International Health Insurance for Expats in Morocco
Expats planning to visit or move to Morocco will undoubtedly have questions about health insurance options for foreigners. Although Morocco is considered one of the safest countries in North Africa, expats should not underestimate the importance of having good health insurance while living in this vibrant and artistic country.
Most of the communities of expats living in Morocco are found in the bigger cities, like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier. It is also where the best hospitals and medical centers are located, and where expats have the highest chance of receiving English-speaking medical care in Morocco.
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Health Insurance Options for Non-Residents
The Moroccan healthcare system comprises two tiers: public and private. The mandatory insurance plan, AMO (Assurance Maladie Obligatoire), is split into two sections: La CNOPS, offered to state employers, and the CNSS, provided to employees of private companies.
AMO funding is paid through contributions from both the employer and the employee. If you work in Morocco, you will be covered by either La CNOPS or CNSS.
While being enrolled in the AMO, you have access to public healthcare, but the national health insurance system doesn’t meet Western medical standards. The quality of care largely depends on the hospital or clinic you go to.
That’s why most expatriates living in Morocco choose to purchase international health insurance, enabling them to receive treatment in the country’s private healthcare sector.
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Overview of the National Health System in Morocco
Morocco gained independence in 1956. Before gaining its independence, Morocco was divided into French and Spanish protectorates. Since then, the Moroccan healthcare system has undergone many positive changes.
The Moroccan healthcare system is theoretically universal and comprehensive; however, in reality, having access to high-quality care is not guaranteed.
What Does the Compulsory Moroccan Health Insurance Cover?
The compulsory medical insurance in Morocco covers maternity, medical treatments for children under 12 years old, chronic conditions, diagnostic tests, x-rays, hospitalization, outpatient surgery, dental, optical, and paramedical treatment.
The AMO covers between 70% and 90% of the costs (depending on the treatment), with the patient paying the remaining amount. However, the Moroccan healthcare system only covers costs incurred within the public sector.
Things You Need To Know When Considering Private Insurance in Morocco
If you choose to use only the public healthcare system in Morocco, you may face language barriers and long waiting times to see a General Practitioner and specialists. This is because Morocco lacks doctors, nurses, and medical equipment in its public healthcare sector.
If you live outside of any of the country’s main cities, public healthcare in rural areas is more likely to be of inadequate standards.
Therefore, it is recommended that non-residents seek medical care in the private sector or abroad for specialized treatments. If your condition requires more demanding treatment in Morocco, it is recommended that you seek the opinion of two different doctors.
For these reasons, foreigners living in Morocco should consider taking out private insurance. Private health insurance can be expensive in Morocco, and as mentioned earlier, you may want to consider traveling to Spain or France for more complex surgeries.
It is essential to note that in both the public and private health insurance sectors, doctors and nurses will most likely be fluent in Arabic and French. English is most likely available in larger cities within the private sector.
Still, it is best to consult with your international health insurance provider, as they can guide you to the doctors who speak English.
Benefits of a Global Medical Insurance Plan
International health insurance is a better-suited option for expats living and working in Morocco. It offers access to higher-quality healthcare and is a better option that suits the expat lifestyle and expectations.
Since public healthcare can be inadequate and doesn’t always meet Western standards of care, the expat health insurance covers the cost related to receiving care in private facilities with the doctors of your choice, and what’s more important in the case of Morocco, receiving specialist care abroad, and even in the country of your origin.
International health plans also cover the cost of repatriation to your home country should you need ongoing specialist care for a prolonged period of time, and the cost of medical evacuation to another city or country to receive adequate medical treatment if you aren’t able to receive it in your area or in Morocco.
Another benefit of a global medical insurance plan is that if you decide at some point to move from Morocco, your international health plan can follow you where you go – unlike the local insurance plan.
How Routine Doctor Visits Work in Morocco
You can see any General Practitioner in Morocco without an appointment; however, making an appointment in advance is a good idea. Since there are not enough doctors in Morocco, waiting times to see one can be significant.
The country has only 27,266 doctors, a ratio of 7.1 per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 15.3. Bear in mind that most of Morocco’s doctors are located in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat – the major cities.
General practitioners’ offices in Morocco are open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, as well as on Saturday morning from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
If you wish to see a specialist doctor, you must first receive a referral letter from a general practitioner. Doctor and hospital service fees are usually charged in cash. Ambulance services also require advance cash payment.
To be admitted to a hospital in Morocco, whether public or private, you also need a referral letter for specialist care or surgery.
Please note that in public hospitals in Morocco, the equipment and overall level of care are considerably low; therefore, expatriates are strongly encouraged to seek secondary medical care in private clinics and hospitals.
Health Risks in Morocco
While Morocco is not a country facing any major health risks, everyone planning to move and work in the country should be up to date with the following vaccinations:
- Rabies is present in the country, especially in remote and rural areas. It is therefore advisable to get vaccinated against it.
- Measles is also present in Morocco, and expats should remember to get a booster shot.
- Typhoid vaccination is also recommended before moving to Morocco.
- Hepatitis A and Tetanus boosters vaccinations should also be considered.
Moreover, expats living in Morocco should be wary of water- and food-related diseases, such as diarrhea, typhoid, or intestinal parasites, which are prevalent in this region of North Africa.
Precautions, such as drinking only bottled or boiled water, avoiding ice in drinks, and ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked, should be taken daily.
Ensure you purchase meat or fish from reputable supermarkets or butcheries, and opt for restaurants that maintain good hygiene practices when consuming fish and meat.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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