Best Hospitals & Healthcare Services in Oman for Expats & Locals: A 2024 Guide

April 9, 2025 Bushra

Oman’s healthcare system is a blend of modern innovation and cultural hospitality, offering world-class medical services against the backdrop of the Sultanate’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re an expat navigating life in Muscat or a local seeking specialized care, Oman’s hospitals and clinics prioritize quality, accessibility, and patient-centric care. From cutting-edge cancer treatment centers to family-friendly maternity wards, here’s your definitive guide to the best healthcare services in Oman.

Oman’s Healthcare System: Public vs. Private

Oman’s healthcare system is divided into public (government-funded) and private sectors, both regulated by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Public Healthcare:

Free or subsidized for Omani citizens.
Expats can access public hospitals for emergencies but need insurance for routine care.
Pros: Affordable, widespread (even in rural areas).
Cons: Longer wait times for non-emergencies.

Private Healthcare:

Preferred by most expats for shorter wait times and multilingual staff.
Insurance: Mandatory for expats; employers typically cover basic plans.
Pros: Advanced technology, international standards.

Top Hospitals in Oman for Expats & Locals

1. Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) – Muscat

Specialties: Oncology, cardiology, organ transplants.
Why It Stands Out: Oman’s largest teaching hospital and a pioneer in cancer research.
Expats: Accepts some international insurance; Arabic/English services.
Facilities: PET-CT scans, robotic surgery, 24/7 emergency care.

Ideal For: Complex surgeries and specialized treatments.

2. Al Raffah Hospital – Muscat & Sohar

Specialties: Pediatrics, orthopedics, women’s health.
Why It Stands Out: First hospital in Oman accredited by Australia’s Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS).
Expats: Direct billing with major insurers like AXA and Bupa.
Facilities: Neonatal ICU, IVF center, physiotherapy.

Ideal For: Families and maternity care.

3. Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals – Nationwide

Specialties: Diabetes, dermatology, dental care.
Why It Stands Out: Affordable care with 10+ branches, including Rustaq and Salalah.
Expats: Popular for routine check-ups and dental packages.
Facilities: Sleep therapy clinics, dialysis centers.

Ideal For: Chronic disease management and preventive care.

4. Khoula Hospital – Muscat

Specialties: Trauma, neurosurgery, burns.
Why It Stands Out: Oman’s leading public hospital for emergencies and rehabilitation.
Expats: Emergency care available regardless of insurance.
Facilities: 24/7 trauma unit, prosthetics workshop.

Ideal For: Accident victims and critical care.

5. StarCare Hospital – Bausher

Specialties: Cosmetic surgery, fertility, mental health.
Why It Stands Out: Boutique hospital with a hotel-like ambiance.
Expats: Offers discreet services like IVF and therapy in English.
Facilities: Advanced laser treatments, couple-friendly counseling.

Ideal For: Elective procedures and wellness.

6. NMC Royal Hospital – Darsait

Specialties: Cardiology, gastroenterology, ENT.
Why It Stands Out: Part of UAE-based NMC Healthcare, with JCI accreditation.
Expats: Seamless insurance processing for Gulf expats.
Facilities: Cardiac catheterization lab, endoscopy suites.

Ideal For: Heart-related issues and diagnostics.

Specialized Healthcare Services in Oman

Telemedicine:

Platforms like Tibbi and Okadoc offer virtual consultations, especially popular in remote areas like Duqm.

Medical Tourism:

Oman attracts patients from Yemen and East Africa for affordable oncology and orthopedic care.

Home Healthcare:

Agencies like Suhoor Healthcare provide nursing, physiotherapy, and palliative care at home.

Health Insurance in Oman: What Expats Need to Know

Mandatory Coverage: Expats must have insurance via employers. Basic plans cover emergencies, while premium packages include dental and maternity.
Top Providers: Daman, Oman Insurance Company, Takaful Oman.
Cost: Annual premiums range from OMR 150–500, depending on coverage.

Pro Tip: Verify if your plan includes repatriation (medical evacuation) for critical cases.

Challenges in Oman’s Healthcare System

Rural Access:

Villages in Al Hajar Mountains rely on mobile clinics.

Cultural Stigmas:

Mental health services are underutilized but expanding.

Language Barriers:

Smaller clinics may lack English-speaking staff.

How Oman is Addressing These:

Vision 2040: Building 5 new hospitals in Dhofar and Batinah.
Awareness Campaigns: Promoting mental health via hotlines and school programs.

How to Choose the Right Hospital in Oman

Check Accreditation: Look for JCI, ACHS, or MOH approvals.
Verify Insurance Partnerships: Ensure direct billing to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
Read Reviews: Expat forums like Internations and Facebook groups share firsthand experiences.

The Future of Healthcare in Oman

Smart Hospitals: AI-driven diagnostics at Muscat Private Hospital.
Genomics Research: SQUH’s partnership with Harvard for personalized cancer treatment.
Expanded Telehealth: 5G connectivity to support rural teleconsultations.

Final Thoughts: A Healthy Life in Oman

Oman’s healthcare system mirrors its landscapes—diverse, resilient, and ever-evolving. Expats benefit from internationally trained staff and state-of-the-art facilities, while locals enjoy accessible care rooted in community values. Whether you’re recovering on the serene beaches of Salalah or seeking a specialist in Muscat’s bustling hubs, Oman ensures your health is in capable hands.

Ready to Prioritize Your Health?

Book a check-up at a JCI-accredited hospital.
Explore wellness retreats in Jebel Akhdar.
Stay informed via the MOH’s Sahtak app for vaccination alerts and clinic updates.

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