Travel Insurance for Egypt: What Tourists Need to Know

In this article we are going to give you all the information you need about travel insurance for Egypt. Make sure you travel safely in Egypt with the latest tips and dangers, and learn about how to get around and the local culture

Egypt: Go prepared

Extreme heat, a history spanning thousands of years and one of the world’s most vibrant cultures: Egypt remains an exciting and unique tourist destination for Britons. In normal years, several thousand Britons travel insurance for Egypt an annual holiday, and most holidays are hassle-free.

It is essential to purchase good travel insurance for any trip to Egypt. The risk of health problems due to sunburn or heat is increased, and the crime rate in cities like Cairo can be high for tourists if proper vigilance is not observed. It’s important to make sure your policy provides all the coverage you need, such as coronavirus coverage.

Healthcare in Egypt

To discover travel insurance for Egypt. Egypt has long had a thriving tourism industry, so tourists’ healthcare is usually taken very seriously. Most hotels on resort trips will have a doctor, and hospital treatment is available if you have appropriate travel insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises that providing healthcare outside major cities and tourist areas can be key. Therefore, if urgent treatment is needed, seek it in Cairo if possible. If this is not possible, look for the nearest major city.

If urgent treatment is needed, try to seek it in Cairo if possible, and if not, try to get it in the nearest major city.

Dengue fever is known to be present in Egypt, so it is important to be careful of insect bites. Learn more about dengue and other risks on Travel Health Pro’s Egypt page. This can be done by wearing long, loose, light-colored clothing – which is often important for women to do anyway outside of resorts. Read this guide on how to protect against insect bites to make sure you don’t put yourself at risk.

Audit your payments for any medical care to make sure you are not overpaying. If you have a medical emergency and need to be taken to hospital, contact your travel insurance company immediately to see how they can help. The emergency services number is 123. Much of the health care available in Egypt is basic, and your insurance company may have more up-to-date information about the best treatment centers than you do.

If you need emergency medical help but don’t know where to go or where you will be taken, contact the British Embassy in Cairo for information about the most commonly used hospitals.

If you are taking prescription medication and need to travel with it to Egypt, make sure you have a copy of your prescription as well as a doctor’s note explaining your need for the medication, as some prescription medications and medicines are legal in the Kingdom.

Travel risks in Egypt

By asking about travel insurance for Egypt. Egypt has been affected by a number of ongoing regional tensions, which have made some parts of Egypt unsafe and others more dangerous. The US State Department’s travel advisories for Egypt contain the latest information about places you shouldn’t travel, as well as the safest ways to travel between regions.

If you travel to an area where the US State Department advises against travel, this will likely void your travel insurance.

The shift in political supremacy between groups and individuals has created a great deal of tension, which can make travel dangerous during times of heightened political activity. It is not wise to participate in protests and demonstrations, as they can quickly escalate into violence and are often met harshly by local forces.

Anyone visiting Egypt should be especially vigilant against threats when traveling to areas with a history of conflict, and should plan travel carefully to avoid the most volatile areas. The latest information about these areas can be found on the US Department of State website. See the map of orange and red zones for more information.

Although direct flights between the UK and Sharm El Sheikh were suspended after a plane crashed from the resort in 2015, hard work by the British and Egyptian authorities enabled these flights to resume in October 2019. The resort itself is considered safe. Complete your reading to know about travel insurance for Egypt. 

Travel safety in Egypt

By asking about travel insurance for Egypt you need to read carefully. Crime rates are higher in larger cities and vigilance should be exercised at all times to avoid falling for holiday scams or property theft. Stay away from large groups and gatherings, and wear your bag across the front of your body if you have to be around them.

Try to avoid carrying things in your pockets and instead use a money belt that can be worn under your clothes. Make sure you keep important documents safe during your travels.

Egyptian merchants will often barter for items you want, and in many situations you may be offered aggressive sales for items you don’t want. This is especially common in areas with high concentrations of tourists and few other people, such as pyramids and national monuments. Of course it’s up to you how hard you drive to get a deal, but don’t feel obligated to accept the first price offered. Haggling is the cultural norm, and as a tourist, there may be a perception that you have more money to spend, leading to higher initial bids.

It can be uncomfortable and annoying if you don’t want attention at all, and there’s no surefire way to avoid it. However, keep in mind that the sooner the seller realizes that he or she will not make a successful sale from you, the sooner he or she will try someone else. It pays to be decisive about the things you want to buy before entering into negotiations. If you travel as part of an organized group, you are less likely to experience hassle.

If you want to travel somewhere by taxi, try booking it through your hotel. They will usually have a preferred service provider, or a small group of them, whose services can be better than the taxi you pick up on the street. It is not wise to take a taxi or microbus alone, especially if you are female.

US State Department guidelines for Egypt indicate that many Western women have been victims of sexual and physical assault in recent years. Women tourists should keep in mind what kind of opportunities an unscrupulous person might take and travel with if possible.

Report any crimes to the Egyptian Tourism Police immediately. If you need to make a claim with your travel insurance  for Egypt company, you will need a police report.

 To know about travel insurance for Egypt you need to know about Egyptian culture.

Egyptian culture

Travel-Insurance-for-Egypt-Egyptian-Culture-EgyptaTours

The national language of Egypt is Arabic, but tourists will find English commonly used. Banknotes, road signs, storefronts, and even many everyday spoken words will be in English, and learning English is part of many Egyptians’ education. Tourists should not have any difficulty conversing with locals in English, even if it is imperfect. If you need something important translated, ask at your hotel.

Many tourists will visit Egypt for its ancient culture. The country was subjected to various invasions by Alexander the Great, the Romans, the Ottomans and the Arabs, and was briefly under colonial rule from Great Britain. Traces of these cultures are still present in many aspects of Egyptian life, but the most widespread is Islamic culture. Knowing local customs, such as when to take off your shoes, how to greet people and how to eat, can go a long way. This is even more Important if you are staying as a guest in a local’s home.

Egyptian cuisine is diverse and praised all over the world. As with dining anywhere, make sure meats are well cooked and avoid foods that have been left out, especially uncovered, for any period of time.

The holy month of Ramadan is an important cultural milestone and involves abstinence from eating and drinking during daylight hours for participants. If you visit during this time, it may be insensitive to eat and drink around fasting people. While many may not mind, it is polite to ask.

Getting around

To discover travel insurance for Egypt. Road travel in Egypt can be risky and even dangerous due to different road conditions and driving standards. Traffic laws are rarely enforced, and driving is not for the faint of heart.

Taxis are best booked through reliable companies but they are usually subject to the same traffic as any other car.

Trains are reasonably priced and travel long distances across the country. It is recommended to travel in first or second class, and shorter lines are less likely to offer air-conditioned trains. Therefore, for convenience, it is better to use train travel to cover larger distances.

The FCDO State Department reports that there have been a number of very serious railway accidents recently. Although there is no warning a passenger can take to protect against this, it is worth taking into account when considering your travel options.

Check the FCDO website to understand safety concerns before booking or taking domestic flights, as this may pose a safety risk.

Buses are reliable and cost-effective, but can be inconvenient when crowded or traveling long distances. There are also river boats serving the Nile River and the Red Sea, some for touring and others for tourist activities. This can be a great way to see some of the sights and have a unique experience, but book through a reputable company for quality services.

Travel insurance for Egypt

Discover travel insurance for Egypt. If you are planning to do any adventurous activities, make sure you are covered to do so through your travel insurance. If not, talk to your insurance company to see if you can get the necessary level of coverage.

Take a copy of your travel insurance for Egypt policy with you so you can check your coverage for any activities you plan to do at this moment.

Remember that there are activities for which exceptions can be made (ie. activities that you can do but only in certain circumstances, such as wearing a helmet when riding a bike).

As there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and Egypt, it is particularly important that you have travel insurance with adequate cover for any medical expenses you incur if you become ill or injured while in the country.

Travel insurance for Egypt can also provide reassurance that you are protected against cancellation, travel delays and disruptions, as well as lost, damaged or stolen property such as luggage and passports.

Does Egypt come under Europe for travel insurance?

Although Egypt extends across two different continents – Africa and Asia – neither of them belongs to Europe, so you will usually find insurance companies counting outside of Europe in their policies as well.

FAQs

Why is it very important to buy travel insurance for Egypt before any trip?

It is important because the risk of health problems due to sun or heat increases and the crime rate in cities like Cairo can be high for tourists if proper caution is not taken. Insurance is also important to cover coronavirus and any potential medical expenses.

What health risks might tourists face in Egypt?

Problems caused by sun and heat, as well as dengue fever from mosquitoes.

If urgent medical treatment is needed in Egypt, where is it best to go?

Try to go to Cairo if possible and if not, go to the nearest major city.

What diseases should you be careful about, like dengue fever?

Dengue fever is present in Egypt so it is important to be careful of insect bites and wear long, loose, light-colored clothing.

How can you protect yourself from scams or theft in big cities like Cairo?

Stay away from large gatherings, keep your bag in front of your body, use a money belt under your clothes and keep important documents safe.

What advice is given regarding using taxis in Egypt?

It is best to book a taxi through your hotel because they usually have reliable service providers. It is not advisable to take a taxi or minibus alone, especially for women.

What should you know about Egyptian culture before visiting?

The official language is Arabic but English is widely used. You should also know local customs such as removing shoes, greetings and dining etiquette, especially if staying as a guest in someone’s home.

Why is it important to understand local eating habits, especially during Ramadan?

People fasting do not eat or drink during daylight hours, so it may be impolite to eat or drink in front of them. It is better to ask before doing so.

What transportation options are available in Egypt for long-distance travel and what precautions should be taken?

Options include trains, buses and river boats on the Nile or Red Sea. Trains are comfortable and affordable, preferably first or second class. Caution is needed because of some recent serious railway accidents.

Is Egypt considered part of Europe when calculating travel insurance? 

No, Egypt is not part of Europe, so insurance usually counts it as outside Europe.

How does travel insurance for Egypt help if a trip is delayed or canceled?

Insurance provides protection against trip cancellations, delays, and disruptions, as well as lost, damaged or stolen luggage and passports.

What documents should you bring if traveling to Egypt with prescription medication?

You should bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note explaining why you need the medication.

Which areas should be avoided in Egypt according to the US State Department travel advisories?

Areas with a history of conflict or high political tension as traveling there can be dangerous.

Why is it important to check if adventurous activities are covered by insurance before doing them?

Some adventurous activities may require special coverage so you need to make sure you are insured before participating.

What is the most important thing to do if a crime happens to you in Egypt?

Report it immediately to the Egyptian Tourism Police, as a police report is needed to make a claim with your travel insurance company.