🏥 Healthcare Overview

System: Mixed public/private. Public hospitals provide basic care; private hospitals and clinics in Cairo, Alexandria, and resort areas offer excellent quality at reasonable prices.

Quality: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Private hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria offer good quality care comparable to Western standards at a fraction of the cost. Public hospitals are basic and under-resourced. Many private doctors speak English and/or French. Pharmacies (pharmacies) are widely available, often open late.

💡 Medical Tourism

Egypt is a niche medical tourism destination, primarily for cosmetic surgery and dental work. Costs are 50-70% lower than in the US and Europe. Cairo and Alexandria have JCI-accredited hospitals. Popular for hair transplants, cosmetic procedures, and fertility treatments.

💊 Pharmacy Guide

Access: easy

Hours: Most pharmacies open 9am-11pm; many 24-hour pharmacies in major cities; pharmacy chains include Oscar, Seif, and Nile Pharmacies

Prescription rules: A prescription is required for prescription medications but enforcement varies. Antibiotics and many drugs available OTC. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's note in English.

Available Over-the-Counter

  • acetaminophen/paracetamol
  • ibuprofen
  • antacids
  • antihistamines
  • anti-diarrheals
  • rehydration salts
  • antibiotics (often OTC)
  • sunscreen (expensive — bring your own)
  • basic first aid

💡 Tips

Many medications available OTC that require prescriptions in the US. Antibiotics and common drugs are easily found. Pharmacists are helpful. Bring a list with generic names. Some medications may not be available — bring your supply. In tourist areas (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada), pharmacies are well-stocked.

💉 Medications & Restrictions

Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names in English. Keep medications in original packaging. For controlled substances, carry original prescriptions and a note explaining medical necessity. Check with the Egyptian consulate about import permits for controlled medications.

Controlled / Restricted Substances

🚫 Watch out for these

  • ⚠️ ADHD stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) — Stimulants are controlled substances. Bring original prescription, doctor's letter, and only the amount needed. Declare at customs. A permit from the Egyptian Ministry of Health may be required.
  • ⚠️ Codeine-containing medications — Codeine is controlled. Many codeine products are restricted. Carry alternatives if possible.
  • ⚠️ Psychotropic medications (diazepam, alprazolam, etc.) — Benzodiazepines require documentation. Carry a doctor's letter explaining medical necessity.
  • ⚠️ Narcotics (morphine, tramadol, etc.) — Strong narcotics require strict documentation and potentially a permit from Egyptian authorities.

🛡️ Travel Insurance

⚠️ Required

Required for visa on arrival / e-visa travelers. Strongly recommended for all travelers.

Average cost: $25-45/week

💡 Tip

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Public hospitals are basic; private hospitals offer good care. Medical evacuation coverage is essential, especially for Red Sea diving injuries (which require treatment in a recompression chamber) and remote desert areas. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation to Europe if needed.

💉 Vaccinations

Recommended

  • 🟡 Hepatitis A
  • 🟡 Hepatitis B
  • 🟡 Typhoid
  • 🟡 Cholera
  • 🟡 Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP)
  • 🟡 COVID-19
  • 🟡 Meningococcal meningitis (for travel during Hajj season)
  • 🟡 Polio (ensure adult booster if traveling to certain areas)

No required vaccinations for most travelers unless arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. COVID-19 requirements vary — check current entry requirements. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Consider hepatitis A and typhoid for all travelers.

🚰 Water & Food Safety

caution

Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Egypt. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks outside of hotels and reputable restaurants. Bottled water is very cheap and widely available. Waterborne diseases are a risk if you consume tap water.

Food Safety Tips

Be cautious with food from street vendors. In hotels, resorts, and reputable restaurants, food is generally safe. Avoid raw salads and uncooked foods outside of upscale establishments. Egyptian cuisine (koshari, grilled meats, falafel) from busy restaurants is generally safe. Avoid dairy products from informal sources. In Red Sea resorts, restaurants maintain good hygiene standards.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🆘 Emergency: 122 (police), 123 (ambulance), 180 (fire)

📚 Sources & References

Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.

  • CDC Travelers' Health
  • US Embassy Egypt
  • Egypt Ministry of Health
  • WHO International Travel and Health

⚠️ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.