Travel Insurance
Why we require it, and what your policy needs to cover for a Morocco desert trip.
Why it matters
Comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of travelling with Sahara Explore. We ask for it because of where we take you: much of the Moroccan desert is several hours from the nearest hospital, and a straightforward problem in a city becomes an expensive one in the dunes.
We will ask you to confirm you hold a valid policy before departure. We do not ask to see the document itself.
What your policy must cover
- Medical treatment and hospitalisation in Morocco
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation — the single most important item, and the one most often missing
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
- Personal accident and liability
- Baggage loss, theft and delay
- Flight delay and missed departure
Activities to check specifically
Standard policies frequently exclude exactly the things people come to Morocco to do. Check each of these against your itinerary:
- Camel riding — classed as an animal-borne activity by many insurers
- Quad biking and motorcycling — often excluded outright, or requiring a licence endorsement
- 4×4 travel on unpaved roads
- Trekking above 3,000 metres — relevant to any Toubkal itinerary (4,167m)
- Sandboarding
- Overnight stays in remote locations without road access
Medical care in Morocco
Morocco has good private hospitals in Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes and Agadir. Rural and desert regions have clinics rather than hospitals, and serious cases are transferred to a city. Private facilities generally expect payment upfront and reclaim from your insurer afterwards, so carry your policy number and your insurer’s 24-hour emergency line with you rather than leaving them in a bag at camp.
Your responsibility
- Arranging cover before you arrive in Morocco
- Ensuring the policy is valid for Morocco and for your full travel dates
- Ensuring every activity on your itinerary is included
- Declaring pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer
- Carrying your policy number and emergency contact number while travelling
What we do if something happens
Your guide carries a first-aid kit and a satellite phone on remote sections. In an emergency we will get you to appropriate care, contact your insurer and your emergency contact, and stay with you throughout. We cannot pay medical costs or authorise treatment on your behalf — that is what the policy is for.
Questions
If you are unsure whether your policy covers a particular part of your itinerary, send us the itinerary and we will tell you exactly which activities to ask your insurer about: hello@saharaexplore.com.
Questions about your cover?
Send us your itinerary and we will tell you which activities to check with your insurer.