What actually happens to travelers here.
Tap water unsafe outside 5-star hotels. Skip ice at street vendors. Salads washed in tap water are a common source.
Don't swim in the Nile or irrigation canals. Parasitic worms enter through skin contact with freshwater.
Private hospitals in Cairo handle routine care. Serious trauma or complex surgery typically evacuates to Europe (Athens, Frankfurt) or Dubai.
The system.
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: โ โ โ โโ Good
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.
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.
Where to actually go.
International hospital with English and Arabic speaking staff.
JCI-accredited. Close to the Pyramids of Giza.
Private hospital serving Red Sea tourist area. Hyperbaric chamber for diving injuries.
Serves the Sharm el-Sheikh resort area. English-speaking staff.
Finding what you need.
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.
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 โ bring your supply. In tourist areas (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada), pharmacies are well-stocked.
Available over the counter
- acetaminophen/paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- antacids
- antihistamines
- anti-diarrheals
- rehydration salts
- antibiotics (often OTC)
- sunscreen (expensive โ bring your own)
- basic first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- ู ุญุชุงุฌ ุฏูุง ููุตุฏุงุน
- ุนูุฏู ุฃูู ูู ุจุทูู
- ุนูุฏู ุญุณุงุณูุฉ ู ู...
- ููู ุฃูุฑุจ ุตูุฏููุฉุ
- ู ุญุชุงุฌ ุฏูุชูุฑ
Chains you'll see
- El Ezaby Pharmacy โ Green El Ezaby signage (Throughout Egypt)
- 19011 โ Branded as 19011 (the chain's hotline) (Cairo, Alexandria, and major cities)
- Seif Pharmacy โ Blue Seif signage (Cairo and Alexandria)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen โ Panadol
Panadol is the dominant brand throughout the Arab world. - ibuprofen โ Brufen or Advil
Both available; Brufen is more common locally. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) โ Imodium
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
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.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall ยท Codeine ยท Tramadol ยท Xanax ยท Opioids
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 is controlled. Many codeine products are restricted. Carry alternatives if possible.
Benzodiazepines require documentation. Carry a doctor's letter explaining medical necessity.
Strong narcotics require strict documentation and potentially a permit from Egyptian authorities.
If something breaks.
Availability: Dental care is widely available and very affordable. Cairo and resort areas have modern dental clinics.
Cost range: EGP 200-500 ($4-10) for consultation; EGP 500-2,000 ($10-40) for fillings; EGP 500-1,500 ($10-30) for extractions
Egypt is an emerging dental tourism destination with prices 70-80% lower than Europe. Quality varies โ stick to well-reviewed clinics in Cairo. Several JCI-accredited hospitals have dental departments.
What you actually need.
๐ก๏ธ Required for entry Required for visa on arrival / e-visa travelers. Strongly recommended for all travelers.
Average cost: $25-45/week
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.
Filing a claim
Private hospitals may require upfront payment or a credit card deposit. Keep all receipts (iiSaalaat) and medical reports. International hospitals in Cairo can provide English documentation. For diving-related injuries at Red Sea resorts, contact your insurer immediately as recompression treatment is expensive.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $10-30 |
| ER visit | $40-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $60-250 |
| Ambulance | $20-80 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Dubai
Secondary destination: Istanbul or Athens
Typical cost band: $30,000-90,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Dubai is the primary medical hub for the broader Middle East and North Africa.
What to get done before you fly.
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 โ check current entry requirements. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Consider hepatitis A and typhoid for all travelers.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution โ 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
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.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Befrienders Worldwide: check befrienders.org for local contacts
English-speaking therapists: English-speaking therapists available in Cairo through international clinics and private practices.
Mental health services are limited but growing. Private practitioners in Cairo charge EGP 500-1,500 ($10-30) per session. Stigma around mental health remains strong.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com โ crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Egypt's accessibility is limited. Modern hotels and international chains are accessible. Streets, temples, and pyramids have significant barriers for wheelchair users.
Hospital accessibility: Private hospitals are generally accessible. Public hospitals have limited wheelchair access.
Accessible transport: Cairo Metro has limited accessibility. Taxis are cheap but not wheelchair adapted. Uber is available in Cairo and offers the most flexible option.
The Pyramids and Valley of the Kings are extremely challenging for wheelchair users. Many tour operators offer adapted tours. Hotels in tourist areas often have accessible rooms. Hire a guide who can arrange assistance.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry.
Mask policy: No mask mandates. Some indoor venues may request masks.
Testing availability: Antigen and PCR tests available at pharmacies, clinics, and airports.
Egypt removed all COVID entry restrictions. Heat-related illness and gastrointestinal issues are more common health concerns for tourists.
Egypt travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State โ travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Egypt
- Egypt Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health