vaccine Waiver and return to us along with their completed Immunization History Form and Tuberculosis Test Form.

 Although we work with freshman students to comply with the immunization policy in the first (fall) semester, students will not be able to enroll in classes for the second (spring) semester until they are fully compliant. If you have any questions about providing this documentation or how to get vaccination in Qatar, please send us an email.

How can I learn more about immunizations?

Students and their families are encouraged to visit the Qatar Ministry of Public Health on Qatar immunization program webpages, and learn more about vaccines and preventable diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In order to avoid delays, please see your health care provider as soon as possible to complete the Immunization History Form and Tuberculosis Test Form, especially if your immunization records are incomplete and you need to get any required immunizations.

Where can I get vaccinated in Qatar?

In Qatar, vaccines, blood work, and record verification can be done at some Primary Health Centers and for enrolled GU-Q students at Qatar Foundation Primary Health Care Center located in the Student Center. Vaccinations are also available at some private hospitals, laboratories, and clinics.

What additional medical tests are required?

The State of Qatar requires resident applicants to undergo and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and chest x-ray for Tuberculosis.  Qatar Foundation recommends that international students take these tests before coming to Qatar to ensure that they meet the medical requirements for residency.

Qatar Foundation in coordination with GU-Q will also arrange for international students to take these medical tests after they arrive in Qatar. This medical tests are in addition to the immunization compliance mandated for all students including Qatari citizens and residents, as well as international students by Qatar Foundation and Georgetown University (see above).

Can I have an extension of the June 15th deadline?

Extensions may be granted in certain circumstances. Please email us to request an extension. Failure to provide information after being granted an extension may result in a hold being placed on your student account.

Can I email my completed forms to you?

Please follow the submission procedures on the New Student Guide. You will need to upload your forms and documentation to the GU-Q admissions portal AND to the Georgetown University Student Health Portal. If you have questions, please email us at guqstudentwellness@georgetown.edu.

Can I just submit my certifications or test results? Do I have to fill out the immunization history and TB testing forms?

You must fill out the forms and take them to your healthcare provider to have them verified.

I need additional vaccinations to comply with the GU-Q policy, but the deadline is approaching. What should I do?

If you need additional vaccinations, please submit evidence of the vaccinations you already have. Please email our office to let us know which vaccinations you are waiting on, and when you expect these to be administered. Failure to provide information after being granted an extension may result in a hold being placed on your student account.

Some of the required vaccinations are not available in my area or country? Can I wait and get them in Qatar?

We encourage students to make the best possible effort to fulfill the vaccination requirements before arriving in Qatar. However, we understand that in certain circumstances this may not be possible, and vaccines are readily available in Qatar. Vaccinations in Qatar may incur a personal cost to you. Failure to provide information after being granted an extension will result in a hold being placed on your student account.

Do international students have to take 2 TB tests?

Yes. The first test is a requirement of Georgetown University and must be completed for all students matriculating regardless of nationality or background. The second test will take place as a part of the immigration requirements (chest x-ray) in Qatar after arrival. No details of the immigration TB test will be shared outside of the immigration process and it is not available for other documentation purposes.

I live in Qatar. Do I still need to take the TB test?

Yes, the TB test is a requirement for all students matriculating at Georgetown University.

I filled out the form with my healthcare provider. What do I do now?

Please see the submission procedures on the New Student Guide.

I just found out that I need the hepatitis B vaccine, which requires 3 doses over 6 months. How will this affect my enrollment?

In these circumstances, you must show that you have started the vaccination course. We will then grant an extension of 6 months for Hepatitis B provided you send us documentation of subsequent doses as you receive them. Your extension will automatically lapse after 6 months if the vaccination certification is not provided to us during this time. When your extension expires, a hold will be placed on your student account, preventing registration at the university

All of my vaccination records have been lost. What should I do?

Yes. In the case that you do not have certificates for your vaccinations, we recommend blood testing to determine immunity for MMR, Hepatitis B and Varicella before receiving subsequent vaccines. If your blood test results show no immunity to a certain disease, please work with your healthcare provider to receive the appropriate vaccines in line with the GU-Q immunization policy. There are no titers for Tdap or Polio, so in this case a booster immunization is required.

I submitted my documents in the student health portal. Why is it still showing that I have outstanding items?

The portal will show that you are non-compliant until we review and approve your documents. If you have provided all necessary information, please wait to hear from our office about any items that may be outstanding or required. We will contact you if we need further information.

I uploaded my documents to the student health portal, but it still says that I’m not compliant. What do I do?

In addition to uploading your documents, you must also enter the dates from your immunization history and TB testing forms manually into the portal. The Immunization History and TB testing requirements will appear under the My Forms tab after you log in. Please use your Immunization History and TB testing forms to fill in the details of the electronic form.

Are the immunization forms online?

Accessing Medical Care

Medical care is available in Education City and off campus. In the event of an emergency, dial 4454-0999 (on campus) or 999 (off campus).

Emergency and Urgent Care

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, there are resources available 24/7.

  • Education City Emergency (on-campus): 4454-0999 
  • Doha Emergency (off-campus): 999 
  • Qatar National Health and Mental Health Hotline: 16000
  • Qatar Foundation Primary Health Care Center: 4454-1240/4


For urgent care, you can contact Qatar Foundation Primary Health Care Center at 4454-1240 or 4454-1244 for medical advice during business hours. At all other times, you can go to the nearest emergency room or dial 999.

On-Campus Medical Care

A medical clinic and pharmacy are located on campus in the Student Center. Please check with the clinic and pharmacy regarding fees and your insurance coverage for visits and medications.

Medical Clinic
Qatar Foundation (QF) Primary Health Care Center is located in the Student Center (Multaqa). The clinic is managed by a private health facility. Please visit the QF-PHCC website for hours, contact information, fees, and insurance coverage.

Pharmacy
Kulud Pharmacy is located in the Student Center (4037-8029; 5560-6956)

Nutritionist
To make an appointment with a nutritionist, email QF Nutrition Clinic.

Off-Campus Medical Care

The State of Qatar provides national health coverage for all residents of Qatar. GU-Q helps international students obtain and renew their Qatar health card. Qatari citizens and residents obtain and renew their own health card.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the non-profit healthcare provider in Qatar. HMC provides access to Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) and specialized medical services via the Hamad Health Card. To make an appointment at HMC facilities or any Primary Health Care Center, call 107.

Please check with the health care facility and your health insurance to understand what services are covered by insurance and if there is a direct billing arrangement between your insurance and the facility. 

Contact Information for Public Hospitals and PHCCs


Private Clinics and Hospitals

Health and Safety When Traveling (International SOS)

Georgetown University has contracted International SOS to provide worldwide travel services for all students. These resources are available to members of our community traveling overseas on university business or sanctioned academic work and research (not personal travel).

  • Security evacuation services in response to political instability or natural disaster.
  • Medical services ranging from telephone advice and referrals to full-scale medical evacuation by private air ambulance. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Online database of health, safety, and security resources for international travelers. 


To access International SOS services

Start by providing the Georgetown University membership number printed on your International SOS card as your member login. We recommended that while traveling abroad you keep a wallet-size membership card with you that lists the group membership number and the SOS Alarm Center emergency phone numbers. Should you need assistance while you are abroad, contact the relevant SOS Alarm Center as indicated on your wallet card.

It is important to understand that SOS is not health insurance. Although personal travel is not covered, SOS can point the students in the right direction and give them suggestions for facilities and/or physicians that can provide proper medical and dental care abroad.

Install the International SOS Assistance App before you travel, register in the app using the membership ID number, and turn on location-based services and push notifications for countries of interest before you travel.

For travel safety, security, and risk-related questions, please contact us.

Insurance Flowchart and Forms

Medical Leaves of Absence

GU-Q is committed to supporting the success of its students and the safety and welfare of the community. Students experiencing situations that significantly limit their ability to succeed or present safety concerns for themselves or others can request a medical leave of absence (MLOA). Please see the GU-Q medical leave of absence policy and Georgetown University’s medical leave of absence page for more information.

How to Take a Leave of Absence

Make an appointment or visit the Student Wellness & Counseling Center (SWCC) to discuss your situation with a counselor and get advice about whether to take a medical leave of absence for your physical or mental health condition.

The counselor will make a recommendation based on your unique situation to either take a Medical Leave of Absence or pursue another course of action.

In the case of approval for a Medical Leave of Absence you are recommended to begin treatment or another course of action immediately after taking leave of the university.

Returning to School

When you feel ready to return to the university, make another appointment with the Student Wellness & Counseling Center (SWCC).

Based on that consultation, the counselor will make a recommendation to the dean regarding your readiness to return. Note that while the SWCC makes recommendations for both MLOAs and returns from MLOAs, the authority for granting leaves and returns rests with the dean’s office.

You will be required to submit documents to apply for return, including a recommendation from your treatment provider. Once you have sent in all the required documentation, our internal SWCC committee reviews the materials to determine if the student appears ready to resume academics and university life.

In the case of an approval, the SWCC will contact you to arrange a check-in visit to review your plan for maintaining optimal health, including recommendations for ongoing treatment if that is warranted.

The Student Wellness & Counseling Center then contacts the dean’s office to indicate its recommendation. The dean’s office takes this recommendation into consideration when deciding whether or not to re-enroll a student.

You will receive notice whether you are eligible for re-enrollment and steps to follow for re-enrolling in the next semester, or additional steps needed before re-enrollment is possible.