Morocco

Quick note for newcomers: Morocco has a public health system alongside a large private sector. The public system is functional but under-resourced, so many newcomers who can afford it use private clinics, which are good and reasonably priced in cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. Pharmacies (pharmacie) are widespread and are a practical first stop — many medicines, including contraception, are sold there directly. A national insurance scheme (AMO, Assurance Maladie Obligatoire) covers formal workers and is expanding, but most newcomers rely on private insurance or paying out of pocket at first.

What to expect from the system: It's worth saying plainly that public facilities can be crowded and under-supplied, waits can be long, and you may be asked to buy your own medicines or supplies. This isn't a reason to avoid care — it helps to arrive with realistic expectations, some cash, private insurance if you can, and a private clinic in mind for anything complex.

Need to talk to someone now? For the morning-after pill, condoms, or the pill, go to any pharmacy. For free, anonymous HIV testing or sexual health advice, contact ALCS (Association de Lutte contre le SIDA) on 080 100 25 25. In an emergency, call 15 (ambulance) or 19 (police); from a mobile, 112.

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