Hospitals and Healthcare in Agadir: What You Need to Know in 2025
Introduction
Agadir is known for its beaches, sunshine, and relaxed lifestyle—but what about its healthcare system? For expatriates, retirees, or investors considering a move to Morocco’s southern coast, the quality of local medical services is a decisive factor. Fortunately, Agadir has made major progress in this area over the last decade.
In this guide, we explore the city's public and private hospitals, emerging facilities like the new university hospital, access to general practitioners and specialists, and the real costs of healthcare for foreign residents. Whether you're planning to live here full-time or part-time, this article will help you understand the strengths—and the remaining limitations—of Agadir’s medical infrastructure.
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Public Hospitals in Agadir: Capacity and Services
The Hassan II Regional Hospital (CHR): A Key Player in the Public System
The Centre Hospitalier Régional Hassan II (CHR Hassan II) is the main public hospital in Agadir. Located in the heart of the city, it provides general care services, surgical units, emergency rooms, maternity, and several specialties including cardiology, nephrology, and oncology.
However, like many public hospitals in Morocco, the CHR suffers from understaffing, outdated equipment in some units, and long wait times. Patients are usually admitted via the emergency room or with a referral from a public-sector doctor. The care is almost free for residents, but foreigners without Moroccan social coverage (such as AMO) often face administrative delays and are not always eligible for the same rate of care.
That said, many expats choose to use this facility for serious emergencies or complex surgeries that are unavailable in smaller clinics. The hospital also works closely with Moroccan universities and trains future healthcare professionals, which gives it a strong reputation in terms of technical knowledge—though the infrastructure remains uneven.
The New CHU (University Hospital): A Game Changer for the Region
The construction of Agadir’s CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) is one of the most ambitious medical projects in southern Morocco. Scheduled to open in 2025, this university hospital will include:
- 867 beds
- 45 operating rooms
- Specialized wings for oncology, cardiology, and infectious diseases
- A cutting-edge emergency unit and trauma center
- An integrated medical research and training institute
This CHU is expected to radically improve access to advanced healthcare services in the Souss-Massa region, reducing the need to travel to Casablanca or Rabat for complex procedures.
For expats and future residents, this new facility offers a high-quality and affordable healthcare alternative. It will also attract renowned doctors and surgeons from across Morocco and abroad.
Private Clinics in Agadir: Comfort, Speed, and Specialist Care
The Main Private Clinics in Agadir
Agadir’s private medical sector is expanding rapidly. In 2025, the city boasts a dozen active clinics, ranging from small general medical centers to high-end multi-specialty establishments. The most renowned include:
- Clinique Internationale Agadir: Located in the Founty district, this clinic is known for its modern equipment, international hygiene standards, and French- and English-speaking staff. It is the preferred choice for many expats and offers services in surgery, internal medicine, maternity, and diagnostics.
- Clinique Chifa: A popular multi-specialty clinic in Hay Mohammadi, offering general medicine, pediatrics, and minor surgeries. It is known for its affordability and local reputation.
- Clinique Al Farabi and Clinique Anfa: Well-established facilities with surgical units and strong links to regional specialists. They attract both Moroccan and international patients.
These clinics are generally clean, efficient, and comfortable, with private rooms, modern imaging equipment, and short wait times. Many Moroccan doctors trained in France or Belgium practice here and often speak fluent French and conversational English.
The average cost of care in these clinics remains very competitive compared to Europe. For example:
- Consultation with a specialist: 300–500 MAD (€28–47)
- Surgical procedure: 5000–15,000 MAD
- Private hospital room (per day): 1000–3000 MAD, depending on comfort level
Insurance coverage is recommended, but most clinics accept cash or card payments, and some offer direct billing to international insurers.
Advantages for Expatriates and Foreign Residents
The biggest strength of Agadir’s private clinics is their accessibility:
- Same-day or next-day appointments with most specialists
- Multilingual service at reception (especially in Founty and downtown)
- Availability of advanced diagnostics (MRI, CT scan, Doppler, etc.)
- Affiliated pharmacies on site or nearby
For expatriates and retirees, this means you can build a long-term medical relationship with your doctor, without the delays or bureaucracy common in public systems. Some clinics even offer preventive health packages, annual check-ups, or chronic disease management programs.
The only limitation is that in case of very complex procedures (such as cancer radiotherapy, organ transplants, or neonatal ICU care), you may still be referred to Casablanca, Rabat, or abroad. But for 90% of day-to-day and emergency needs, Agadir’s private sector offers more than adequate coverage.
General Practitioners, Specialists, and Telemedicine in Agadir
Finding a French- or English-Speaking Doctor
One of the top concerns for expats moving to Agadir is finding a doctor who can communicate clearly in their language. Fortunately, most private doctors in Agadir speak fluent French, and a growing number—particularly in private clinics—also speak basic to intermediate English.
You’ll find general practitioners and specialists across most neighborhoods in Agadir: Hay Mohammadi, Talborjt, Founty, Cité Suisse, Haut Anza, and even further north in Anza. Their offices are often discreetly located on the first or second floor of residential buildings. Most operate by appointment, though some general practitioners still offer walk-in consultations at set hours.
To find a reputable doctor:
- Use platforms like DabaDoc, Doctorino, or AlloDocteur to search by specialty, location, language, and availability.
- Join Facebook groups such as "Expat Life in Agadir" or "Francophones à Agadir" to get local recommendations with personal reviews.
- Some notaries, real estate agents, and hotels keep curated lists of trusted physicians, which can be helpful in urgent situations.
Consultation fees range from 150 to 300 MAD (€14–28) for a generalist, and up to 400–500 MAD for a specialist. Most doctors still prefer cash payment, but larger clinics accept credit cards.
Access to Specialists (Cardiology, Dermatology, etc.)
Agadir offers a strong network of medical specialists, covering most core specialties:
- Cardiologists: Available in private clinics, often equipped with in-house ECG and ultrasound machines.
- Dermatologists and Allergists: Popular among retirees or newcomers adapting to a different climate and allergens.
- Ophthalmologists: Found in central districts or Hay Mohammadi; some also offer LASIK surgery.
- Gynecologists and Obstetricians: Common in private clinics with maternity wards.
- Pediatricians: Trained in France or Morocco (often with international certifications), these are essential for families with young children.
Wait times are much shorter than in Europe—you can often get an appointment within 24 to 72 hours. Consultations are generally comprehensive (15 to 25 minutes), and many include basic in-office exams like ultrasounds or visual tests.
A common plus: many doctors give out their WhatsApp number for post-consultation follow-up, prescription questions, or side effects—something rarely seen in Europe.
Telemedicine and Online Booking Services
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in Morocco, and Agadir is no exception. With a young, tech-savvy population and decent internet connectivity, several platforms have emerged:
- DabaDoc Live: Video consultations with generalists and specialists. Interface available in French, Arabic, and sometimes English.
- HealthCare Maroc and Sihaty: Newer platforms offering online appointments, video calls, e-prescriptions, and even medication home delivery.
- Some international insurance providers (CFE, April, Cigna) also offer remote consultation with European doctors as part of their packages.
While teleconsultation is ideal for minor issues, renewals, or second opinions, in-person visits are still preferable for chronic conditions, serious symptoms, or any case requiring physical examination.
Healthcare Costs and Insurance for Expats in Agadir
Typical Prices for Consultations and Hospital Services
The cost of medical care in Agadir is significantly lower than in Europe, especially in the private sector, while maintaining a good standard of care. Here are typical price ranges in 2025:
- General practitioner consultation: 150–300 MAD (€14–28)
- Specialist consultation: 300–500 MAD (€28–47)
- MRI or CT scan: 1000–2500 MAD
- Minor surgery (appendectomy, hernia, etc.): 5000–15,000 MAD
- Private hospital room (per day): 1200–4000 MAD depending on comfort level
- Delivery with epidural and 2–3 night stay: 7000–15,000 MAD
These prices refer to private care. Public hospitals like Hassan II may charge only symbolic fees or offer free care to Moroccan residents or those covered under AMO/RAMED public insurance. However, waiting times and comfort standards are significantly lower in the public system.
Even for more complex care such as orthopedic or ophthalmological surgery, prices are often four to six times lower than in France or Belgium. This affordability is a key driver behind the growing medical tourism scene in Agadir.
Comparison: Local Mutual Insurance vs. International Health Insurance
Your best option depends on your residency status, age, and health needs. Here’s a breakdown:
A retired French citizen living in Agadir full-time will typically prefer international health insurance, especially if they want access to premium clinics and coverage during visits to Europe.
A Moroccan freelancer or part-time resident may instead choose local insurance, but should read the fine print carefully for coverage limits and excluded services.
Tips for Choosing Health Coverage in Agadir
- Read all the conditions carefully: Some plans exclude dental or optical, others have low surgical limits or exclude maternity.
- Check the list of partner clinics: Direct billing makes things easier, especially for expensive procedures.
- Compare deductibles: Some cheaper policies may require you to pay the first €300–€500 out-of-pocket each year.
- Tailor your contract to your lifestyle: A digital nomad or snowbird may do well with a high-end travel insurance, while a year-round resident should opt for full expat coverage.
- Be honest about pre-existing conditions: Most insurers will request a health declaration for those over 60. Hiding chronic issues could invalidate your contract.
Is Agadir a Suitable City for Medical Care?
Why More and More Retirees Are Choosing Agadir for Medical Reasons
Over the years, Agadir has become one of the top destinations for European retirees, not just for its mild weather and beautiful coastline, but also because of its affordable and accessible healthcare services.
Many French, Belgian, and German retirees are moving here specifically to benefit from quality private care at a fraction of the cost they would pay back home. A consultation that might take three months to schedule in Europe can often be booked within 48–72 hours in Agadir. On top of that, the relaxed pace of life, clean environment, and friendly atmosphere make recovery and daily health management easier.
Those who have international coverage—like CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger) + a complementary plan—get access to the best clinics with high reimbursement levels. Some retirees even move to Agadir primarily for the healthcare advantages, while keeping a home base in Europe for legal or family reasons.
The upcoming university hospital (CHU), the modernization of private facilities, and the arrival of young doctors trained abroad all signal a positive evolution of the healthcare ecosystem in southern Morocco.
Advantages Over Other Moroccan Cities
When comparing Agadir to cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, or Rabat, the differences are noticeable:
- A milder climate year-round, ideal for respiratory or joint issues
- A mid-sized city, where getting to hospitals or clinics is quick and stress-free
- Lower pollution levels, improving long-term quality of life
- A strong and growing expat community, with active networks offering support and advice
- Private clinics that are less congested, especially during the low season
Marrakech may offer more premium medical options, but Agadir remains calmer and more livable, especially for long-term stays or retirement.
Limitations and Things to Watch For
Despite the many advantages, there are still some challenges to be aware of:
- Public emergency rooms can be overwhelmed, especially at night or during school holidays. Private ERs are strongly recommended if your budget allows.
- Highly specialized care (e.g., radiotherapy, transplant surgery, neonatal ICU) may still require a transfer to Casablanca or Rabat. The new CHU should help close that gap.
- Language barriers may arise in public institutions—French is widely spoken, but English is less common.
- Dental and optical care, while affordable, may not meet high-end European tech standards in all cases. Many expats choose to combine annual follow-up care in Europe with more routine procedures in Morocco.
All in all, Agadir is suitable for 90% of common healthcare needs, especially if you're organized, well insured, and proactive in understanding how the local system works.
Conclusion – Settling in Agadir with Peace of Mind When It Comes to Healthcare
If there’s one concern that often holds people back from moving abroad, it’s the quality of the local healthcare system. Fortunately, in Agadir, this fear can be largely set aside. The city offers an increasingly complete, modern, and accessible range of medical services, both in the public and private sectors. From family doctors to state-of-the-art international clinics, to a brand-new university hospital opening in 2025, the foundations are in place for safe and responsive medical care.
Whether you’re a retiree, property investor, family in remote work, or a digital nomad, you’ll find in Agadir a healthcare environment that’s improving rapidly, and more than capable of meeting your day-to-day and long-term needs. If you take the time to gather the right information and choose your coverage carefully, you can live here with a reassuring level of medical security, all while enjoying a mild climate and much lower cost of living than in most European cities.
Here are a few key recommendations:
- Visit healthcare facilities in person before making your move.
- Compare insurance options based on your legal status and medical profile.
- Build a personal directory of reliable medical contacts (doctor, dentist, pharmacy, lab, etc.).
- Join expat networks in Agadir or Taghazout to benefit from experience-based advice.
Ultimately, Agadir is a city where you can not only enjoy a high quality of life, but also receive quality medical care without the stress or financial burden found elsewhere. For many, it’s not just a lifestyle choice—it’s a long-term investment in well-being.