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Health care in Morocco is inferior to many world class cities. There is an inadequate numbers of physicians per patients at about 0.5 per 1,000 people and hospital beds are 1 per 1,000 people. There are also issues with access to clean water and sanitation. The health budget is only about accounts for 1.1 percent of gross domestic product and 5.5 percent of the central government budget. In larger cities there is the best possible care, but emergency and specialized treatment may still be limited. Serious medical problems will require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Life expectancy is from 71 years of age for males; 75 years of age for females. Probability of dying under five (per 1,000 live births) is 38 percent.

Common Ailments

Travelers' diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment. The best treatment is prevention by examining food and water contamination. If you do become ill, use an antibiotic and an anti-diarrhea drug immediately. If significant diarrhea occurs, defined as three or more loose stools in an 8-hour period or five or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, especially if complicated with nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever or blood in the stool. Most cases of travelers' diarrhea are mild and do not require either antibiotics or anti-diarrhea drugs.

The Health Care System

The Moroccan health care system includes a mix of public and private. The Ministry of Health (Ministère de la Santé) is a major provider of services. They provide access to clinics, health centers, dispensaries, diagnostic centers, and public hospitals.

All Moroccans are eligible to receive care in state facilities. Through local government, the poor can obtain a certificat d'indigence. This permits them to receive free care in public facilities. The rest of the population can also receive care in MOH facilities at subsidized rates.

General Practitioner/Doctor

Unfortunately, doctors in Morocco are usually overworked and undersupplied. Many doctors have often undergone Western-training and are familiar with modern techniques. Most physicians will only speak French or Arabic, but there are private practices that specialize in foreigner care.

How to Find a Doctor

Asking for referrals is one of the best ways to find a doctor in your area. Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers. You may also check out recommendations on the forum, as well as the networking tool. The embassy or consulate, or your insurance company, can offer approved listings as well.

Payment

Most doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance. If you have private or travel insurance, save the receipts for later reimbursement.