Morocco's health insurance covers only 70 percent despite rising registrations

The Supreme Audit Institution has revealed a striking disparity in Morocco's mandatory health insurance coverage. Although the number of registered individuals surged to approximately 31.94 million by the end of 2024, only 25.6 million actually benefited from the insurance, translating to an effective coverage rate of about 70 percent, excluding exceptional systems.

In its 2024-2025 annual report, the council highlighted that «despite efforts to maintain system balance, all insurance systems are grappling with financial imbalances, except for the private sector employees' insurance. This is largely due to the absence of mechanisms to control insurance expenses, which soared by 83 percent from 2022 to 2024, outpacing the resource growth rate of 36 percent».

The report also pointed out the limited appeal of public health institutions to insured individuals, with the private sector accounting for roughly 91 percent of the total billed expenses covered by insurance in 2024, leaving a mere 9 percent for the public sector.

On the matter of the direct social support program, which commenced in December 2023, around 24.89 billion dirhams were allocated in 2024. This included 9.13 billion dirhams in lump-sum aid, 15.05 billion dirhams for child protection subsidies, 45 million dirhams as a birth grant, and 670 million dirhams for the supplementary school entry grant.

To address the challenges confronting the social protection system, the council urged the activation of all institutions managing this system, alongside updating and evaluating current targeting mechanisms. It emphasized the need for regular evaluative studies on the effectiveness of social protection components, mobilizing and diversifying sustainable funding sources, and enhancing public healthcare institutions. Furthermore, it called for the alignment of social protection policies with broader economic and social strategies.