How to Navigate the Health System in Egypt

Egypt's healthcare system is a mix of public and private healthcare, with the public system providing basic care and the private system providing more advanced care. The public healthcare system in Egypt is called the Ministry of Health and Population and is funded by the government. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Egypt, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. People generally do not recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is not as high as in private hospitals. Public hospitals in Egypt are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources to provide quality care.

Egypt's Private Healthcare System

Egypt's private healthcare system is more advanced than the public system and provides higher quality care. Private hospitals in Egypt are typically well-equipped and have more resources than public hospitals. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more likely to provide the quality of care they are looking for. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are more likely to provide the necessary resources and quality of care.

Egypt's Top Hospitals

Egypt has several well-known hospitals, both public and private. Some of the most well-known hospitals in Egypt include:

• Cairo University Hospital (public, located in Cairo) - specializes in cancer treatment
• Ain Shams University Hospital (public, located in Cairo) - specializes in cardiology
• Dar El Fouad Hospital (private, located in Cairo) - specializes in orthopedics
• El Galaa Military Hospital (public, located in Cairo) - specializes in trauma
• El Salam International Hospital (private, located in Cairo) - specializes in fertility

Health Insurance Companies in Egypt

The most popular private health insurers in Egypt are Allianz, AXA, and MetLife. These companies provide health insurance plans for individuals and families, and are typically used by Egyptians. Expats and digital nomads typically use specialized expat health insurance providers, as they are more likely to provide the coverage they need.

Insider Tips from Expats in Egypt: How to Navigate the Health System

"Egypt has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency care. The public healthcare system is largely free, while private healthcare is available at a cost. Egypt also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, fertility clinics, and mental health facilities. In addition, Egypt has a number of medical universities and research centers that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing quality healthcare," commented one member living in Egypt.

"Get recommendations for doctors from other expats. Meet them, check them out and see if you like them or not. Most doctors for expats will speak good English, but some doctors in Egypt are pretty arrogant and it may make for a more difficult situation when it comes to getting information out of him/her. Find one you like, get his/her phone number (mobile-cell number) and use it when needed as most doctors do not hire receptionists that speak English well enough to make appts for you," commented one expat living in Cairo, Egypt.

"Healthcare services in Egypt are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents in Egypt have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Egypt can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition, they may need to obtain a health insurance policy to cover any additional costs," mentioned one expat living in Egypt.