Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 9999 for emergencies. Royal Oman Police coordinates ambulance services. Remote desert and mountain areas may require helicopter rescue.
Response time: 10-20 minutes in Muscat; 30-60+ minutes in remote areas
Cost: Public: 5-10 OMR ($13-26 USD) for non-nationals; private: $80-350 USD
Healthcare System
Oman has good healthcare in Muscat with modern hospitals. Outside the capital, facilities are more limited, especially in the interior desert, Dhofar mountains, and Musandam peninsula. Public hospitals are decent but prioritise Omani nationals. Private clinics in Muscat are of good standard.
Designed for: Citizens receive free care; visitors use private or pay at public
GP Access & Costs
Private clinics in Muscat (appointment/walk-in); limited options outside capital
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics in Muscat
GP Visit
$25-70 USD private
Private GP
$25-70 USD
ER Without Insurance
$80-350 USD private; $13-26 USD at public
Medication
Medications available in Muscat pharmacies. Limited availability in rural areas — bring all needed medications for desert/mountain trips.
Health insurance is required for visa
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: 8am-10pm daily; 24-hour pharmacies in Muscat
OTC: Common medications available; some restrictions on controlled substances
Practical Tips
- Muscat Private Hospital and Starcare Hospital are good private facilities
- Royal Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital are top public facilities in Muscat
- Desert excursions: carry 5+ litres of water per person per day, first aid kit, satellite phone
- Wadi swimming: check for flash flood warnings — fatalities occur every year
- Musandam peninsula accessible by road or boat — nearest hospital is in Khasab (basic)
- Dhofar/Salalah: malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for rural areas
- Medical evacuation to Dubai (~45 min flight) for complex cases
Who can get care in Oman?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Oman treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Private clinics in Muscat (appointment/walk-in); limited options outside capital Typical cost: $25-70 USD private Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics in Muscat
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Proof of medical insurance is required for entry or for a visa to Oman.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance certificate (mandatory for visa)
- Passport
- e-Visa
Local contacts in Oman
Emergency services
9999
Call 9999 for emergencies. Royal Oman Police coordinates ambulance services. Remote desert and mountain areas may require helicopter rescue.
Pharmacies
8am-10pm daily; 24-hour pharmacies in Muscat
Common medications available; some restrictions on controlled substances
What is the emergency number in Oman?
9999 in Oman. Call 9999 for emergencies. Royal Oman Police coordinates ambulance services. Remote desert and mountain areas may require helicopter rescue.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Oman?
$25-70 USD private Private consultations: $25-70 USD.
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Sources: Oman Ministry of Health, WHO Oman, CDC Travelers Health 2024, UK FCDO Travel Advice
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
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