Morocco: Insurance now mandatory for tertiary students
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Sep 2015
Health insurance will become compulsory for students in institutions of higher education and vocational schools with effect from September, after a Bill extending the mandatory insurance scheme to these students was approved by both houses of Parliament in early July.
The students, whether from public or private establishments, Moroccans or foreign, will benefit from the insurance scheme, which will be managed by the National Fund for Social Security (CNOPS), reported The Morning newspaper. Students already receiving medical coverage, under other health insurance plans, are not eligible for the compulsory insurance scheme.
Students of private schools will, however, have to pay a membership fee. The compulsory insurance scheme will rely primarily on funding from the state.
The number of university students in Morocco are estimated to be around 657,000.
When introducing the Bill, Minister of Health El Hossein El Ouardi said that the move is part of the government’s efforts to increase access to health services and improve their quality for the benefit of all citizens. It is also a step closer to the completion of universal medical coverage for the population, he added.
The mandatory health insurance scheme for students will provide the same level of services as those enjoyed by public sector employees.