The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Egypt in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Egypt
- Is it currently safe to travel to Egypt?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Egypt?
- Reasons to get travel insurance for Egypt
- What travel insurance for Egypt should cover
- What is the cost of travel insurance for Egypt?
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Egypt
- Will my current insurance cover me in Egypt?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Egypt: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Egypt covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost or stolen belongings.
2. Warning: The Australian government advises against travel to some regions of Egypt due to security risks.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for entry, but is vital for covering potential high medical costs.
4. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care in Egypt can be expensive, potentially costing over AUD $1,000 per day.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Egypt typically costs between AUD $50 and AUD $100.
6. Good to know: Dual Australian-Egyptian nationals are treated as Egyptian citizens, limiting Australian consular help.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Egypt.
The best travel insurance plans for Egypt
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1M | Offers very high medical cover for Egypt. - flexible policy - emergency evacuation - medical assistance 24/7 |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1M | Reliable for trips to Egypt with strong support. - 24/7 medical helpline - no excess fees - emergency cover |
| Tourist Card | AUD 500K | Good for tourism in Egypt, offering solid guarantees. - strong medical cover - emergency support - competitive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 700K | Balanced contract for a safe trip in Egypt. - hospital limit adapts to local practices - repatriation included - global acceptance |
| Globe Partner | AUD 300K | Essential coverage for Egypt at a reasonable limit. - medical care abroad - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 500K | Suitable for short or low-risk stays in Egypt. - essential medical cover - rapid claims - clear policy terms |
- flexible policy
- emergency evacuation
- medical assistance 24/7
- 24/7 medical helpline
- no excess fees
- emergency cover
- strong medical cover
- emergency support
- competitive pricing
- hospital limit adapts to local practices
- repatriation included
- global acceptance
- medical care abroad
- repatriation
- civil liability
- essential medical cover
- rapid claims
- clear policy terms
Is it currently safe to travel to Egypt?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Egypt, mainly due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and security risks in several regions.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: terrorist attacks and violent crime are possible, particularly near the Libyan border, in North Sinai and along the St Catherine-Nuweiba Road. Airstrikes and sudden border closures can disrupt travel, especially via the Rafah crossing.
- Health risks: infectious diseases such as hepatitis, dengue and rabies are common. Outside Cairo, medical facilities are basic and costly, and only boiled or bottled water should be consumed.
- Legal constraints: photographing military or police sites is strictly prohibited and can lead to arrest. Certain prescription medicines are restricted and require official approval before entry.
- Cultural norms: modest dress is recommended at all times, particularly near mosques or rural areas. During Ramadan, public eating and drinking during daylight hours should be avoided.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Egypt.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Egypt?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australians travelling to Egypt.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended by both the Australian government and Egyptian authorities. The cost of medical care in Egypt, especially in private hospitals, can be significant. A good policy should provide coverage for emergency treatment, hospital admission, and medical evacuation.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Egypt. This is due to the expensive healthcare system, higher risk environment, and the need for emergency assistance in case of illness or accident.
Reasons to get travel insurance for Egypt
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Egypt.
Private hospitals in Egypt such as Cleopatra Hospital and As-Salam International Hospital in Cairo offer modern care but charge high prices, especially for foreigners. Outside major cities, public hospitals may lack adequate equipment, specialists, or medications. Upfront payment is often mandatory, and quality private care is limited.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Egypt.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Cleopatra Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalised 48 hours after contracting an infection | 37,000 EGP (1,800 AUD) | Up to 500,000 AUD per trip |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 18,000 EGP (900 AUD) | Up to 500,000 AUD per trip |
| I need to be repatriated | 700,000 EGP (34,000 AUD) | Up to 500,000 AUD per trip |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 95,000 EGP (4,600 AUD) | Up to 500,000 AUD per trip |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Egypt should cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Egypt.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency treatment, surgery, consultations and prescription medications in hospitals. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of AUD 500,000 for Egypt. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation and repatriation | Pays for ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia if necessary. Opt for at least AUD 300,000 in repatriation benefits due to distance and costs from Egypt to Australia. |
| 🏨 Hospitalisation | Covers overnight stays, tests, and procedures if you are admitted to private clinics or hospitals. A limit of AUD 200,000 is advisable for quality care in Egypt. |
| 💊 Outpatient care and medications | Pays for doctor’s visits for minor illnesses, urgent treatments and prescribed medications. Aim for at least AUD 30,000 total outpatient cover. |
| 🛄 Lost, damaged, or stolen baggage | Compensates you for lost, delayed, or stolen luggage and valuables. Select at least AUD 5,000 in baggage protection for trips to Egypt. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Covers prepaid hotels, flights and tours if you cancel or interrupt due to illness, bereavement or other emergencies. We recommend at least AUD 10,000 for this coverage to protect travel investments. |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Protects you in case you accidentally injure someone or damage property while travelling. Look for cover of minimum AUD 1,000,000 in personal liability coverage. |
| ⏱️ Travel delay and missed connection | Offers compensation for delays or missed connections due to reasons beyond your control. A limit of AUD 2,000 is recommended for trip delay or missed connection benefits in Egypt. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of AUD 500,000 for Egypt.
Opt for at least AUD 300,000 in repatriation benefits due to distance and costs from Egypt to Australia.
A limit of AUD 200,000 is advisable for quality care in Egypt.
Aim for at least AUD 30,000 total outpatient cover.
Select at least AUD 5,000 in baggage protection for trips to Egypt.
We recommend at least AUD 10,000 for this coverage to protect travel investments.
Look for cover of minimum AUD 1,000,000 in personal liability coverage.
A limit of AUD 2,000 is recommended for trip delay or missed connection benefits in Egypt.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards is often limited in scope, with many exclusions and low cover limits. To travel with confidence, choose a specialist insurer with full protection. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant cover and certificate.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Egypt?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 50 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 90 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 135 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 280 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance for Egypt is shaped by key factors like your age, the length of your stay, your chosen level of cover, and any pre-existing medical conditions. The government's 'high degree of caution' advisory may also impact the price. Considering these will help you select the most suitable and cost-effective policy.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Egypt
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Egypt while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Travel duration | The length of your stay in Egypt directly impacts premium costs and coverage. | Insure only for your travel dates and avoid overlapping days to cut unnecessary extra costs on your policy. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age impacts premiums, especially for mature travellers heading to Egypt. | Check pricing for seniors as Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which may be a cost saver. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Comprehensive coverage is important in Egypt due to varied health risks. | Select essential benefits such as medical, baggage, and assistance, rather than choosing broader coverage options. |
| 🎫 Policy origin | Prices vary across brokers, banks, and online sellers for Egypt policies. | Shop around and buy online on AU platforms where exclusive discounts or bundles may offer savings compared to agents. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of insureds | Family or group travel typically unlocks more affordable per-person rates. | Opt for group or family policies instead of buying insurance separately for each traveller. |
| 🏅 Activities planned | Activities such as adventure sports may raise premiums and are common in Egypt. | Avoid unnecessary activity add-ons unless you specifically need them for the activities you plan to pursue. |
| ⏳ Time of purchase | Booking your policy early can produce cost savings with more options in Egypt. | Purchase coverage soon after booking to access cheaper rates and more flexible policy choices. |
Will my current insurance cover me in Egypt?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your existing insurances, such as your public or private health cover or your credit card protection, will cover you during your trip to Egypt. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Egypt? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No cover for medical care, hospitalisation or evacuation needed abroad. Not valid for non-residents outside Australia. | Travel insurance covers emergency costs up to AUD 1 million including evacuation, local hospital fees, and assistance. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | Some reimbursement for health expenses on return only, usually under AUD 10,000. No evacuation or baggage cover. | Travel insurance offers up to AUD 1 million abroad for medical, plus baggage, trip interruption, and 24/7 assistance. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Bank Low Rate, ANZ First) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical under AUD 20,000, no baggage or trip cancellation. Often many exclusions. | Travel insurance provides higher medical limits, cancellation up to AUD 10,000, lost luggage, and extra travel support. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude Black) | Limited coverage | Medical cover up to AUD 120,000, some delay coverage, excess applies, strict conditions. | Travel insurance covers medical bills up to AUD 1 million, trip delay, personal liability, and broader destination risk. |
Example
After a severe bout of food poisoning in Cairo, Ben’s private hospital bill hit AU$9,500. His CommBank debit card offered no medical cover, and his Australian health insurance wasn't valid overseas. Without dedicated travel insurance, he had to pay the entire amount upfront—a massive financial blow for his trip.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance often won't cover trip interruption for a relative's illness. Always read your policy's fine print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to take out dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?
Australians do need a visa to visit Egypt. You can obtain one online in advance with an e-visa or get a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports. The standard visa on arrival costs around $25 USD. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Egypt?
First, compare insurance options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the coverage amounts and exclusions relevant to Egypt, considering key risks such as high medical costs and the need for emergency assistance. Buy your chosen policy online. Once purchased, your insurance certificate will be sent to you for visa and travel purposes.
Are there specific health risks in Egypt that travel insurance should cover?
Yes, travellers should be aware of risks such as infectious diseases like hepatitis, malaria, and rabies, as well as the possibility of food and waterborne illnesses. Good travel insurance will cover hospitalisation, medical evacuation and emergency treatment for incidents relating to these health risks. Ensure your policy includes large coverage limits, ideally AUD 500,000 or more. Some policies may also help with emergency evacuation.
What should I do if I need emergency medical assistance in Egypt?
If you require emergency medical care, contact your insurance provider's emergency assistance line as soon as possible. Major hospitals in Cairo provide adequate care, but outside the capital, facilities can be basic and costly for foreigners. Always carry your insurance certificate for proof of coverage. Local emergency numbers include 123 for medical help.
How much does travel insurance for Egypt generally cost for Australians?
Prices for a standard travel insurance policy for Egypt typically range from AUD 90 to AUD 250 per person for a two-week stay, depending on your age, travel dates and level of cover. Premiums may increase for senior travellers or extended trips. Additional coverage for adventure activities or high-value items may increase your final cost.
Can women and families seek special coverage in Egypt due to specific local risks?
Some insurance providers offer optional benefits such as coverage for unexpected cancellations due to local unrest or extra assistance for women, who may experience unwanted attention. Check if your insurer includes 24/7 assistance and support in English. Review the policy’s section on personal safety and family protection to choose the appropriate level for your needs.
Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?
Australians do need a visa to visit Egypt. You can obtain one online in advance with an e-visa or get a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports. The standard visa on arrival costs around $25 USD. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Egypt?
First, compare insurance options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the coverage amounts and exclusions relevant to Egypt, considering key risks such as high medical costs and the need for emergency assistance. Buy your chosen policy online. Once purchased, your insurance certificate will be sent to you for visa and travel purposes.
Are there specific health risks in Egypt that travel insurance should cover?
Yes, travellers should be aware of risks such as infectious diseases like hepatitis, malaria, and rabies, as well as the possibility of food and waterborne illnesses. Good travel insurance will cover hospitalisation, medical evacuation and emergency treatment for incidents relating to these health risks. Ensure your policy includes large coverage limits, ideally AUD 500,000 or more. Some policies may also help with emergency evacuation.
What should I do if I need emergency medical assistance in Egypt?
If you require emergency medical care, contact your insurance provider's emergency assistance line as soon as possible. Major hospitals in Cairo provide adequate care, but outside the capital, facilities can be basic and costly for foreigners. Always carry your insurance certificate for proof of coverage. Local emergency numbers include 123 for medical help.
How much does travel insurance for Egypt generally cost for Australians?
Prices for a standard travel insurance policy for Egypt typically range from AUD 90 to AUD 250 per person for a two-week stay, depending on your age, travel dates and level of cover. Premiums may increase for senior travellers or extended trips. Additional coverage for adventure activities or high-value items may increase your final cost.
Can women and families seek special coverage in Egypt due to specific local risks?
Some insurance providers offer optional benefits such as coverage for unexpected cancellations due to local unrest or extra assistance for women, who may experience unwanted attention. Check if your insurer includes 24/7 assistance and support in English. Review the policy’s section on personal safety and family protection to choose the appropriate level for your needs.
