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
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).
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.
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.
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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