Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Morocco
- Morocco does NOT strictly require health insurance for residence permits, but private coverage is strongly recommended—public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded.
- French is the language of Moroccan medicine. Most doctors trained in France—high quality care at affordable prices. English is limited outside top private clinics.
- Casablanca and Rabat have excellent private hospitals: Clinique Internationale de Casablanca, Hôpital Cheikh Zaïd, Clinique Agdal—approaching European standards.
- Healthcare costs are very affordable: specialist consultations MAD 300-500 (~$30-50), private hospital stays MAD 2,000-5,000/night ($200-500).
- Outside major cities, healthcare is basic. Atlas Mountains, Sahara regions, and small towns have limited facilities—evacuation coverage to Casablanca or Europe is important.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Morocco?
Morocco does not strictly mandate health insurance for residence permits, though it's increasingly requested. Employed expats may be enrolled in AMO (Assurance Maladie Obligatoire) through their employer via CNSS. Self-employed and retirees typically use private insurance. European retirees often maintain home country coverage plus local supplementary plans. For long stays, private insurance is essentially necessary given public system limitations.
You likely need private insurance if:
- All expats—public healthcare is not practical for foreigners due to overcrowding and language barriers
- Retirees, especially from France and other EU countries (large expat community in Marrakech)
- Anyone living outside Casablanca/Rabat where private options are limited
- Digital nomads and remote workers without employer coverage
- Expats with chronic conditions requiring regular specialist care
Public vs Private Healthcare in Morocco
Public Healthcare
AMO (Assurance Maladie Obligatoire) / CNSS / RAMED
- Access: AMO for formal workers (mandatory via CNSS for private sector, CNOPS for public sector). RAMED for low-income Moroccans.
- Cost: AMO via CNSS: ~6.37% of salary (employer + employee contributions). RAMED: Free for eligible low-income residents.
Morocco's public healthcare has improved but remains underfunded. Public hospitals are overcrowded with long wait times—often hours for emergency care, weeks/months for specialists. Facilities vary dramatically: Casablanca and Rabat have better public hospitals; rural areas have basic clinics only. French is essential for navigating public healthcare. Most expats avoid public hospitals except for emergencies.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local private insurance: MAD 500-1,500/month ($50-150). International plans: $80-200/month.
Morocco's private healthcare is a hidden gem. Casablanca has world-class facilities: Clinique Internationale de Casablanca (CIC) and Clinique Badr offer excellent care. Rabat has Hôpital Cheikh Zaïd (university-affiliated, high quality) and Clinique Agdal. Marrakech private options are more limited but improving. Many Moroccan doctors trained in France and speak fluent French—care quality is high. Private consultations cost MAD 300-500 ($30-50), significantly cheaper than Europe.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Morocco. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Medical evacuation to Europe (France/Spain) for complex cases not treatable in Morocco
Not ideal for: Budget expats in Casablanca—Moroccan private healthcare is very affordable out-of-pocket
Allianz Care
Best for: French retirees and EU expats wanting seamless coverage between Morocco and Europe
Not ideal for: Morocco-only residents—local private insurance costs 50% less
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and expats needing guaranteed access to Casablanca's top clinics
Not ideal for: Healthy expats—Moroccan healthcare costs are low enough to self-insure for routine care
IMG Global
Best for: Budget coverage for digital nomads with evacuation to Europe included
Not ideal for: Those wanting direct billing at Moroccan clinics—may require pay-and-claim
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Morocco
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Medical evacuation to Europe | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | French retirees and EU | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and expats | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget coverage for digital | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Morocco
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- French is essential. Medical documentation, prescriptions, and most doctor consultations are in French. English-speaking doctors exist at top Casablanca clinics but aren't guaranteed elsewhere.
- Outside Casablanca/Rabat, private healthcare options drop significantly. Marrakech has decent care; smaller cities have limited options. Atlas Mountain and Sahara regions require evacuation for serious conditions.
- Medical evacuation to Europe (usually France or Spain) may be necessary for complex cases. Ensure your policy includes international evacuation—flights to Paris are ~3 hours.
- Pharmacies are well-stocked and pharmacists are knowledgeable, but some medications available in Europe/US may not be available in Morocco.
- Payment is often cash-based even at private clinics. Some international insurers don't have direct billing arrangements—you may need to pay and claim reimbursement.
- Ramadan can affect healthcare access—some clinics have reduced hours, and emergency rooms may be busier during iftar time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French for healthcare in Morocco?
Effectively, yes. French is the language of Moroccan medicine—doctors are trained in French, medical records are in French, and prescriptions are written in French. Top private clinics in Casablanca may have some English-speaking staff, but it's not guaranteed. Arabic is also used but French dominates in healthcare settings. If you don't speak French, bring a translator or use a clinic with confirmed English support.
How does healthcare in Marrakech compare to Casablanca?
Casablanca has Morocco's best healthcare by a significant margin—it's the commercial capital with the most advanced private hospitals. Rabat (the political capital) is second. Marrakech has decent private clinics (Clinique Internationale de Marrakech, Polyclinique du Sud) but fewer options and specialists. For routine care, Marrakech is fine. For complex conditions, specialist surgery, or serious emergencies, Casablanca is preferable.
Is Morocco good for medical tourism?
Increasingly, yes. Morocco is becoming a medical tourism destination, especially for French-speaking patients from Africa and cost-conscious Europeans. Popular procedures: dental work, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, and general surgery. Costs are 50-70% lower than France. Clinique Internationale de Casablanca has a dedicated international patient department. Quality is good, but Morocco isn't yet at the level of established medical tourism hubs like Thailand or Turkey.
What about healthcare for retirees in Morocco?
Morocco is popular with French retirees—there's a large expat community in Marrakech, Essaouira, and Agadir. French retirees often maintain French social security coverage (which provides some reimbursement) and add local private insurance. Non-French retirees need comprehensive international coverage. Key considerations: proximity to quality care (Casablanca/Rabat preferred), evacuation coverage to Europe, and prescription medication availability.
Do I need evacuation coverage in Morocco?
Yes, especially if living outside Casablanca/Rabat. While Morocco's top private hospitals are good, they can't handle every complex case—neurosurgery, advanced cancer treatment, transplants, and some cardiac procedures may require evacuation to Europe. Morocco is only 2-3 hours from Spain and France by air, making evacuation practical. If you're in the Atlas Mountains, Sahara, or rural areas, evacuation to Casablanca is the first step for any serious condition.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.