Egypt Travel Insurance is highly recommended while traveling to Egypt for any purpose.
Egypt is a country located in the northern tip of Africa. Many people also consider Egypt part of the Middle East.
While most of Egypt is a desert, Egypt is fortunate to have the world's longest river, the Nile, flowing through to the Mediterranean Sea. More than 95 percent of the population of Egypt lives near the Nile River, which makes up only around 3 percent of the land. That makes it very densely populated, even more so than Bangladesh. Most of the population lives in major cities in the Delta area, such as Cairo, Alexandria and Giza, or the Suez Canal area.
Egypt Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
Is travel insurance mandatory for Egypt?
While travel health insurance isn’t compulsory to visit Egypt, the country does not have any healthcare reciprocity agreements with the United States, Canada, Australia, the U.K. or Europe. If you were to get sick or injured while visiting Egypt, you would have to pay out of pocket.
Therefore, it is very wise to carry proper travel medical insurance that can pay for such expenses.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Egypt?
Outside of a few major cities, the healthcare in Egypt may be very basic and inadequate. You should always purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage to transport you to the nearest hospital with adequate care.
If you do not have travel medical insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage, the cost of transport and treatment would be yours alone to bear. This may not be something you can afford on your own, so it is essential to have proper travel insurance.
Egypt Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
Trip cancellation insurance is a financial safeguard if you need to cancel your trip or are unable to travel. In the modern world of pandemics and travel advisories, it only makes sense to protect your travel investment with Egypt travel insurance, also known as trip cancellation insurance.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Egypt?
There are many things that can suddenly prevent a trip. An illness, natural disaster, pandemic outbreak, or death in the family are just a few unfortunate events that you cannot predict. Any one of them could prevent you from taking your Egypt trip as you’d planned.
However, a cancelled trip can be more than just disappointing; it can be expensive. Think of all the money you have to spend ahead of time on airline tickets, hotel reservations, tickets to attractions, etc. These charges are typically nonrefundable. What would happen to all that money if you couldn’t travel to Egypt?
Thankfully, trip cancellation insurance can provide you with a way to receive reimbursement for your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if your trip has to be cancelled for a reason covered by the policy.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Egypt?
The exact scope and amount of coverage will vary depending on the plan you choose. Generally, you should look for Egypt travel insurance that can provide coverage for the following:
Whatever travel insurance plan you choose, be sure to read the policy document before you make a purchase. This way, you’ll have a complete understanding of what can be covered, and what is not.
Things to Do for Travelers in Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza
No trip to Egypt would be complete without visiting the country’s most famous landmark. The Giza Pyramid Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only of the Seven Wonders of the World still in existence.
Housing both the Great Pyramid and the Pyramid of Khafre – the two largest pyramids built in Ancient Egypt – as well as the famous Great Sphinx of Giza and numerous other complexes, it’s no surprise that the Pyramids of Giza are one of the most revered tourist attractions in the world.
The River Nile
Along with the pyramids, perhaps nothing captures the spirit of Egypt better than the Nile. At over 4,000 miles long, this river runs the length of Egypt, and throughout eastern Africa.
Many visitors to Luxor and Aswan book river cruises on the Nile as a way to see Egypt from a whole new perspective. Take in sun-drenched riverbank views with distant sand dunes behind them on a cruise for a truly unique experience.
Abu Simbel
The great temple of Rameses II, Abu Simbel is both an ancient and modern engineering marvel, for very different reasons. Adorned with giant sentinels outside and lavish interior decorations, the gigantic temple offers a stunning view into the history of ancient Egypt.
However, the wonder of Abu Simbel isn’t limited to antiquity. In the 1960s, UNESCO moved the entire temple from its original setting to its current location after the construction of Aswan Dam.
Cairo
Egypt’s capital city is the largest in the Arab world. Some 21 million people call Cairo home, and it’s a labyrinth of ancient architecture, modern wonders, and interesting experiences for all.
Explore narrow lanes and alleys full of unique shops and craftsman. Climb atop the ancient medieval gate of Bab Zuweila, or visit one of the city’s stunning mosques. Whatever you’re after, the food, scenery and atmosphere of Cairo will captivate you.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Egypt
Petty Crime
With its many tourist sites, visitors to Egypt can face risks from pickpockets and petty criminals, particularly in crowded public places. Your best defense is to keep your valuables secure at all times, and consider wearing a money belt to keep your cash out reach.
Tourist Site Scams
If you’re visiting a tourist attraction such as the Pyramids of Giza, do not accept any “free” gifts from local vendors. They will typically insist on payment after you accept the gift, and may harass you if you refuse to pay. Other locals may insist on a tip after helping you with a simple task, such as giving directions.
To avoid these hassles, simply be mindful of your engagements with strangers in public.
Conservative Culture
Egypt is nearly 95% Muslim. Therefore, what is considered socially acceptable may be different than what you are used to in your home country. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially at religious sites, and refrain from engaging in public displays of affection.
Illegal Photography
In Egypt, you are not permitted to take photos of certain bridges, canals, public buildings, or military installations. Before you pull out your phone or camera and start snapping away, make sure it’s legal. If not, you could land in legal trouble.
Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion
From May through September, the average temperature in Egypt eclipses 90°F (32°C). If you are not accustomed to warm temperatures, you can be at risk of heat-related medical complications. Be sure to drink plenty of water, wear light, loose-fitting clothing, and take breaks in the shade frequently. You may also want to consider taking your trip between November and February, as temperatures can be much less extreme.
Before You Travel to Egypt — Do This
- Make sure you visit an official government website to understand any Egypt travel restrictions that may be in place.
- Pack appropriate clothing. Try to wear light, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Not only will this help you stay comfortable in the sun and heat, it will also be appropriate for the local culture.
- Consider a money belt. Due to the instances of petty crime at tourist destinations, carrying your cash, cards and travel documents in a secure money belt is an excellent idea. Money belts are undetectable, and can make pickpocketing much less likely.
- Insure your trip. Purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance so you can enjoy your Egyptian vacation with extra peace of mind.
Due to the possibility of political unrest in Egypt, if you are concerned that you might not be able to take the trip, consider purchasing "cancel for any reason" travel insurance. The regular trip cancellation insurance does not cover political unrest and will not refund your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.