A major trading port on the silk route, Muscat, the capital of Oman, has been a historically important city. Its history dates back to 100 BCE, and it is the one place where you can experience Oman’s true heritage and culture.
With a multicultural society, well-developed infrastructure, the fusion of the old and new, and natural and man-made beauty, Muscat attracts the maximum number of tourists in Oman.
It is the perfect place to explore and experience a unique and unseen side of the world, so long as you have the right travel medical insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Muscat - FAQs
Should you need to visit the doctor or stay at a hospital in Muscat, you’d have to spend a lot without insurance. If you don’t want to go broke in Muscat due to a medical mishap, get travel medical insurance to keep yourself financially protected.
Do I need travel medical insurance to travel to Muscat?
Oman has ended their requirement for travel medical insurance that covers COVID-19. However, this does not mean you should look at coverage as optional.
People get sick and hurt on trips abroad, and your domestic health insurance is not going to help you pay for any necessary treatment. Because you cannot guarantee you will not become ill or get injured during your trip to Muscat, travel medical insurance is a necessity.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to Muscat?
It is not uncommon to see tourists suffer from traveler’s diarrhea when abroad. Slip and fall accidents are also surprisingly more common than you’d believe. While it is possible that nothing of that sort happens to you during your trip to Muscat, you cannot completely rule out the possibility of medical emergencies.
If you need medical care in Muscat, the bill could be large. In the case that you need medical evacuation, the expenses could be even more. What you can do to safeguard yourself from such unexpected expenses is to buy travel medical insurance. It can help cover expenses for healthcare in Oman, and you can just focus on your recovery.
Muscat’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Muscat is sandwiched between a mountain and a sea. The city’s name literally means ‘safe anchorage.' It is home to museums, forts, palaces, parks, and the heritage of Oman.
Mutrah Corniche
Extending three kilometers along the waterfront, the Mutrah Corniche is a market and café-lined walkway. It overlooks the stunning scenery of the mountain meeting the sea, and you can catch a beautiful sunset here.
Bait Al-Zubair
Founded in 1988, Bait Al-Zubair is a private museum started by the Zubair family. It houses several noteworthy Omani relics. The structure of the museum is an architectural wonder in itself. The complex also has a gift shop, a garden, and a café.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque in the country and can accommodate 20,000 worshippers at a time. It is a beautiful display of modern architecture and features a blend of Omani, Middle Eastern, and Islamic styles of architecture.
Al Alam Souk
Also called the Mutrah Souk, the Al Alam Souk is among the oldest marketplace in the Arab world. The marketplace has many alleys and lanes filled with various scents and a wide range of items. From dates to traditional Arabic clothes, fresh flowers, spices, pottery, and more, you’ll find everything here.
Royal Opera House
Opened in 2011, the Royal Opera House was among the first opera houses in the Arabian Peninsula. The complex has landscaped gardens, an art center, cultural markets, a theater, and an auditorium. It is a mix of the Italian and Islamic styles of architecture. It is the perfect place to experience music, culture, and arts in Oman.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Muscat
Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. But, does that mean you should roam the streets of Muscat without a care in the world? Absolutely not. Muscat is a great place to visit, but it has its fair share of dangers and annoyances.
Occasional Petty Crime
Oman has a strict legal, moral, and religious code of conduct. Thus, crime isn’t a major issue in Muscat. But, tourists should practice caution by keeping valuables close and out of public sight.
Laws and Customs
Drugs, drones, photographing government and military buildings and airports, homosexuality, and public drinking are illegal in Oman. Make sure you know the local laws and adhere to them. Dress modestly, and don’t say anything insulting or offensive about the Royal Family or government officials.
Political Troubles
The political situation in Oman can get tense sometimes. While protests are usually peaceful, they can turn violent. Steer clear of demonstrations, protests, and large-scale gatherings.
Road Troubles
Oman is infamous for traffic troubles and road accidents. Walking on the busy streets isn’t safe. Hail a taxi to traverse the capital’s highways.
Heat and Hydration
Oman is a dry country, and the temperature can get unbearable. To avoid getting dehydrated, keep a refillable water bottle handy. Sunscreen, hats, and full-sleeved clothes will be your best travel partners.
Before You Travel to Muscat - Do This
- Pack modestly. Oman is a Muslim country, and you will need to wear long clothing that covers your body. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and short skirts could invite unwanted attention.
- Gather all your papers and put them in a safe place. Keep photocopies in another bag, soft copies on your phone, and on cloud storage. If possible, leave a set of copies with a trusted friend or relative back at home as well.
- Buy travel medical insurance to protect your health, and financial peace of mind.