Healthcare System in Egypt: everything you need to know

How does the Egyptian healthcare system operate?

Egypt has a public and a private healthcare system. The private system is used by those with the ability to pay and provides a high quality service, recognized worldwide. Most citizens make use of the private system as the public system is still lagging behind, however, by 2027 the country is expected to have universal and subsidized healthcare for all its citizens.

The public system suffers, especially in rural areas, due to a lack of medical supplies and professionals who prefer to use the private service, which pays better salaries. This is why the cost for Egyptian citizens to receive quality healthcare is very high and comes directly out of their pockets. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the weaknesses of this system were further highlighted, causing the death of many people.

The best hospitals, such as the Saudi German Hospital in Cairo, which meets international standards, are located in urban areas. Due to the growth of medical tourism, many health centers have improved their services to attract foreigners with the ability to pay. However, in rural areas it is still difficult to access good health services. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

In general, if you travel to Egypt and you are in a big city you will have access to good health services. You should consider that in the best clinics and hospitals you will have to pay for the services you require.

If you live and work in Egypt, you have access to the health system through your employer and you will be able to go to private health centers. Your family will also be covered through your job.

When visiting the country as a tourist, either on vacation or for medical treatment, it is very important that you have health insurance as some services in good clinics can be expensive. When you enter a clinic you will be asked to prove that you have insurance, otherwise you will have to pay out of pocket for the entire service directly.

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What do I do if I have an emergency in Egypt?

Emergency services are complicated in this country. Due to traffic and lack of ambulances, medical attention in an emergency could take a long time to reach you. In general, they recommend that if you can transport yourself to the health center by your own means, do so and do not wait for an ambulance.

However, the emergency line is 123 to request ambulance assistance. In an emergency you can be transported to a public or private hospital, both offer emergency services.

Other emergency numbers to keep handy are:

Police: 122

Fire Department: 125

Road Emergency: 012.2111.0000 

How do pharmacies work in Egypt?

Within the private hospitals there are pharmacies where you can buy prescription and non-prescription drugs. This may be the best option due to the serious problem in Egypt with counterfeit medicines. To make sure you are buying authentic medicine, only buy from pharmacies inside hospitals.

In Egypt, all contraceptive methods, including pills, are free of charge.

If you want to bring medicine into Egypt, you must bring a letter from your doctor stating the characteristics of the remedy, your treatment and the amount you are bringing.

Any medication to treat malaria or other diseases endemic to Egypt are free of charge. However, foreigners may try to charge for them, so it is not advisable to rely on getting free medicine.

In recent times there have been reports of increases in the prices of medicines, which has generated protests from citizens. Therefore, if you need to take medications frequently, it is best to bring them from your country of origin. 

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Egypt because of Covid-19. In most cases, you need a visa to enter Egypt. In the following link you can learn more about the entry requirements.