Patient guide

Chronic diseases in Morocco

Diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, asthma, thyroid, heart — living well day-to-day · ALD 100%.

Find a specialist →CNOPS/CNSS ALD

6 most common chronic diseases

🩸

Type 2 diabetes

12% of adults in Morocco (2 million+)

ALD 100%

Symptoms

Intense thirstFrequent urinationFatigueBlurred vision

Diagnosis

  • •Fasting glucose > 1.26 g/L (twice)
  • •HbA1c > 6.5%
  • •Post-load glucose > 2 g/L

Treatments

💊 Metformin (first-line)💊 Sulfonylureas, glinides💊 SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin)
See specialists →
❤️

Arterial hypertension (HTN)

30% of adults, 65% of seniors

ALD 100%

Symptoms

Often silentMorning headachesTinnitusDizziness

Diagnosis

  • •BP > 140/90 mmHg (3 measurements)
  • •Home > 135/85 mmHg
  • •24h ABPM > 130/80 mmHg

Treatments

💊 ACE inhibitors (ramipril, lisinopril)💊 ARBs (losartan)💊 Thiazide diuretics
See specialists →
🧪

Hypercholesterolaemia

40% of adults

Symptoms

No symptomsSkin xanthomas (genetic forms)Early corneal arc

Diagnosis

  • •LDL > 1.6 g/L (no risk factors)
  • •LDL > 1.0 g/L (diabetic)
  • •LDL > 0.7 g/L (post-MI)

Treatments

💊 Statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin)💊 Ezetimibe💊 Fibrates (high triglycerides)
See specialists →
🫁

Asthma

10% of children, 6% of adults

ALD 100%

Symptoms

Shortness of breathExpiratory wheezingNight coughChest tightness

Diagnosis

  • •Spirometry (PFT)
  • •Reversibility test
  • •Exhaled NO

Treatments

💊 Short-acting bronchodilators (Ventolin)💊 Inhaled corticosteroids (first-line maintenance)💊 Biotherapies if severe
See specialists →
🦋

Hypothyroidism

4-5% (women++)

Symptoms

Chronic fatigueWeight gainCold intoleranceConstipation

Diagnosis

  • •High TSH > 4.5 mIU/L
  • •Low free T4
  • •Anti-TPO if autoimmune (Hashimoto)

Treatments

💊 Levothyroxine (Levothyrox)💊 Dose adjusted by weight💊 Take fasting, same time daily
See specialists →
💔

Heart failure

1-2% of adults, 10% after 70

ALD 100%

Symptoms

Exertional dyspnoeaLeg oedemaFatigueRapid weight gain

Diagnosis

  • •Cardiac echo (LVEF)
  • •BNP / NT-proBNP
  • •ECG

Treatments

💊 ACE inhibitors/ARBs💊 Beta-blockers💊 Diuretics
See specialists →
🛡️

ALD — Long-Term Condition

In Morocco, 41 chronic conditions are 100% covered by CNOPS/CNSS, with no co-payment. Files are submitted by your treating physician.

  1. 1Your doctor writes the care protocol (ALD form)
  2. 2Submit to your fund (CNOPS or CNSS) with supporting documents
  3. 3Approved by medical advisor (2-4 weeks)
  4. 4100% coverage for all care related to the ALD
  5. 5Periodic renewal (5 years usually)

Frequently asked questions

What is a chronic disease?+

A condition lasting more than 6 months, evolving, requiring prolonged treatment. They are the leading causes of death in Morocco (75% according to WHO). Examples: diabetes, hypertension, cancer, COPD, kidney failure. Most have a strong preventive dimension.

How to obtain ALD in Morocco?+

See your treating doctor (or specialist). They complete the care protocol. Submit to CNOPS/CNSS with prescriptions and test results. Approval within 2-4 weeks by medical advisor. Once approved: ALD-related care reimbursed 100% (medications, consultations, tests, hospitalisation). Renewable every 5 years.

Can chronic diseases be cured?+

Some yes: hepatitis C (curative antivirals), early-stage cancers, autoimmune hypothyroidism (stabilised). Most are controlled without cure: diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD. Good control = near-normal quality of life + preserved longevity.

Must I take treatment for life?+

Often yes, with adjustments as the disease evolves. NEVER stop on your own (severe rebound risk). Some patients with very healthy lifestyle can reduce/stop under medical supervision (type 2 diabetes with major weight loss, mild hypertension). Always discuss with the doctor.

How to live well with a chronic disease?+

Acceptance (sometimes via therapy), patient education (workshops by funds and associations), informed family, adapted physical activity, balanced diet, treatment adherence, regular follow-up, early complication detection. Patient associations (AMAD for diabetes, AMC for cardiac) offer valuable support.

Do private insurers cover chronic diseases?+

Yes, but sometimes with limitations: 3-6 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions, annual caps. Mandatory CNOPS/CNSS schemes via ALD remain the most protective. Complementary insurance covers out-of-pocket (single hospital room, fee overruns).

The 41 recognised Long-Term Conditions

Official list from ANAM (National Health Insurance Agency) — 100% coverage of care related to these conditions for CNOPS, CNSS and AMO Tadamon members.

✓01. Stroke (CVA)
✓02. Severe liver and biliary disorders
✓03. Chronic and disabling rheumatic disorders
✓04. Severe chronic anaemia
✓05. Severe asthma
✓06. Cancer (all locations)
✓07. Cardiac and vascular diseases
✓08. Liver cirrhosis
✓09. Immune deficiencies
✓10. Type 1 diabetes
✓11. Type 2 diabetes with complications
✓12. Epilepsy
✓13. Glaucoma and blindness
✓14. Haemophilia
✓15. Chronic hepatitis B and C
✓16. Severe arterial hypertension
✓17. Congenital hypothyroidism
✓18. Myocardial infarction
✓19. Heart failure
✓20. Chronic kidney disease (dialysis)
✓21. Chronic respiratory failure
✓22. Acute leukaemias
✓23. Systemic lupus erythematosus
✓24. Alzheimer's disease
✓25. Crohn's disease
✓26. Parkinson's disease
✓27. Severe psychiatric illnesses
✓28. Cystic fibrosis
✓29. Myopathies
✓30. Chronic nephropathies
✓31. Paraplegia
✓32. Rheumatoid arthritis
✓33. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
✓34. Ulcerative colitis
✓35. Chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases
✓36. Multiple sclerosis
✓37. AIDS/HIV
✓38. Ankylosing spondylitis
✓39. Thalassaemia
✓40. Active tuberculosis
✓41. Severe benign tumours

Official source: ANAM — List of Long-Term Conditions

How to obtain ALD recognition

  1. 1
    Consult the specialist
    Appointment with a specialist for the condition (endocrinologist, cardiologist, oncologist, etc.)
  2. 2
    Complete the ALD care protocol
    Specific ANAM form signed by treating doctor + specialist with precise diagnosis and therapeutic plan
  3. 3
    Submit the file
    To your fund (CNOPS, CNSS, AMO Tadamon mutual) with a recent medical report
  4. 4
    Approval within 30 days
    Notification by post or SMS. If refused, amicable appeal possible then via the ANAM Mediator
  5. 5
    Renewal
    Validity 2-5 years depending on condition. Renew before expiry with updated workup