Compare Egypt travel insurance

What should my travel insurance to Egypt include?

A standard travel insurance policy for Egypt will include cover for:

• Medical treatment – should you become ill or have an accident, the right policy will ensure you’re covered. Medical costs abroad can quickly accumulate into the tens of thousands of pounds, so make sure you have the appropriate cover, especially if you’re taking part in popular activities like diving.
• Flight cancellations and delays – most standard policies should provide some degree of cover for flight problems, but it’s always best to check out the T&Cs of your policy in case incidents, such as missed connections, aren’t covered. With the current political unrest in the region surrounding Egypt, holiday companies have restricted and cancelled holidays to specific resorts to Egypt in the past.
• Damage, loss and theft of luggage – standard travel insurance usually covers replacement costs for your luggage and its contents. According to Government statistics, crime is generally low in Egypt, but you should always take extra care of your valuables, and be on alert for pickpockets in busier resorts.
• Holiday cancellation - make sure you read the T&Cs for holiday cancellations carefully, as different insurance providers vary on what they cover, depending on the reason for the cancellation.

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

Consider what activities you plan to do in Egypt, and whether they should be included in your policy.

You may want to:

• Take a cruise along the Nile. Standard travel insurance may not cover you for cruising in the Middle East, so it’s worth adding cruise cover if sailing along the Nile is part of your itinerary.
• Try an adventure sport. Egypt is a popular destination for adrenaline junkies who want to do more than just sight-seeing or lying on the beach.
• Adventure travel insurance can cover you for more extreme activities such as bungee jumping, desert biking, diving and kite surfing.

Any other tips for travelling to Egypt?

• Vaccines: 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, as an extra precaution. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and a tetanus booster are also advised. It’s a good idea to visit your doctor around eight weeks before your trip to check what vaccines and health precautions they advise.
• 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. Travellers’ cheques are rarely used anymore, as most places won’t cash or accept them.
• Drinking: It’s illegal to drink alcohol anywhere that isn’t licensed. Drinking in the street can lead to being 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 are out in a public place, it is advised that you respect this tradition and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public. While locals will appreciate you may not observe Ramadan yourself, demonstrating culturally insensitive/offensive behaviour can lead to your arrest in Egypt. Be aware that the dates for Ramadan change each year, and can start/end between March and June.
• Dress code: We advise that you are respectful and aware of local cultural customs, which include dressing modestly in public places, particularly in more rural areas.
• ID: We recommend 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, restaurant waiters/waitresses and even tour guides. It’s not customary to tip taxi drivers though.

Here are some ballpark figures to give you an idea of how much you should tip:

• Hotel porters, housekeepers and waiting staff – between £3-10
• Restaurant waiting staff – around 10% of the bill
• Spas – between 10-15%
• Tour Guides – full day, £50; half day, £25
• Resort hairdresser – 10-15%