In the context of the debate on the continuation of the application for “Schengen” visas by Moroccans despite an increasing refusal rate, the National Federation of Consumer Associations (FNAC) raised a crucial issue. It denounced a “unfair and unacceptable practice” adopted by insurance companies in Morocco, which refuse to reimburse travel insurance costs for Europe in the event of visa refusal.
In detail, the FNAC considered this situation particularly worrying, stressing that travel insurance is a mandatory condition for obtaining a Schengen visa, which imposes an additional cost on applicants with no guarantee of reimbursement in the event of refusal.
The Federation, bringing together a national network of 45 consumer protection associations and 23 ‘consumer counters‘, insisted in a dedicated communication, that “Reimbursement of insurance costs in the event of visa refusal requires that insurance companies adopt a clear and fair reimbursement policy for the costs of travel insurance not used due to visa refusal”.
She also called on companies to “provide clear and accurate information about their refund policies when purchasing travel insurance”, while emphasizing “the intervention of regulatory authorities to examine these practices and take the necessary measures to protect the rights of Moroccan consumers”.
“It is unacceptable that Moroccan citizens are forced to pay for a service that they cannot benefit from without any possibility of reimbursement. We call on insurance companies to review their policies and adopt fairer practices that respect consumer rights”, argued consumer advocates. They then incited “the Insurance and Social Security Supervisory Authority (ACAPS) to break its silence and provide clear answers and solutions to this urgent problem”.
FNAC recalled that “To obtain a Schengen visa, it is necessary for Moroccan citizens to obtain travel insurance covering the entire duration of their planned stay in Europe, this must guarantee coverage of at least 30,000 euros for medical expenses and repatriation costs.”, if applicable.
“The cost of insurance can be a significant sum for many visa applicants, ranging from 200 to 1,500 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 20 to 150 euros) depending on the length and nature of the stay. The average consumer pays 70 euros to take out insurance”, added the Federation, noting that “in the event of visa refusal, applicants find themselves in the situation of paying 70 euros (on average) for insurance from which they cannot benefit”.
And the Federation further clarified: “If we apply this to the 119,346 visa applicants in 2022 (according to the Schengen visa information platform), we arrive at 8,354,200 euros unduly collected by insurance companies, although they are fully aware of this possibility , and they systematically refuse to reimburse insurance premiums, even if the trip does not take place”.
This practice, she believes, “is not only unfair, but can be considered unjust enrichment and a violation of ethical and moral commitments to consumers« .
Finally, the Federation highlighted a significant point: the European Union delegation in Morocco informed it that companies can reimburse the premium upon presentation of a notice of visa refusal.This service is well practiced within the European Union by insurance companies, in case of visa refusal, it is common for travel insurance costs to be reimbursed even in some Arab countries (United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia), as well as in African countries (such as South Africa and Nigeria)”, she concluded, adding that “It is necessary for Moroccan insurance companies to adopt similar practices to ensure fairness and justice for Moroccan visa applicants.”.
