Compare Egypt travel insurance

How much is travel insurance for Egypt?

Like most destinations, this will depend on: 

• Your age – travel insurance is typically cheaper for younger people
• How long you’re going for
• What activities you plan to do
• Your health
• The levels of cover you need.

Many insurance providers treat Egypt as Europe, meaning that European travel insurance could provide the cover you need. However, some classify the country as part of the Middle East or North Africa, making it fall into the worldwide policy group. 

When you get a quote, make it clear that you’re travelling to Egypt – don’t just buy European travel insurance.

Trying to work out how much a travel insurance policy will cost can be a bit like measuring a piece of string. There are lots of factors that can push the price up or down. The best way to look at cover is by working out what you need - how much cover you want and finding a policy that fits the bill. The next step is to find a policy that’s affordable.

What else should I consider when choosing my travel insurance for Egypt?

Think about what activities you plan to do in Egypt. You may want extra insurance to cover:

• Extreme sports like bungee jumping, desert biking and kite surfing. If you’re planning a camel ride, check it’s covered by your insurance. 
• Water sports if you want to try scuba diving, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding or water-skiing. Some water sports may be covered by standard travel insurance, so check your policy.
• Taking a cruise if sailing along the Nile is part of your itinerary… 

You can typically add extra cover to your travel policy for an additional cost or look for specialist policies that cover them.

It doesn’t usually cost much more to add extra cover and it can be a lot less than the price of paying out for medical treatment if you do need to claim. Just make sure to check - you guessed it - the small print. Providers have different rules when it comes to activities such as water sports, so while one may mark an activity as risky, another might not cover it at all.

Any other tips for travelling to Egypt?

You’ve waited a long time for this trip - years in some cases because of the pandemic - and it’s almost time to jet off. But before you go, here’s a few tips to help you enjoy your trip to Egypt.

Medication: some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines are considered controlled substances in Egypt and can’t be brought into the country without prior permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health. If you arrive in Egypt without this permission and the required documentation, the medication won’t be allowed into the country and you could be prosecuted under Egyptian law.

Vaccinations: it’s recommended that you have a hepatitis A vaccine (usually free on the NHS) before travelling to Egypt. You can get hepatitis A from contaminated food and water, so make sure you drink bottled, not tap, water. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid and a tetanus booster are also advised.

Currency: the official currency is the Egyptian pound (£E), although many hotels and tour operators readily accept US dollars and euros. ATMs can be found in the main tourist areas and most hotels and restaurants accept the major credit cards.

Drinking: it’s illegal to drink alcohol anywhere that isn’t licensed. Drinking in the street could get you arrested.

Ramadan: be aware of this holy month while travelling to Egypt, a traditionally Islamic country. During this time, Muslims will fast from sunrise until sunset. If you’re out in a public place during Ramadan, respect this tradition and avoid eating, drinking and smoking.

Dress code: be respectful and aware of local cultural customs, which include dressing modestly in public places, particularly in more rural areas.

ID: it’s recommended that you keep a form of photo ID on you at all times.

Tipping: as a tourist, you’ll be expected to tip hotel staff, waiting staff and even tour guides. It’s not customary to tip taxi drivers though.