The Ministry of Health, in Oman, runs hospitals and health centres throughout the country and also coordinates and supervises the activity of other providers. In general, the standard of healthcare facilities is high, particularly in Muscat and other major centres, where it is similar to what you would find in Europe and other Western countries.

Primary medical care is provided through health centres and local hospitals. Regional referral hospitals provide secondary care and the national referral hospitals, all of which are in Muscat, provide the most advanced health services.

A number of hospitals and clinics are run by other public institutions, such as Sultan Qaboos University, the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Oman Police and Petroleum Development Oman. These are mainly for the benefit of their employees and their dependents, although the university hospital also admits members of the public.

The government provides free healthcare to all Omanis and other GCC citizens and sponsors locals to go abroad if the treatment they need is not available locally. Expats must pay for their healthcare, however, so having a private medical insurance policy is vital. Many employers provide this for their staff, but it is worth checking how comprehensive it is. Expatriates may be prevented from leaving the country if they or their insurance company have not settled any outstanding medical bills in full.

There are a large number of private hospitals and clinics, many of which also provide dental care. All of these establishments are linked with the Ministry of Health system through a referral chain. Most of them are in Muscat, but there are facilities in all the major population centres around the country.

Pharmacies are also widespread, although medication you are used to getting in your home country may not be as easily available in Oman.

Emergency medical assistance can be accessed by dialling 999 and asking for an ambulance. In the case of non-emergency treatment, you may also find it useful to contact your embassy to ask for a list of local doctors who are fluent in English or other relevant languages.