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?
- Why take out 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
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Egypt?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Egypt: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Egypt covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and repatriation assistance.
2. Warning: The Canadian government advises against all travel to certain regions within Egypt, including Northern Sinai.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended as medical facilities are below Canadian standards.
4. Healthcare cost: Private medical care is costly; a hospital stay can exceed several hundred dollars per night.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Egypt typically costs between $40 and $80 CAD.
6. Good to know: Canadians can now obtain a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports for a fee.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Egypt.
The best travel insurance plans for Egypt
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | An excellent choice for travelling to Egypt. - high medical ceiling - includes repatriation - strong support network |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | Reliable for Canadian travellers in Egypt. - 24/7 medical support - cancellation included - clear terms, no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 0.75M CA$ | Good balance for tourism and short stays in Egypt. - reasonable medical coverage - emergency helpline - efficient reimbursement |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.0M CA$ | A comprehensive plan for demanding trips. - broad medical cover - hospital and evacuation included - territorial scope suits Egypt |
| Globe Partner | 0.45M CA$ | Suitable for long stays. - essential medical guarantees - repatriation cover - civil liability included |
| Globe Traveller | 0.75M CA$ | A practical solution for lower-risk or short stays. - core medical coverage - fast claims process - simple exclusions |
- high medical ceiling
- includes repatriation
- strong support network
- 24/7 medical support
- cancellation included
- clear terms, no deductible
- reasonable medical coverage
- emergency helpline
- efficient reimbursement
- broad medical cover
- hospital and evacuation included
- territorial scope suits Egypt
- essential medical guarantees
- repatriation cover
- civil liability included
- core medical coverage
- fast claims process
- simple exclusions
Is it currently safe to travel to Egypt?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt, particularly due to the regional security context and risks related to local conflicts.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: terrorism and regional hostilities are a concern, especially near the Libyan border, Northern Sinai, and military installations. For example, the Northern Sinai remains off-limits due to ongoing armed conflict and missile activity.
- Health risks: medical facilities in Egypt often do not meet Canadian standards, especially outside Cairo or major tourist areas. Outbreaks of traveller’s diarrhea, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases are frequent, and payment is generally required up front for any care.
- Legal constraints: photography of government buildings, military sites, or police is strictly prohibited. Travellers have been detained for taking photos near sensitive locations such as bridges and border areas.
- Cultural norms: modest dress is recommended when visiting religious sites, such as mosques in Cairo or Luxor. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in rural or traditional areas.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, 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 mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Egypt.
However, it is strongly recommended as healthcare standards can be significantly lower than in Canada. Medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs are often high and must be paid up front by travellers.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Egypt. This is explained by the unpredictable security environment and the cost of private medical care in Egypt.
Why take out travel insurance for Egypt?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Egypt.
In Egypt, public hospitals in cities like Cairo or Alexandria can be crowded and have limited resources, while foreigners are often directed to private clinics such as As-Salam International Hospital or the Cleopatra Hospital Group, where costs are significantly higher and must be paid upfront.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event 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 hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 18,000 EGP (770 CA$) | up to 100% of eligible expenses |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 15,000 EGP (640 CA$) | up to 100% of eligible expenses |
| I need to be repatriated | 300,000 EGP (12,800 CA$) | up to 90-100% of actual costs |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 40,000 EGP (1,700 CA$) | up to 100% of eligible expenses |
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
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor and hospital bills in private clinics. We recommend at least 200,000 CA$ in reimbursement limit. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Repatriation to Canada in case of serious illness or accident. Minimum recommended: 250,000 CA$. |
| 🏨 Hospitalization costs | Includes room, surgery, and specialist treatments. Choose policies covering over 150,000 CA$ per incident. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Covers essential medications and pharmacy charges. Look for cover up to 5,000 CA$. |
| 🛄 Baggage and personal effects | Protects against loss, theft, or damage during your trip. Suggested limit: 3,000 CA$ per claim. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds for cancellation due to illness or emergencies. Prefer limits above 5,000 CA$ per person. |
| 🏄♂️ Adventure and sports cover | Covers specific risky activities common among tourists. Recommended for those engaging in adventure tours. |
| 🛡️ Civil liability | Protects you in case you cause injury or damage. Minimum advisable: 1,000,000 CA$. |
We recommend at least 200,000 CA$ in reimbursement limit.
Minimum recommended: 250,000 CA$.
Choose policies covering over 150,000 CA$ per incident.
Look for cover up to 5,000 CA$.
Suggested limit: 3,000 CA$ per claim.
Prefer limits above 5,000 CA$ per person.
Recommended for those engaging in adventure tours.
Minimum advisable: 1,000,000 CA$.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often provides limited coverage, low reimbursement limits, and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with comprehensive coverage. Compare the top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Egypt?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 32 CA$ |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 49 CA$ |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 73 CA$ |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 169 CA$ |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Egypt is influenced by several key elements: your age, the length of your stay, your chosen coverage level, and any add-ons like trip cancellation. Given Egypt's specific health and security risks, comprehensive coverage is crucial. Considering these factors helps you select the right policy and avoid unexpected costs.
💡 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | Insurance cost increases with longer stays in Egypt, even by only a few days. | Choose coverage just for your travel dates, not extra days before or after for savings. |
| 👥 Traveller’s age | Older travellers can pay significantly more, especially for health coverage. | Ask several providers for quotes. The insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🌍 Geographical coverage | Global policies are pricier. Egypt-only coverage often costs less but is still effective. | Select only Egypt or North Africa as your coverage area to get a better deal. |
| 🧳 Luggage and valuables | Loss or theft insurance adds to the premium, sometimes unnecessarily. | Insure only essential or high-value items you bring to reduce non-medical costs. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Higher medical limits mean higher prices, but basic hospital care in Egypt is generally affordable. | Opt for a reasonable limit (ex: $100,000 CA) unless you have special health needs. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of insured persons | Group/family rates can be more economical than insuring individuals separately. | Ask about family or group discounts when insuring more than one person. |
| 🏋️♂️ Sports and activities | Extra coverage needed for hazardous or adventure activities like diving or trekking. | Exclude risky activities unless you plan to do them to lower the cost. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Egypt?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as public health insurance or your credit card insurance, can protect you during a trip to Egypt. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for travel outside Canada. 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 (provincial health plan) | Never | No coverage outside Canada, no medical fees or hospitalization abroad, no repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ for medical care and evacuation. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May reimburse some expenses after return, low limits, often no advance payment or repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+, with hospital and repatriation included. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Medical fees up to CA$10,000–25,000, rarely covers baggage or cancellation, never covers all medical risks. | Travel insurance provides up to CA$1,000,000+ plus baggage and cancellation protection. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, World Elite) | Limited coverage | Medical fees up to CA$75,000–150,000, trip delay, some baggage loss, important limitations apply. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+, all emergencies and 24/7 support included. |
Example
While diving in Sharm El Sheikh, Mark suffered severe decompression sickness. The necessary hyperbaric treatment and medical evacuation to Canada cost $95,000 CAD. His premium TD Aeroplan card’s insurance had a low limit for scuba incidents, covering only $10,000, leaving him with an unexpected $85,000 bill for his vacation.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan often excludes critical coverage like trip interruption for a family emergency. Carefully review your existing policies to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, purchasing dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip is safer and provides greater peace of mind.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?
Canadian citizens need a visa to visit Egypt for tourism or business. You can now obtain a visa upon arrival at main Egyptian airports for $25 USD (single entry) or apply for an e-visa online before your trip. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Egypt.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Egypt?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the best plans available in Canada for Egypt.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Make sure your chosen plan covers medical emergencies, evacuation, theft, and other events specific to Egypt. Review exclusions carefully.
3/ Buy online: Complete your purchase through the selected insurer’s secure platform.
4/ Receive your certificate: Your insurance certificate will be sent to you immediately, usually by email.
Are hospitals and clinics in Egypt up to Canadian standards?
Medical care in Egypt is variable and often below Canadian standards, especially outside major cities. Access to private clinics is recommended, but treatment may require advance payment. Comprehensive travel insurance helps you access better care and covers costs you might otherwise pay out of pocket.
What health precautions should I take before traveling to Egypt?
Before departure, ensure you are up to date with all routine vaccinations like tetanus and MMR. Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are also recommended for Egypt. In addition, protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases and always drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
Can I get travel insurance if I have pre-existing conditions?
Most Canadian insurers offer travel insurance that may include coverage for stable pre-existing medical conditions, but terms vary by provider. Always declare your medical history truthfully and check any stability periods required. If unsure, consult insurers’ customer service beforehand to ensure appropriate coverage for Egypt.
What should I do in case of emergency while in Egypt?
Should you face a medical or travel emergency in Egypt, first contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line, which is available 24/7. For serious incidents, you can also reach the Embassy of Canada in Cairo for consular support. Always keep your insurance policy number and emergency contact details handy.
Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?
Canadian citizens need a visa to visit Egypt for tourism or business. You can now obtain a visa upon arrival at main Egyptian airports for $25 USD (single entry) or apply for an e-visa online before your trip. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Egypt.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Egypt?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the best plans available in Canada for Egypt.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Make sure your chosen plan covers medical emergencies, evacuation, theft, and other events specific to Egypt. Review exclusions carefully.
3/ Buy online: Complete your purchase through the selected insurer’s secure platform.
4/ Receive your certificate: Your insurance certificate will be sent to you immediately, usually by email.
Are hospitals and clinics in Egypt up to Canadian standards?
Medical care in Egypt is variable and often below Canadian standards, especially outside major cities. Access to private clinics is recommended, but treatment may require advance payment. Comprehensive travel insurance helps you access better care and covers costs you might otherwise pay out of pocket.
What health precautions should I take before traveling to Egypt?
Before departure, ensure you are up to date with all routine vaccinations like tetanus and MMR. Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are also recommended for Egypt. In addition, protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases and always drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
Can I get travel insurance if I have pre-existing conditions?
Most Canadian insurers offer travel insurance that may include coverage for stable pre-existing medical conditions, but terms vary by provider. Always declare your medical history truthfully and check any stability periods required. If unsure, consult insurers’ customer service beforehand to ensure appropriate coverage for Egypt.
What should I do in case of emergency while in Egypt?
Should you face a medical or travel emergency in Egypt, first contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line, which is available 24/7. For serious incidents, you can also reach the Embassy of Canada in Cairo for consular support. Always keep your insurance policy number and emergency contact details handy.
