Travel Insurance Morocco - Do You Really Need It?

Your Tickets are booked, your bags are almost packed and you're all set for the trip of a lifetime to exotic and enticing Morocco. You're wondering if it's really worth the extra hassle to buy travel insurance for Morocco. What could possibly go wrong?

Unfortunately, there are a few unforeseen circumstances that could get in the way of an otherwise perfect trip. As travellers ourselves at Skyhook, we always recommend preparing for the unexpected.

Below we go through just a few scenarios that we hope you never have to experience. Even so, it's worth the extra cash to take out some form of Travel Insurance. We'll also give you some advice on choosing a suitable provider.

The short answer is 'Yes'. Morocco has a well-developed tourism industry and attracts millions of visitors each year. The Moroccan government places a strong emphasis on the safety and security of tourists. Locals rely on income from tourists and generally treat visitors with care as they do want to negatively impact or lose this revenue source.

However, it's important to keep in mind that no destination is completely risk-free. Like any other country, Morocco has its share of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded tourist areas.

Additionally, there are some non-human risks associated with travel to Morocco. If you are the adventurous type, you need to take into account the risks associated with activities like hiking in Morocco, surfing in Taghazout Bay, or camel trekking in Morocco.

Here are just a few instances where having travel insurance for Morocco could be useful;

Good travel insurance usually covers unforeseen travel delays. The most common cause of flight delays in Morocco is weather-related. Usually, the airline will put you on the next available flight however, this may not be soon enough for you to make your tour.

If you do end up missing a tour due to flight cancellations, the tour operator/ booking platform is (more often than not) not going to be able to offer you a refund. The only way to claim back the money you lost on the tour will be through insurance. In this case, make sure you get evidence of the flight changes/cancellations from the airline.

If your flight to or from Morocco is delayed for an extended period, travel insurance can cover additional expenses like accommodation and meals.

Adventure travel comes with its own risks. Although it does happen that people fall and twist an ankle while trekking in the Atlas Mountains, it's even more likely that your stomach doesn't agree with the local cuisine. Either way, you need to know that you can visit a doctor or get medicine without worrying about extra costs.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses if you get sick or injured during your trip. It can also include emergency medical evacuation, which is important if you require transportation to a better medical facility or back to your home country for treatment.

If you are doing adventure activities like trekking above 4,000m ( Mt Toubkal summit is 4,167), make sure this is covered.

If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a family emergency, illness, or unexpected work-related issues, travel insurance can reimburse you. A good insurer will cover non-refundable expenses like flight tickets, accommodation, and tour bookings.

Be very sure that you've carefully read the Ts & Cs and that your policy will cover this, particularly if there are existing family health issues or your work schedule is not fixed.

Part of Morocco's appeal is its vibrant, lively atmosphere, unfortunately, this comes with an increased risk of theft and pickpocketing. You need to be particularly careful in crowded places like the markets of Marrakech.

Travel insurance can provide coverage for your personal belongings in case they are stolen. Your baggage will also be covered if it is lost by the airline.

For flights and tours, you are usually required to pay beforehand. This is a risk to yourself as a traveller because there is the possibility that the airline or tour operator, goes bankrupt. If this happens, you will not only lose out on the service but also not be able to get your money back.

Fortunately, this does not happen too often although many people lost money when businesses folded during COVID-19. Under these unfortunate circumstances, travel insurance can help you recover some of your prepaid expenses.

Note: Skyhook uses a third-party financial agency to act as a 'trust fund' for your hard-earned cash. If, for any reason, the tour doesn't follow through, you are guaranteed a full refund.

Travel insurance may include personal liability coverage, which can protect you in case you cause accidental damage to property or injury to others during your trip.

Here are some steps to help you select the right travel insurance policy:

Start by assessing your specific requirements. Consider factors such as the duration of your trip, the activities you plan to engage in, the value of your belongings, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Understanding your needs will help you determine the level of coverage you require.

Look for reputable travel insurance providers that offer coverage for Morocco. Consider factors like their reputation, customer reviews, and the range of coverage options they provide. It's a good idea to compare at least a few different providers to get an idea of the options available.

Before signing up, Review the coverage details and policy wording carefully. Ensure that the policy covers the essentials, such as those listed above. If you have specific requirements, such as coverage for adventure activities or pre-existing conditions, make sure these are included or available as optional add-ons.

Pay attention to the exclusions and limitations of the policy. These are the situations or circumstances in which the insurance coverage may not apply. Take note of the policy limits (the maximum amount the insurer will pay for each type of claim) and deductibles (the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in).