Healthcare abroad
Healthcare in Egypt: watch the hotel doctor's bill
There's no UK healthcare deal, so you need insurance. The FCDO says hotel doctors have overcharged British tourists, and medicine from pharmacies outside the hotel is usually much cheaper. Some medicines are controlled and may need Egyptian approval.
- GHIC accepted
- Some free urgent care
- No free healthcare
- Very high costs
Most medical visits in the Red Sea resorts are for stomach bugs, sunburn and diving injuries. Ask for a price before treatment, and call your insurer before agreeing to a hospital admission.
Where care differs
- Sharm el Sheikh, HurghadaNo free healthcare
Private hospitals used to tourists. Agree costs through your insurer.
- CairoNo free healthcare
The best hospitals in the country, both private and university.
- Desert and Nile cruise tripsVery high costs
Hours from a hospital. Evacuation is expensive, so check your policy.
If you're ill in a resort
- Call your insurer first. They can recommend a hospital and pay it directly.
- Ask for the price before seeing the hotel doctor.
- Pharmacies outside the hotel are usually much cheaper and pharmacists often speak English.
- Keep every receipt for your claim.
Diving and the sea
The Red Sea is one of the world's best dive areas, and Sharm and Hurghada have hyperbaric chambers for decompression. Check your insurance covers diving to your planned depth. Don't fly within 24 hours of diving.
Before you go
- Emergency number: 123 (ambulance).
- Bring a GP letter for any prescription medicine, and check if it's controlled.
- Drink bottled water and be careful with salads and ice.
Official advice: FCDO health advice for Egypt
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