Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Egypt
- Private healthcare in Cairo is excellent and affordable—top hospitals at a fraction of Western costs.
- Public hospitals are severely underfunded—expats should use private facilities only.
- Cairo is Egypt's medical hub—Red Sea resorts and other areas have very limited healthcare.
- Currency volatility (EGP) makes costs unpredictable in dollar terms—international insurance provides stability.
- Medical evacuation coverage important—complex cases may require transfer to Dubai or Europe.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Egypt?
Egypt doesn't require health insurance for visas, but private coverage is essential for quality care. Public hospitals are overcrowded and understaffed—not recommended for expats. Private hospitals in Cairo offer excellent care at low costs, but medical evacuation coverage is important for serious conditions requiring transfer abroad. Employers often provide local insurance; international coverage adds evacuation and worldwide network benefits.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Everyone—public healthcare is not a realistic option for expats
- Those outside Cairo—healthcare quality drops dramatically in smaller cities
- Red Sea coast residents (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh)—limited local facilities
- Anyone wanting English-speaking doctors and international-standard facilities
- Expats with chronic conditions requiring reliable, consistent care
Public vs Private Healthcare in Egypt
Public Healthcare
Ministry of Health and Population
- Access: Egyptian citizens (heavily subsidized), foreigners can access at higher rates
- Cost: Very low (EGP 10-100 for visits) but quality reflects price
Public hospitals are severely underfunded, overcrowded, and understaffed. Equipment often outdated. Language barrier significant—Arabic only in most public facilities. Emergency care available but conditions basic. Expats should avoid public hospitals except in dire emergencies. Qasr El Eyni (Cairo University) is best public hospital but still below international standards.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $30-80/month local plans, $60-150/month international
Excellent private hospitals in Cairo: Dar Al Fouad, As-Salam International, Cleopatra Hospitals Group, Saudi German Hospital. Many doctors Western-trained, speak English. Costs remarkably affordable—GP visit $20-40, specialist $40-80, hospital day $150-400. Medical tourism popular for cosmetic surgery, dental, orthopedics. Outside Cairo, options limited—Alexandria has some good facilities.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Egypt. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Egypt
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Egypt
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Egypt
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Cairo-centric healthcare—outside the capital, quality drops significantly. Budget for Cairo travel or evacuation.
- Currency volatility—Egyptian Pound fluctuates wildly. International insurance protects against devaluation.
- Red Sea resort healthcare is basic—Hurghada and Sharm have clinics but serious cases go to Cairo or abroad.
- Arabic language barrier—outside major private hospitals, English is limited.
- Political/security situation can change—verify your insurer covers Egypt and any exclusion zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How good are Cairo's private hospitals?
Very good for most conditions. Dar Al Fouad, As-Salam International, and Cleopatra Hospitals have modern equipment, Western-trained doctors, and English-speaking staff. They handle surgery, cardiology, oncology, and maternity well. For very complex cases (advanced cancer, rare conditions), evacuation to Dubai or Europe may be recommended.
How affordable is private healthcare in Egypt?
Remarkably affordable. GP consultation: $20-40. Specialist: $40-80. MRI: $100-200. Hospital day (private room): $150-400. Maternity (private hospital): $1,500-4,000. Dental cleaning: $30-50. Costs are 70-80% lower than Western countries, making Egypt attractive for medical tourism and retirees.
What's healthcare like in Red Sea resorts?
Limited. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh have basic private clinics for minor issues—infections, minor injuries, common illnesses. Anything requiring surgery, imaging beyond X-rays, or specialist care means transfer to Cairo (1-hour flight) or evacuation abroad. If you live on the coast, medical evacuation coverage is essential, not optional.
Do I need international insurance or is local enough?
Local insurance (like Allianz Egypt, AXA Egypt) works for Cairo-based care and is affordable. International insurance adds: medical evacuation to Dubai/Europe for complex cases, worldwide network if you travel, stability against currency fluctuations, and typically better customer service in English. For long-term expats, combining local primary coverage with international catastrophic/evacuation coverage is common.
Is Egypt good for retirees' healthcare?
For cost-conscious retirees comfortable with Cairo, yes. Private healthcare is affordable and good quality. Warm climate, low cost of living, interesting culture. Challenges: language barrier outside expat bubbles, bureaucracy for visas, and healthcare quality varies hugely by location. Stick to Cairo or Alexandria for reliable healthcare access.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.