Job Discussion Forums

got2go · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 33

Hello all,

I was offered a job in Sohar University. I have been reading the postings here and they have been quite helpful. I want to personally thank all for supplying very helpful info.

My questions are as follows and I would highly appreicate anyone with info:

1. How is the health coverage in OMan? I understand it's gov't insurance. Are the facilities occupied with all equipment needed in case of emergencies? I'm asking b/c I have small children and they need immediate attention.

2. Can anyone supply me with list of elementary schools near Sohar University. I have been unsuccessful in finding out schools online.

3. Would it be wise to import a car from the states to Oman? I have been reading that cars are expensive and was wondering to ship it since all I have to pay is the shipping on it!

4. HOw is life in Sohar?

Thanks so much for your input and info and look forward to hearing back from all of you guys and gals!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

got2go · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 33

With the medical insurance in Salalah, can I use the same medical insurance in Muscat, if needed? Or are you restrained to only the city you work in?

What about dental issues? Will the medical insurance cover it, or is this seperate insurance?

Thanks for your input!

manoflettersk466 · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 22

ok, i'm confused ....are you going to teach in Salalah...or Sohar....on the opposite side of the country??

got2go · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 33

Why are you confused? First, I don't know where you got that I will work in Sohar b/c I didn't even mention it!

Next, all I wanted to know is if you can use your medical insurance in other cities in Oman or is one restricted to that particular area!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

err... got2go... if you go to the top of the page, you said that you had been offered a job in Sohar and all of your questions related to Sohar. In some of your threads you have asked about Salalah and some you have asked about Sohar. So, you can't really blame us for being a bit confused. Laughing

But to get to your question about health care. You don't have 'insurance' as we think of it. It is a national health program. If you have your labor card, you are eligible for care. Most private employers have connections with private clinics. Best that you ask your employer about their particular system.

VS

spicegirl · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 112

.... I was confused, too, got2go .... and now I'm even more worried, as you don't seem to remember that said you were going to Sohar. Or are you? If it's Salalah you're going to, then we'll start all over again with the advice and help. Let us know which one it is. Perhaps you've been offered 2 jobs and haven't decided yet.

got2go · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 33

Thanks for your comments!

First I think I need to clarify why there's Sohar and then Salalah. I first didn't realize that I mentioned Sohar on this posting. Only because in another posting I mentioned that the offer was in Salalah and not in Sohar and was under the impression that "we" were all on the same page. So my apologies go out to anyone I might of offended.

Next, the original job offer when I applied was for Sohar University. Then after I requested to know where I will be working, they mentioned Salalah!

Anyway, that's where I stand now - should be working in Salalah - unless things change!

After having said that, does it matter that I'm working in Salalah and have to go to Muscat, for example, for medical help? Will the hospital in Muscat accept the government insurance they are providing me? And lastly, what if I had to pay for services that were not covered under my plan, does anyone know if it's expensive or affordable? I know this is a very broad question b/c we don't know the nature of the medical need, but just an overview would give me an idea. Like the USA, it's almost impossible not to have health insurance and be able to afford it! It's just too costly.

Thanks for your response(s).

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I answered most of these question above. There is NO health insurance. You would only need to go to Muscat in dire circumstances... Salalah facilities can handle most things.

Not everything is covered under the universal health care. For instance, there is a very long wait for MRIs. Most foreigners just go to a private clinic and have it done - paying for it themselves. It costs about 10% of the price in the US, but they are still not cheap. Fortunately most of us never have to have one in the first place.

I think that medical care is not something to worry about in Oman unless one of your family has serious health issues. And if that is true, you probably shouldn't go overseas to work anyway.

VS

got2go · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 33

I, too, hope I will never have to use MRI's and the like, but with children, you just never know and I always have to account for the worst!

Thanks!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Fortunately with children it is usually just a stitch or two - or strep throat - or at worst perhaps a broken bone. All of that can be handled with no problem at the facilities in the larger cities of Oman.

With really serious problems, you might have to travel with your child to find the best hospital even in the US.

VS