Qatar insurance market expands on mandatory health and motor coverage
Desk report: Qatar’s insurance sector continues to grow steadily, supported by mandatory motor and health insurance requirements, regulatory oversight from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and rising demand from expatriates and businesses.
Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), the country’s largest insurer, reported gross written premiums of approximately QAR 9.9 billion ($2.7 billion) in 2025, representing approximately 9% year-on-year growth. Industry participants say demand remains strongest in motor, health and property insurance segments.
Qatar’s insurance market offers both conventional and Sharia-compliant Takaful products, providing a range of life and non-life coverage for individuals and corporate clients.
Life insurance products in the market typically include term assurance, whole life policies, unit-linked plans, participating with-profits policies, group life coverage, credit life insurance and children’s education savings plans. Many policies incorporate investment or savings components.
However, non-life insurance dominates the market, particularly motor and health coverage.
Motor insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in Qatar, requiring third-party liability coverage, while optional comprehensive policies cover risks such as accidents, theft, fire and vehicle damage.
Health insurance has also become a major segment following the introduction of Law No. 22 of 2021, which requires employers to provide basic health coverage for expatriate employees. Visitors must obtain mandatory health insurance costing around QAR 50 per month, covering emergency and accident treatment.
Other common insurance products include property and fire insurance, marine and aviation coverage, engineering and construction insurance, travel insurance, personal accident policies, and liability insurance for certain regulated professions. Emerging segments such as cyber insurance are also gaining interest.
Qatar’s insurance industry is regulated by the Qatar Central Bank under Law No. 13 of 2012, which established unified supervision of financial services including insurance companies and intermediaries.
Insurance contracts operate under the principle of utmost good faith, requiring policyholders to disclose all relevant information before coverage begins. Standard exclusions generally include intentional acts, war-related losses, nuclear risks and undeclared hazards.
Claims in Qatar most commonly arise from motor accidents, medical treatments and property damage. Motor collisions generate the largest volume of claims, while health insurers handle claims related to hospitalisations and medical care.
Looking ahead, insurers expect continued growth driven by mandatory coverage requirements, infrastructure development and Qatar’s large expatriate population, with additional opportunities emerging through digital distribution and new specialty products across the region.
