Morocco private clinics: Belgian expats face high medical costs
Moroccans living in Belgium who travel to Morocco can benefit from medical protection through the bilateral agreement between the two countries. However, in case of private clinics, expensive treatments or medical repatriation, the bill can quickly exceed what will be reimbursed.
The agreement between Belgium and Morocco reassures many travelers. It allows, under certain conditions, to obtain coverage for certain health care during a temporary stay in Morocco. But this protection should not be confused with comprehensive medical insurance.
On Bladi.net : Moroccan Belgians: BM111 Document Required for Morocco Healthcare Coverage
The BM111 document, to be requested from the Belgian mutual fund before departure, can facilitate access to necessary care during the stay. It serves to prove that the person is covered by Belgian legislation and can benefit from the scheme provided between the two countries.
But this form does not solve everything. Reimbursement is made according to the rates in force in Morocco at the time of treatment. This means that a patient can be partially reimbursed, but not necessarily at the amount they actually paid, especially if they use a private clinic.
The SPF Foreign Affairs moreover recommends comprehensive travel and medical insurance for Morocco, with a medical repatriation clause. This clarification is important: the agreement can cover certain treatments, but it does not replace private coverage adapted to heavy expenses.
The bill can add up very quickly
In major Moroccan cities, doctors and specialists trained in Europe or America practice in private clinics and hospitals. These establishments may be sought by expats, particularly for the perceived quality of care, the speed of examinations or the availability of certain specialists.
But this option can be expensive. A specialist consultation, hospitalization, a scan, a procedure or emergency care in the private sector can result in significant costs. The patient may then have to advance the money and then request reimbursement later.
Outside the main cities, the situation is different. Medical infrastructure is less solid, according to advice to Belgian travelers. In case of serious problems, a transfer to a major city or even repatriation may become necessary. However, these costs are not automatically covered by the agreement.
The trap often comes from a misreading of the BM111. This document concerns necessary care during a temporary stay. It is not designed to organize medical travel to Morocco. A person who voluntarily travels for surgery, treatment or scheduled care cannot use the agreement as a simple private care insurance.
For planned care abroad, the rules change. In countries linked to Belgium by a bilateral agreement, planned care is not reimbursed on the basis of this agreement. Prior authorization from the medical advisor may be necessary to hope for coverage under Belgian legislation.
Moroccans in Belgium must therefore distinguish three situations: emergencies during vacation, private care chosen on site and organized travel for medical treatment. These three cases do not entail the same rights or the same reimbursements.
Before leaving, it is better to verify your coverage with your mutual fund, request the BM111 if applicable, keep receipts and check whether supplementary travel insurance covers high medical expenses, private hospitalization and repatriation.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Holidays: Belgian Health Insurance Document BM111 Guide
The Belgium-Morocco agreement remains useful. It can prevent an accident or illness during the stay from leaving the traveler without a solution. But it does not protect against all expenses. In Morocco, private care can escalate quickly, and so can the bill.
