15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Egypt
Last updated on Apr 09, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Egypt is generally considered to be lower than in the United States. Emergency services in Egypt are not as well-developed as in the US, and the response time for ambulances can be slow. To call for an ambulance in Egypt, you can dial the emergency number, 112.
How are healthcare services Egypt?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Egypt, they replied:
"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," wrote one expat.
What are medical services in Egypt like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Egypt, they replied:
"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," said one expat living in Egypt.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Egypt?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Egypt can be expensive, depending on the type of care and coverage needed. Private healthcare is generally more expensive than public healthcare, and health insurance plans can vary in cost depending on the type of coverage and the provider. In general, health insurance plans in Egypt tend to be more expensive than in other countries, and the cost of medical care can be high. However, the government does provide some subsidies for healthcare, which can help to reduce the cost of care for those who qualify," said one expat living in Egypt.
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What are emergency services like in Egypt?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Egypt wrote:
"Emergency services in Egypt are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the national emergency number, 112. This number is toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including landlines and mobile phones. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the location of the emergency," said one expat living in Egypt.
"I only use private hospitals and in general they are fine. The one closest to me has a good ER that I've used on occasion. I have had operations in Egypt. I've been in one ICU once, and I've survived them all. I don't live in America. I don't have insurance. The cost of all of this is extremely affordable. You have to sacrifice in some areas to afford it as well as it is here," mentioned one expat in Cairo.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Cairo is home to some of the best medical specialists in Egypt, with many of the country's top hospitals and clinics located in the city. Alexandria is also a great place to find medical specialists, with a number of renowned hospitals and clinics located in the city. Other cities in Egypt with a good selection of medical specialists include Giza, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Luxor. Additionally, many of the country's top medical universities, such as Cairo University and Ain Shams University, are located in Egypt, providing access to a wide range of medical specialists," commented one expat who moved to Egypt.
Are common prescription medications available in Egypt?
"Most meds are available at the pharmacy and the pharmacists have studied almost as long as doctors, so they can prescribe meds for your case if you can describe what is wrong with you. Good pain killers are difficult if not impossible to get in Egypt. Things like Prozac and sleeping aids are pretty much accessible without prescriptions - especially from small local neighborhood pharmacies. The larger chain pharmacies are more difficult to get things from that are watched at all. ," said one expat living in Cairo.
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Egypt. Pharmacies in Egypt are well-stocked with a wide variety of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of the medications available in Egypt are imported from other countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. In addition, some medications are produced locally in Egypt. It is important to note that some medications may require a prescription from a doctor in order to be purchased," mentioned one expat in Egypt.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Egypt?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Egypt are generally of a good standard. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers providing quality care. The government has invested heavily in the healthcare sector, and there are a number of highly-trained medical professionals available to provide care. In addition, the cost of medical care in Egypt is relatively low compared to other countries in the region," commented one expat living in Egypt.
As a foreigner living in Egypt, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Egypt have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but generally speaking, public healthcare in Egypt is of a lower standard than private healthcare. The public healthcare system is often overcrowded and underfunded, and the quality of care can be inconsistent. However, the cost of public healthcare is much lower than private healthcare, making it an attractive option for those on a budget," said one expat.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Egypt if they have access to public healthcare in Egypt. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Egypt. The government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of schools, universities, and public places. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with patients, leading to long waiting times and a shortage of medical supplies. The government has also implemented a nationwide curfew and a ban on public gatherings, which has made it difficult for people to access medical care. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Egypt has been able to provide adequate care to those in need. Doctors and nurses have worked tirelessly to provide the best care possible, and the government has provided financial support to those affected by the pandemic," remarked one expat living in Egypt.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Egypt?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Egypt about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Egypt before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reputable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Egypt. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Egypt. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding birth certificates and other legal documents related to having a baby in Egypt. Finally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Egypt, as it can be expensive," said one expat in Egypt.
Are healthcare services good in Egypt?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Egypt. They wrote:
"Egypt has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is supplemented by a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer more advanced medical services. The quality of healthcare services in Egypt varies depending on the region and the type of facility. Generally, the public healthcare system is considered to be of lower quality than the private healthcare system. In recent years, the government has made efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services in Egypt, including increasing access to healthcare and investing in medical infrastructure," said one person in Egypt.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Egypt Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Egypt
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Egypt
- Best Places to Live in Egypt
- Guide to Real Estate in Egypt
- Pros & Cons of Living in Egypt
- Cost of Living in Egypt
- Health Insurance in Egypt
- Best Places to Visit in Egypt for Christmas Cheer
- Christmas in Egypt
- Dengue Virus in Egypt
- Pros and Cons of Living in Egypt 2024