Africa Archives - Expat Assure

Senegal

Lisa Expat Assure — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 10:47:05 +0000

Senegal

An expat guide to healthcare and health insurance in Senegal

Are you researching an expat health insurance for Senegal? It is important to learn about the local healthcare system first.

Whether you are moving to Senegal or you are already living there as an expat, read our guide to the Senegalese healthcare system, your different options of medical insurance for Senegal and an overview of the average cost of local healthcare.

Health statistics

* Data from the WHO

Total population (2017): 15.85 million
Gross national income per capita (PPP international $, 2017): 2,620
Life expectancy at birth m/f (years, 2016): 65/69
Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years m/f (per 1 000 population, 2016): 222/153
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2014): 107
Total expenditure on health as % of GDP (2014): 4.7

Healthcare in Senegal for expats

The Social Security Fund of Senegal (Caisse de sécurité sociale or CSS) provides family benefits (prenatal and maternity benefits etc.), benefits for work-related accidents, occupational diseases and income protection against serious illness, disability or bereavement.

The CSS does not support healthcare needs outside of employment. Instead, health insurance in Senegal is managed by other organisations, each one depending on the category of the population:

Employees of private companies are covered by their company’s health insurance (health insurance institutions or instituts de prévoyance maladie, also known as IPM). It is obligatory for employers to be affiliated. Spouses and children of employees are also covered.
Public sector employees and their spouses/children: medical expenses are contributed 4/5 by the state. The remaining 20% of costs are at their expense.
People over 60 years old and children under five receive free healthcare through a public medical assistance scheme.
Self-employed people as well as workers from the informal sector are insured through private health insurance.

Until recently, having health insurance was not obligatory and a large majority of the population was not covered at all. Those registered either through their employer or the state were in the minority.

In 2013 Senegal implemented reform for compulsory health insurance (assurance maladie obligatoire or AMO), introducing universal health coverage with the aim of covering 75% of the population by 2017. This measure mainly targets people living in rural areas and informal workers.

Senegalese health insurance for expats

If you are resident in Senegal and an employee of a local or international company based in Senegal, you will benefit from the company’s health insurance. If you are self-employed, you must take out a private health insurance. Foreigners over 60 years of age can not benefit from the free health insurance plan, as it is reserved for nationals only.

Regarding the subscription process with a company health insurance, two months of contributions must be proven in order to be entitled to benefits from the Senegalese social security system. It will therefore be necessary to subscribe to private insurance for these first two months.

If you are an employee seconded from a company in your home country, check with your local social security office to find out whether you will be kept within their system during the time you will be in Senegal.

What is the level of cover provided by companies’ health insurance schemes ?

Senegalese health insurance institutions (which provide health insurance schemes in the corporate sector) cover 40 to 80% of medical, pharmaceutical and hospital expenses. The rest is the responsibility of the policy holder. Policy holders can only access healthcare within their health insurance’s network of health providers. Therefore, private insurance will be necessary in order to have a wider choice of facilities for treatment and a 100% reimbursement rate of health expenses.

What is the quality of healthcare in Senegal?

Despite the effort to establish universal health coverage, Senegal faces difficulties with the provision of care. Senegal has only 0.6 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants. In comparison, Morocco has 6.2 doctors per 10,000 and France has 31.9.

The number of doctors in Senegal is very unequally distributed: 70% of doctors and 80% of pharmacists and dentists are based in the capital city of Dakar. The problem of understaffing and lack of infrastructure is a serious issue outside of the capital. There are also inequalities between public and private healthcare facilities.

The quality of care in Dakar is generally much better than elsewhere in the country; however, hospitals in Dakar do not necessarily have medical technologies or specialist doctors for the treatment of some complex or rare medical conditions. In this case, it would be necessary to travel abroad for treatment. Many expats or nationals who can afford it subscribe to international medical insurance for these reasons.

International health insurance for expats in Senegal

An international health insurance is generally the type of medical coverage most suited to the expat lifestyle in Senegal.

An international health insurance gives you the opportunity to seek treatment in the medical facility of your choice or with the doctor you choose, whether in Senegal or abroad. Choosing an international insurance with a coverage area beyond Senegal is the best option for people preferring to seek treatment abroad or in their country of origin in case of a specific medical problem.

With international health insurance, if you decide to seek treatment in your country of origin or another country in the case of a specific treatment, your medical expenses will be covered. Moreover, if after Senegal you move to another country, your expat health insurance can follow you, unlike a Senegalese health insurance which is only valid locally.

Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance

In Senegal, it is important that your insurance policy includes evacuation or repatriation cover. If you travel to an area where health services are limited or if you contract a complex pathology that can not be treated in Dakar, evacuation to a health centre that can treat you will be at your expense. Taking out evacuation/repatriation assistance will cover travel expenses to the nearest medical centre of excellence. Some evacuation assistance also offers repatriation to the country of origin of the insured person.

Expat Assure helps you decide the most appropriate expat health insurance for Senegal depending on your situation and needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your personalised health insurance comparison.

What is the best health insurance for expats in Senegal?

The best health insurance in Senegal for one expat might not be the best for you, as everyone has different needs and criteria.

In order to find which one is the best health insurance in Senegal for you, it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Senegal, alongside other parameters.

Expat Assure helps you to find the international medical insurance for Senegal that best suits your situation and requirements. Contact us today to request your free and non-obligatory health insurance comparison.

How much does healthcare cost in Senegal?

At Dakar’s main hospital, which is a public institution, the price of a consultation with a GP is 5,460 CFA francs (about $9 USD or £7). The price of a consultation with a specialist is 10,000 CFA francs ($17 or £13). A day of hospitalisation in a single room is 28,000 CFA francs ($48 or £38).

In the private sector, the cost of a hospital room can be 50,000 CFA francs ($87 or £67). Be aware that this does not include the cost of treatments, which can amount to several thousand dollars/pounds depending on the medical condition being treated.

The price of a consultation with a GP in the private sector is around 10,000 – 20,000 CFA francs ($17-$34 or £13 – £27). The price of a consultation with a specialist doctor in the private sector is on average 15,000 – 25,000 CFA francs ($26 – $43 or £20 – £33).

How much does health insurance cost in Senegal?

Such as with any type of health insurance, the price of medical insurance for expats in Senegal varies greatly depending on the personal situation, the age and the medical history of each individual as well as other parameters.

If you would like to have a precise estimation of the cost of international health insurance for Senegal, which applies to your specific situation and needs, we can prepare for you a personalised comparison of different international health insurance plans. Contact us today for your free health insurance comparison.

As a general idea, here are examples of individual international health insurance rates for Senegal.

These quotes were compiled from two international health insurance companies: British and French respectively, and both practice mid-range prices.

Examples of costs of an individual health insurance in Senegal for a person of 35 years old, issued by a British insurance company. This insurance is valid worldwide except in the United States:

	Without dental	With dental
Without deductible	$3295 or £2567	$3822 or £2977
Deductible of $255 or £200 per year	$2442 or £1902	$2834 or £2207

Depending on your personal situation and needs, the price of your insurance may be higher or lower than the examples given above. For example, these rates do not include maternity coverage, which is an additional option.

Expat Assure can give you a personalised comparison of several international health insurance packages. Do not hesitate to ask for your insurance comparison.

Practical information

Vaccinations

A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is recommended for all travellers, and compulsory for those coming from an infected area. It is recommended to have an up-to-date vaccination schedule. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal meningitis and typhoid may be advised depending on the conditions of your stay.

Malaria

Senegal is a country at risk for malaria. Before departure, consult a doctor or your nearest travel vaccination health advice service centre.

Pharmaceuticals

Some medicines are banned in Senegal, including hypnotics and antidepressants. The possession of these drugs must be justified by a doctor’s prescription, or you may risk being accused of possessing a narcotic product.
Emergency numbers

Firefighters: 18
Malick Sy firefighters: +221 33 823 03 59
SOS Medecin Senegal (ambulance service): +221 33 889 15 15
For hospital emergencies, it is necessary to contact the hospitals directly.

Useful links

List of public hospitals
Senegalese social security office
Ministry of Health and Social Action Senegal

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We build partnerships with reputable insurance companies who are long-established in the expatriate insurance industry. All the international insurance companies we work with have both individual and corporate plans. Find out more about our partners here.

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Tunisia

Lisa Expat Assure — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:44:59 +0000

Tunisia

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An expat guide to healthcare and health insurance in Tunisia

Are you researching an expat health insurance for Tunisia? It is important to learn about the local healthcare system first.

Whether you are moving to Tunisia or you are already living there as an expat, read our guide to the Tunisian healthcare system, your different options of medical insurance for Tunisia and an overview of the average cost of local healthcare.

Health statistics

* Data from the WHO

Total population (2017): 11.523 million
Gross national income per capita (PPP international $, 2017): 11,490
Life expectancy at birth m/f (years, 2016): 74/78
Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years m/f (per 1 000 population, 2016): 111/71
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2014): 785
Total expenditure on health as % of GDP (2014): 7.0

Healthcare in Tunisia for expats

The Tunisian healthcare system is one of the most developed in Africa, with a level of quality equivalent to that of many European countries. However, there are large disparities between rural and urban areas and between public and private sectors.

Tunisian social security

Tunisian social security covers salaried workers against all risks, including unemployment. The health insurance scheme in Tunisia is managed by the National Health Insurance Fund (the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie or CNAM). It is compulsory for all, including foreigners residing and working in Tunisia. Registration is organised by your employer, while self-employed expats go through a different system and register themselves.

Who is the Tunisian public health insurance for?

Tunisian health insurance covers the insured person and his or her dependents: a spouse and/or dependent children who do not benefit from any medical coverage. To be eligible for sickness and maternity insurance benefits, the insured person must have worked either a minimum of 50 days during the previous two quarters or a minimum of 80 days in the last four quarters.

What does Tunisian public health insurance cover?

Tunisian health insurance pays for healthcare in public institutions and private institutions which are classed as ‘conventional’ in their pricing. Those insured contribute to their health expenses through a user fee.

Certain serious or chronic diseases are 100% covered by health insurance, regardless of whether the care was provided in a public or private institution.

Limitations of the Tunisian public health system

Inequalities between rural and urban areas: Unlike large cities such as Tunis and Sfax, rural medical infrastructures are not at the level of Western standards. Often, patients must be moved to a big city to receive medical treatment.
Inequalities between the public and private sectors: 70% of the country’s modern medical equipment is owned and used by the private sector. Public hospitals are underfunded and understaffed, resulting in an overload of patients and long waiting times.
It is strongly recommended to seek treatment in private hospitals and clinics for specialised treatments, but these establishments are expensive and are located mainly in large cities.
Travellers and expats must pay for their treatments in advance, so it is advisable to have private health insurance.

International health insurance for expats in Tunisia

An international health insurance for Tunisia is more suited to the expat lifestyle than a local private medical insurance.

With international health insurance, if you decide to seek treatment in your country of origin or another country in the case of a specific treatment, your medical expenses will be covered. Moreover, if after Tunisia you move to another country, your expat health insurance can follow you, unlike a Tunisian health insurance which is only valid locally.

Please note: taking out international health insurance does not exempt you from registering with the Tunisian healthcare system if it is obligatory for you.

Expat Assure helps you decide the most appropriate expat health insurance for Tunisia depending on your situation and needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your personalised health insurance comparison.

What is the best health insurance for expats in Tunisia?

The best health insurance in Tunisia for one expat might not be the best for you, as everyone has different needs and criteria.

In order to find which one is the best health insurance in Tunisia for you, it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Tunisia, alongside other parameters.

Expat Assure helps you to find the international medical insurance for Tunisia that best suits your situation and requirements. Contact us today to request your free and non-obligatory health insurance comparison.

Overview of medical costs in Tunisia

In the public health sector, the conventional price of a consultation with a general practitioner is 18 dinars (around $6 US dollars, or £4) and a specialist doctor is 30 dinars ($10 or £8).

In the private sector, the cost of an appointment with a general practitioner is 30 to 35 dinars ($10-$12 or £8-£9), 50 to 90 dinars ($17-$31 or £13-£24) for a specialist.

For home visits by a general practitioner the price is around 50 to 60 dinars ($17-$20 or £13-£16).

A dental appointment is around 82-115 dinars ($28-$40 or £22-£31) and the fitting of a crown is around 660-1154 ($228-$400 or £177-£310).

A night in a private hospital in a single room costs between 100 and 180 dinars ($34-$62 or £27-£48). Note that this does not include treatments, nursing fees and doctors. In a private hospital without health insurance, care can easily amount to several thousand dollars/pounds.

What is the cost of private health insurance cost in Tunisia?

Such as with any type of health insurance, the price of medical insurance for expats in Tunisia varies greatly depending on the personal situation, the age and the medical history of each individual as well as other parameters.

If you would like to have a precise estimation of the cost of international health insurance for Tunisia, which applies to your specific situation and needs, we can prepare for you a personalised comparison of different international health insurance plans. Contact us today for your free health insurance comparison.

Practical information

Vaccinations

No specific vaccination is required to enter Tunisia but it is recommended to have an up-to-date vaccination schedule. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid may be advised depending on the conditions of your stay.
Emergency numbers

Ambulance/emergency medical services: 190; Police: 197; Firefighters: 198

Useful links

National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) of Tunisia

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Ivory Coast

Lisa Expat Assure — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:09:45 +0000

Ivory Coast

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An expat guide to healthcare and health insurance in Ivory Coast

Are you researching an expat health insurance for Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)? It is important to learn about the local healthcare system first.

Whether you are moving to Ivory Coast or you are already living there as an expat, read our guide to the Ivorian healthcare system, your different options of medical insurance for Ivory Coast and an overview of the average cost of local healthcare.

Health statistics

* Data from the WHO

Total population (2017): 24 million
Gross national income per capita (PPP international $, 2017): 3,820
Life expectancy at birth m/f (years, 2016): 54/56
Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years m/f (per 1 000 population, 2016): 417/376
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2014): 187
Total expenditure on health as % of GDP (2014) 5.7

Healthcare in the Ivory Coast for expats

The standard of healthcare and health insurance in Ivory Coast is generally considered as sub-par, so health insurance including repatriation is strongly advised if you are visiting or moving to the West African country.

Be warned that the social protection system in Ivory Coast does not offer health insurance, but instead covers only occupational accidents and illnesses. Care in public health facilities incurs a cost (this was introduced in 1994 due to the inability of the state to meet public health needs on its own). For private health facilities, admission is subject to prior insurance payments. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended to have a private health insurance in Ivory Coast.

The healthcare system in Ivory Coast has been negatively affected by socio-political disturbances in the country since December 1999 and the post-election crisis of 2010-2011. Although the country recovered well, basic services have still not been completely re-established and structural problems remain. The country’s Ministry of Health and the fight against AIDS summarised in a report on national health policy that its funding is inadequate and the population’s geographical and financial accessibility to quality basic healthcare is limited.

Rural areas in particular suffer from a shortage of hospitals and medical staff. Large cities have more of a medical infrastructure, both private and public, and it is generally recommended to go to Abidjan for treatment. Some private hospitals, such as the Sainte Anne-Marie International Polyclinic or the Hôtel Dieu offer good quality care. However, as a general rule, medical facilities in Abidjan remain below the quality standards of Western medical centres.

In the case of certain specialist health problems, it may even be necessary to seek treatment in another country due to local healthcare facilities not necessarily having all the necessary medical technology. It is therefore essential to have international health insurance which includes evacuation/repatriation so that the costs incurred in the event of evacuation as well as the medical care delivered outside the country are not at your expense.

International health insurance for expats in Ivory Coast

An international health insurance will cover you not only in Ivory Coast but also in your country of nationality. Often the area of cover is worldwide without the USA, but in order to reduce the premium, you could also opt for an insurance policy that is only covering Africa. However as already indicated above, it is important that your insurance policy includes repatriation/evacuation assistance in order to be evacuated to the nearest medical centre that can offer adequate care or to be repatriated to your home country.

Expat Assure helps you decide the most appropriate expat health insurance for Ivory Coast depending on your situation and needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your personalised health insurance comparison.

What is the best health insurance for expats in Ivory Coast ?

The best health insurance in Ivory Coast for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and criteria.

In order to find which one is the it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Ivory Coast, alongside other parameters.

Expat Assure helps you to find the international medical insurance for Ivory Coast that best suits your situation and requirements. Contact us today to request your free and non-obligatory health insurance comparison.

How much does healthcare cost in Ivory Coast?

Below is an approximation of medical costs in the public sector:

Consultation with a general practitioner: 15,000 – 20,000 CFA francs (£21 – £27/$25-$34)
Consultation with a specialist doctor: 17,500 CFA francs (£24/$30)
Consultation with a dentist: usually 15,000 – 20,000 CFA francs (£21 – £27/$25-$34). Installation of a ceramic/metal crown is around 400,000 CFA francs (£550$695)
A single room in a hospital: around 50,000 CFA francs (£68/$87). Please note, this does not include doctor’s fees, nursing costs, treatment or procedures. A hospital bill without insurance can easily amount to several thousand pounds.

What is the cost of private health insurance in Ivory Coast?

Such as with any type of health insurance, the price of medical insurance for expats in Ivory Coast varies greatly depending on the age, medical history, family composition of the applicant and other factors.

If you would like to have a precise estimation of the cost of international health insurance for Ivory Coast, which applies to your specific situation and needs, we can prepare for you a personalised comparison of different international health insurance plans. Contact us today for your free health insurance comparison.

Practical information

Vaccinations

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers entering the country. It is also recommended that your immunisation schedule is up to date. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal meningitis and typhoid can be advised depending on the nature of your stay.

Malaria

Ivory Coast is classified as Zone 3 for the risk of malaria, so there is a high risk in all areas throughout the year. Before departure you should seek advice from a doctor or tropical diseases vaccination centre about suitable antimalarial tablets.

HIV

Ivory Coast is one of the most highly affected countries in West Africa by the AIDS virus. Basic precautions for protection against the AIDS virus must be taken.

Emergency phone numbers

Ambulance: 185 or 22 44 34 45 or 22 44 53 53
Police (emergency): 111 or 170
Fire department: 180 or 07 81 18 18

Useful links

Ministry of Health
National institution for social security: Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale (CNPS)
British Embassy in Abidjan
UK travel advice
List of medical facilities/practitioners

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Nigeria

Lisa Expat Assure — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 11:05:11 +0000

Nigeria

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An expat guide to healthcare and health insurance in Nigeria

Are you researching an expat health insurance for Nigeria? It is important to learn about the local healthcare system first.

Nigeria has a dysfunctional healthcare system. It is therefore strongly recommended to take out international health insurance which includes evacuation or repatriation, before moving to Nigeria.

Whether you are moving to Nigeria or you are already living there as an expat, read our guide to the Nigerian healthcare system, your different options of medical insurance for Nigeria and an overview of the average cost of local healthcare.

Health statistics

Total Population (2017): 190.9 million
Gross national income per capita (PPP international $, 2017): 5,680
Life expectancy at birth m/f (years, 2016): 55/56
Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years m/f (per 1 000 population, 2016): 372/333
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2014): 217
Total expenditure on health as % of GDP (2014) 3.7

* Data from the WHO

Healthcare in Nigeria for expats

The inefficiency of the Nigerian healthcare system is one of the most serious problems in this West African country. The World Health Organisation conducted a study in 2010 which placed Nigeria’s healthcare as one of the worst in the world (ranked 187th out of 190 countries).

Nigeria’s health insurance plan (National Health Insurance Scheme – NHIS) is a system that was established in 1999 and intended to be universal. However, in practice, the system is flawed, and access to free and good quality healthcare for the entire population is limited.

Public health is greatly underfunded meaning a shortage both in facilities and medical personnel. Although public hospitals and medical centres are able to treat minor illnesses, it is advisable to be evacuated to other countries in the event of a more serious illness.

Those who can afford it, such as state employees and private sector employees, use their Nigerian health insurance for treatment abroad. This further decreases the funding towards public health in Nigeria.

Public hospitals are overcrowded and numerous infectious diseases develop there as a consequence of a lack of hygiene. Many Nigerians die in hospital from diseases such as cholera, tetanus, and polio, which develop due to poor hospital management. The low life expectancy of Nigerians reflects structural health problems of this country; it is only 55 years for men and 56 for women.

It is therefore recommended for expatriates to only receive consultations in private hospitals and clinics. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the conditions in private hospitals in Nigeria are still below the standards of most Western hospitals. Although private hospitals and clinics in urban areas are able to perform routine examinations and treat common health problems, these institutions may lack sufficient equipment and qualified medical personnel to diagnose and treat certain complex illnesses. Consequently, it is advised to travel to South Africa or Europe for specialist treatment.

It is therefore strongly recommended to take out international health insurance which includes evacuation or repatriation, before moving to Nigeria.

Beware of fraudulent doctors: there are many people in Nigeria operating without authorisation or training, posing as legitimate doctors. The safest way to avoid them is to always consult clinics and hospitals accredited by the state.

International health insurance for expats in Nigeria

An international health insurance policy is highly recommended in Nigeria, in order to seek treatment abroad in case of a serious medical problem. You should check with your insurance company or employer that your policy includes emergency evacuation abroad. Furthermore, most medical facilities require payment in advance. Health insurance helps to avoid having to make up-front payments, which can sometimes be very high.

Expat Assure helps you decide the most appropriate expat health insurance for Mexico depending on your situation and needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your personalised health insurance comparison.

What is the best health insurance for expats in Nigeria

The best health insurance in Mexico for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and criteria.

Expat Assure helps you to find the international medical insurance for Mexico that best suits your situation and requirements. Contact us today to request your free and non-obligatory health insurance comparison.

How much does healthcare cost in Nigeria

Consultation with a general practitioner or specialist private is between 10,000 and 40,000 Naira (£22-£87/$27.5-$110*) depending on the doctor and the institution chosen. This excludes the cost of treatment and medical examinations.

A hospital stay including one night in a single room costs between 30,000 and 100,000 Naira (£65-£218/$82-$275*). This includes the cost of treatment and medical examinations.

The cost of a medical evacuation is often tens of thousands of euros.

*December 2018 exchange rate

What is the cost of private health insurance in Nigeria?

Such as with any type of health insurance, the price of medical insurance for expats in Mexico varies greatly depending on the age, medical history, family composition of the applicant and other factors.

If you would like to have a precise estimation of the cost of international health insurance for Mexico, which applies to your specific situation and needs, we can prepare for you a personalised comparison of different international health insurance plans. Contact us today for your free health insurance comparison.

Practical information

Vaccinations
Vaccination against yellow fever is necessary. Polio is also present in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended to ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date (diptheria, tetanus, polio). Vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal meningitis, typhoid and MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) can be recommended based on the length of your trip. More information can be found on the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Malaria
Malaria is present all year round, throughout the country. Read the recommendations on the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Ebola
Ebola cases have been reported in Nigeria, which has since been officially declared free of the virus by the WHO in October 2014

Emergency numbers
Police 199
Ambulance 199
Fire service 190

Pharmaceuticals
It is advisable for expatriates to bring an ample supply of any prescription medication, as not all drugs are available in Nigeria. It is recommended to always use a recognised brand, as alternatives offered are not necessarily reliable. It is also important to be aware that fake medicines are also in circulation.

Useful sites
British High Commission in Abuja
British Deputy High Commission in Lagos (Consular and Visa sections)

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Morocco

Lisa Expat Assure — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 09:56:20 +0000

Morocco

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An expat guide to expats moving to Morocco

Are you researching an expat health insurance for Morocco? It is important to learn about the local healthcare system first.

Whether you are moving to Morocco or you are already living there as an expat, read our guide on the Moroccan healthcare system and your different options of medical insurance for Morocco.

Health statistics

Total Population (2017): 35.74 million
Gross national income per capita (PPP international $, 2017): 8,062.65
Life expectancy at birth m/f (years, 2016): 74/65
Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years m/f (per 1 000 population, 2016): 74/75
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2014): 447
Total expenditure on health as % of GDP (2014): 5.9

* Data from the WHO

Healthcare in Morocco for expats

The Moroccan social security system covers the salaried for illness, maternity, disability, pensions, and death, as well as offering family benefits.

Civil servants are taken care of by the “Caisse nationale des organismes de prévoyance sociale” (CNOPS). Those in the private sector are covered by the “Caisse nationale de sécurité sociale” (CNSS) and are obliged to sign up to the “Assurance maladie obligatoire” (AMO). The funding of this system is paid through contributions made by both the employer and the employee.

Those of a lower income are covered by the “Régime d’assistance médicale aux personnes économiquement démunies” (RAMED).

What does the compulsory Moroccan health insurance cover?

The compulsory medical insurance covers maternity, costs incurred in relation to children under 12 years old, the follow-up of chronic conditions, diagnostic tests, x-rays, hospitalisation, outpatient surgery, dental, optical, and paramedical treatment as well as other medical cover.

The State covers between 70% – 90% of costs (depending on the treatment); the rest is paid by the patient.

The Moroccan health care system only covers costs incurred within the public sector. However, this sector can be dysfunctional and the quality of care is dependent on the hospital in which you are treated. This is why it is advisable, if possible, to be treated within the private sector for which a private medical insurance can be indispensable.

The limits of the Moroccan healthcare system

The Moroccan healthcare system is theoretically universal and comprehensive, however in reality having access to a high quality of care is not guaranteed. Overall, Morocco lacks doctors and equipment meaning that certain emergency services are severely impaired. There are also significant inequalities between the health infrastructure between the large towns and the more rural areas. It is recommended to always seek a second opinion before any important surgery.

For these reasons, it is recommended where possible to be treated within the private sector or abroad for certain treatments, for which an adapted international health insurance for Morocco would be advised.

International health insurance for expats in Morocco

If you decide to sign up for a private medical cover, an international health insurance for Morocco is more suited to the expat lifestyle than a local health insurance.

An international health insurance gives you the opportunity to seek treatment in the medical facilities or with the doctors of your choice, whether in Morocco or abroad. Choosing an international insurance with a coverage area beyond Morocco is the best option for people preferring to seek treatment abroad or in their country of origin in case of a specific medical problem.

Moreover, if you leave Morocco and move elsewhere, your international health insurance may be able to follow you, unlike a Moroccan health insurance which is only valid locally.

It is important to note that an expat insurance in Morocco will not exempt you from subscribing to the Moroccan healthcare system if it is obligatory for you.

Please note that expat health insurance plans are more expensive than local insurance plans. For people over 60 years, private health insurance becomes extremely expensive and international insurers don’t accept new clients over 70 years old (for some insurers, the age limit for the application is 65 years old).

Expat Assure helps you decide the most appropriate expat health insurance for Morocco depending on your situation and needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your personalised health insurance comparison.

What is the best health insurance for expats in Morocco

The best health insurance in Morocco for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and criteria of choice.

In order to find which one is the best health insurance in Morocco for you, is the it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Morocco, alongside other parameters.

Expat Assure helps you to find the international medical insurance for Morocco that best suits your situation and requirements. Contact us today to request your free and non-obligatory health insurance comparison.

How much does healthcare cost in Morocco?

The average cost of a consultation with a GP in their surgery is between 100 and 200 dirhams (£7 – £14 / 9€ – 19€) and around 200 dirhams (£14 / 19€) for a home visit.

The average cost of a consultation with a specialist in their surgery is between 150 and 200 dirhams (£10 – £14 / 14€ – 19€) and around 300 dirhams (£20 / 28€) for a home visit.

The cost of a hospitalisation with an individual hospital room is around 800 dirhams (£55 / 74€) per night. The charge includes nurses, meals and a TV. Intensive care costs around 3,000 dirhams (£205 / 278€) per night, and hospitalisation in a sterile treatment room is around 1,000 dirhams (£68 / 93€).

*Exchange rate February 2015

What is the cost of private health insurance in Morocco?

Such as with any type of health insurance, the price of medical insurance for expats in Morocco varies greatly depending on the age, medical history, family composition of the applicant and other factors.

If you would like to have a precise estimation of the cost of international health insurance for Morocco, which applies to your specific situation and needs, we can prepare for you a personalised comparison of different international health insurance plans. Contact us today for your free health insurance comparison.

Practical information

Vaccinations
Be sure to have your immunisation schedule up-to-date (diphtheria/tetanus/polio).
However it is also recommended to be vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies by the NHS Fit-for-Travel website.

Emergency numbers
Fire brigade/ambulance: 15
Police: 19
Royal Police Force: 177
SOS Médecins Maroc*: 05 22 98 98 98
SOS Médecin Rabat*: 037 20 20 20
SOS Médecin Casa*: 022 44 44 44
*These are an emergency doctor’s service. They are able to come to your home for the emergency consultation.

Useful Links
Ministère de l’Emploi et des Affaires Sociales – Social Affairs and Employment Ministry
Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS) – National Social Security
Agence Nationale de l’Assurance Maladie (ANAM) – National Agency of Health Insurance
British Embassy, Rabat

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