Buying the right health insurance in Morocco is essential.
Although medical care costs are lower in Morocco than in other places, the country suffers from shortcomings in its health care system.
And a good health insurance policy can help you to get better coverage.
Let’s discover all the information you need to choose the right insurance in Morocco!
Morocco’s Insurance Market
AMO in Morocco: Insurance for Everybody
In 2006, Morocco introduced compulsory health insurance (AMO). It covers many health services:
- Maternity care
- Radiology
- Analysis
- Outpatient care
- Dental care
- Long-term illnesses
- Hospitalization.
Although, the AMO only covers care and consultations carried out in public establishments.
And depending on the medical act performed, 10 to 30% of the bill remains payable by the patient.
Quality and Price of Care in Morocco
The quality of care in Morocco varies greatly. It’s satisfactory in the private sector, but insufficient in the public sector.
This is due to a lack of equipment and personnel, especially in rural areas.
There are also inequalities in terms of fees.
In Morocco, the insurance provided by the AMO sets a reference price of about 7 euros for a general practitioner consultation. And 14 euros for a specialist consultation.
However, prices are often higher, especially in cities. And even more so in the private sector:
- Around 20€ on average for a general practitioner
- 30€ for a specialist
- 350€ for a delivery
- 72€ for a night in hospital.
Even if health care remains less expensive than in Europe, it is still an expense not to be neglected. Especially in case of hospitalization.
Expatriate Insurance in Morocco: AMO Is Not Enough
A Simplified Membership
All expatriate residents, except seconded workers, are required to join the AMO.
There are bilateral agreements between Morocco and some countries.
They allow you to export the benefits and acquired rights from one country to the other. And to get local medical coverage without delay.
Good Reasons to Take Out Health Insurance in Morocco
AMO benefits are insufficient as insurance for an expatriate in Morocco. Reimbursements are quite low, and only cover care received in the public sector.
However, most expatriates have a vested interest in seeking treatment in private institutions (or even abroad) to get satisfactory coverage.
It is therefore highly recommended to take a look at Morocco’s insurance market.
A private policy will allow you to be better reimbursed. And will also make you exempt from advance payment in certain partner establishments.
Private insurances also offer coverage for caretaking during your stays outside Morocco. And provide evacuation and repatriation assistance.
Please note, however, that taking out health insurance in Morocco does not exempt you from being affiliated with the AMO.
Choosing Your Health Insurance in Morocco
Social Security for Expatriates
In some countries, expatriates have the option to be covered by their national Social Security system.
In most places, its contributions are calculated according to the age and family situation of the insured. Also, it does not refuse any membership.
For this, it can be an interesting solution for young single people.
Or for those with medical pre-existing conditions that could lead to exclusions or higher premiums with private companies.
Before subscribing, it is important to compare its coverage and rates with those of other contracts.
Normally its reimbursements are calculated on the same basis as those of the country of origin. And repatriation is not covered.
Social Security insurance alone does not always cover all the health expenses that may be incurred in Morocco.
It is generally necessary to subscribe to a complementary policy with another organization.
The coverages and reimbursements will be better, but the premium will also be higher.
1st Euro Contracts in Morocco: An Insurance Solution for Foreigners
The 1st euro contracts are often the best health insurance in Morocco for an expat. Even if there is a mandatory medical questionnaire at the time of enrollment.
Numerous formulas with various ranges of guarantees exist on the market. Everyone will be able to find the coverage that suits him, according to his needs and his budget.
The price-quality ratio of these expatriate insurance contracts is generally very satisfactory. Health expenses are covered from the first euro spent and at the actual cost.
It is also possible to benefit from guarantees outside the health field (legal assistance and civil liability, protection of luggage against loss or theft, death benefit…).
This makes it a very complete insurance solution for an expatriate in Morocco.