This isn’t the quiet healthcare system of the past. Oman is undergoing a massive medical transformation under its “Health Vision 2050.” While the country is famous for its ancient forts and frankincense, its capital, Muscat, is rapidly becoming a sanctuary for advanced healthcare in the Gulf. From the trauma excellence at Khoula Hospital (the regional leader in orthopedics) to the luxurious, JCI-accredited suites of Aster Royal, the standard of care is skyrocketing.
But for expats, tourists, and digital nomads, the system has strict rules. With the rollout of the mandatory “Dhamani” health insurance scheme, understanding where you can go—and who pays for it—is no longer optional; it is essential.
This guide is your compass. We will navigate the public-private divide, compare the top Hospitals in Oman, and reveal where to find the “hidden gem” wellness retreats that are putting Oman on the medical tourism map.
The Landscape: Public Care vs. Private Luxury
To navigate Hospitals in Oman, you must understand the two distinct sectors operating under the Ministry of Health (MOH).
1. The Public Giants (Government Hospitals)
- The Hubs: Royal Hospital and Khoula Hospital in Muscat are the heavyweights.
- The Reality: These are where the most complex cases go. If you have a major car accident or need a kidney transplant, you will likely end up here. They are heavily subsidized for Omani nationals.
- For Expats: You can access them in genuine emergencies, but for routine care, you are generally expected to use the private sector.
2. The Private Sector (Insurance-Driven)
- The Hubs: Hospitals like Aster Al Raffah, Burjeel, and Muscat Private Hospital.
- The Reality: Fast, efficient, and English-speaking. These facilities are designed for the expatriate community and locals with private insurance.
- The “Dhamani” Rule: As of 2026, health insurance is mandatory for all private sector employees and visitors. Your employer must provide basic coverage. Ensure you have your insurance card on you at all times; it is your “ticket” to entry in these hospitals.
Top Hospitals in Oman: A Deep Dive
We have analyzed the facilities to bring you the most reliable options in 2026.
1. The Royal Hospital – Muscat (Public)
The crown jewel of the government system.
- Best For: Oncology (Cancer), Cardiac Surgery, and Nuclear Medicine.
- Why it stands out: It houses the National Heart Center and the National Oncology Center. It is the tertiary referral center for the entire country—meaning if another hospital can’t fix it, they send you here.
2. Khoula Hospital – Muscat (Public)
Known locally as the “Accident Hospital.”
- Best For: Trauma, Orthopedics, and Plastic Surgery.
- Why it stands out: It is the national trauma center. Their expertise in treating road traffic accidents and complex bone fractures is arguably the best in the region. If you break a bone in Oman, this is the gold standard.
3. Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) – Muscat (Public/Teaching)
A hub of academic excellence and research.
- Best For: Hematology (Blood disorders), Genetics, and Pediatrics.
- Why it stands out: As a teaching hospital, you often get a team approach with senior professors reviewing your case. It is a pioneer in genetic research for hereditary diseases common in the Gulf.
4. Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital – Muscat (Private)
A shining example of the modern private sector.
- Best For: Gastrointestinal surgery, Urology, and Maternity.
- Why it stands out: With state-of-the-art operation theaters and a high number of Western-trained consultants, it offers a “hotel-like” experience without compromising on medical rigor.
5. Burjeel Hospital – Al Khuwair (Private)
Part of the massive VPS Healthcare group.
- Best For: Joint replacements and Orthopedics.
- Why it stands out: They have aggressively recruited top orthopedic surgeons, making them a preferred choice for expats who want knee or hip surgery without flying back to Europe or India.
📊 Comparison: Top 10 Hospitals in Oman
Use this table to identify the right facility for your specific needs.
| Hospital Name | Location | Type | Beds (Approx) | Key Specializations |
| Royal Hospital | Muscat | Public | 630+ | Cardiology, Oncology, NICU |
| Khoula Hospital | Muscat | Public | 500+ | Trauma, Orthopedics, Burns |
| Sultan Qaboos Univ. Hospital | Muscat | Public | 550+ | Teaching, Genetics, Hematology |
| Aster Royal Al Raffah | Muscat | Private | 175 | Gastroenterology, Urology |
| Muscat Private Hospital | Muscat | Private | 70+ | Emergency, Heart Center |
| Burjeel Hospital | Muscat | Private | 70+ | Orthopedics, Sports Medicine |
| Nizwa Hospital | Nizwa | Public | 300+ | Regional Trauma, General Medicine |
| Sohar Hospital | Sohar | Public | 400+ | Cardiology, Emergency |
| Starcare Hospital | Seeb | Private | 50+ | Maternity, Pediatrics |
| NMC Specialty Hospital | Muscat | Private | 100+ | Fertility (IVF), ENT |
💡 Real Success Story: The “Dhamani” Safety Net
Understanding your insurance tier is critical in Oman.
Case Study: The Weekend Warrior
The Challenge: Mark, a newly arrived teacher in Muscat, twisted his knee badly while hiking in Wadi Shab. He was in severe pain but terrified of the cost, as he hadn’t received his physical insurance card yet.
The Solution: He logged onto the MyHospitalNow Forum from his phone.
The Advice: Community members assured him that his Resident Card number was linked to the “Dhamani” system digitally. They recommended he go to Burjeel Hospital for their orthopedic specialist.
The Outcome: Mark was admitted, had an MRI, and saw a specialist within 3 hours. The hospital verified his coverage instantly using just his Civil ID.
The Result: He paid a nominal OMR 5 deductible instead of OMR 400 for the scans.
“I was ready to fly home to treat it. I didn’t realize the private system here was so integrated. The forum saved me a fortune in flights and stress.” — Mark D., Muscat
👉 Confused about your insurance coverage or need a doctor recommendation? Ask here: https://www.myhospitalnow.com/forum/
Wellness Tourism: The “Oman Difference”
While many travel out of Oman for complex surgery (like transplants), the world is traveling in to Oman for something else: Medical Wellness.
Oman has positioned itself as a luxury wellness destination.
- Zighy Bay (Six Senses): Located in Musandam, this resort offers integrative health screenings, sleep programs, and detox protocols monitored by in-house doctors.
- Shangri-La Al Husn: Famous for its stress-management programs utilizing frankincense-infused therapies, rooted in traditional Omani healing.
If you are looking for recovery or medical wellness, Oman offers a tranquility that Dubai cannot match.
Essential Tips for Patients & Expats
1. The Emergency Numbers
- 9999: The all-in-one number for Ambulance and Police.
- 112: Works from mobile phones even without a SIM card.
2. Pharmacy Know-How
Oman has excellent pharmacies (like Muscat Pharmacy).
- Rule: Antibiotics and strong painkillers are strictly prescription-only. Do not expect to buy them over the counter.
- 24/7 Access: Most major areas have a “Day and Night” pharmacy.
3. Verify Your Specialist
In the private sector, doctors are categorized by tier: “Specialist,” “Senior Specialist,” and “Consultant.”
- Tip: For serious issues, always pay the extra fee to see a Consultant. They typically have 10+ years of experience and Western board certifications (UK/US/Canada).
- Research: Find verified doctor lists in our category:👉 Hospitals in Oman (https://www.myhospitalnow.com/blog/category/hospitals-in-oman)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is healthcare free in Oman?
For Omani citizens, yes, in public hospitals. For expats and tourists, no. You must pay or use insurance.
2. What is the best hospital for maternity?
Muscat Private Hospital and Aster Royal are favorites among expats for their private delivery suites and “water birth” options.
3. Do doctors speak English?
Yes. English is the working language of the medical sector in Oman. Many doctors are expats themselves (from India, Egypt, UK).
4. Can I go to a public hospital as a tourist?
Only in an emergency. They will stabilize you, but you will likely be transferred to a private facility for ongoing care, and you will be billed.
5. Is dental care covered by insurance?
Usually, no. Basic dental is often an “add-on” to insurance policies. Dental tourism to India is common for major work, though clinics in Muscat are high quality.
6. What is “Dhamani”?
It is the unified health insurance system. It mandates that private sector employers provide health coverage for their expat employees.
7. Are there female doctors available?
Yes. Oman is culturally conservative but progressive in healthcare. Female gynecologists and doctors are available in every hospital.
8. Can I buy alcohol-based medicines?
Some cough syrups or medicines with alcohol content are strictly regulated but available if medically necessary and prescribed.
9. How is the ambulance service?
Response times in Muscat are good. In remote “Wadis” or deserts, response can be slower. Always have a GPS location ready to share via WhatsApp.
10. Where can I find a list of accredited clinics?
You can browse our detailed hospital profiles here: https://www.myhospitalnow.com/blog/category/hospitals-in-oman
Conclusion: Safe Hands in the Sultanate
Oman offers a reassuring blend of modern technology and traditional hospitality. Whether you are seeing a world-class orthopedic surgeon at Khoula or recovering in a wellness suite at Zighy Bay, the quality of care in 2026 is exceptional.