Buy travel insurance to Egypt

 

Egypt is a one-of-a-kind holiday destination, offering ancient history, beautiful beaches, striking desert landscapes, and of course, the breathtaking Pyramids of Giza.

 

To make sure you enjoy your trip to Egypt with full peace of mind, we can help you find the right Egypt travel insurance at the right price.

 

Does Egypt come under Europe for travel insurance?

 

Although Egypt spans the continents of Africa and Asia and has a Mediterranean coast, many insurers will include Egypt as part of their Europe insurance cover. Some insurers, however, classify Egypt under their worldwide cover as it’s not actually in Europe.

 

When you’re looking for travel insurance, make sure that you specify that you need travel insurance for Egypt so that your insurer can provide you with the correct quotes.

 

With Asda Money travel insurance, Egypt is included under our European cover.

 

Do I need travel insurance for Egypt?

 

Travel insurance isn’t legally required for a trip to Egypt, but it can be worth considering.

 

Mishaps and unexpected events can happen when you’re away, and travel insurance can help make sure you’re financially protected against cancellations and delays, lost and stolen property, and the costs of medical care.

 

As a UK citizen, you won’t be able to access healthcare in Egypt for free, and GHIC or EHIC cards won’t cover you in Egypt. Any medical attention you need could be expensive, but travel insurance to Egypt from the UK can help make sure the costs are covered. Travel insurance can also cover you for other unplanned incidents, such as lost or stolen luggage and flight cancellations.

 

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

 

If you’re a British passport holder, you’ll need to apply for a visa to enter Egypt. You can apply for a visa online before you travel, which, once approved, will be valid for three months.

 

Visas are also available to buy from authorised kiosks at Egyptian airports before you go through immigration and passport control. These visas are only valid for 30 days.

 

If you’re planning on travelling to resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you will receive a free permission stamp when you arrive. However, this is only valid for 15 days. If your holiday is longer than 15 days, you will need a visa to stay in the country^[1].

 

Visa and entry requirements for Egypt can change at short notice, so it’s always best to check the latest advice on the FCDO website before travelling.

 

How much is travel insurance for Egypt?

 

There are various factors that can impact the cost of travel insurance to Egypt, such as:

 

• Your age – the cost of travel insurance tends to go up as you get older
• Any pre-existing medical conditions you may have
• The length of your stay in Egypt
• The activities you plan on doing on holiday
• The specific level of cover you may need, as well as any add-ons

 

Asda Money offers a range of options for cheap travel insurance to Egypt. If this will be your only holiday this year, our single-trip travel insurance may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are planning multiple trips, taking out annual multi-trip cover may be cheaper.

If you are travelling as a family, Asda’s family cover can insure up to 3 kids for free.*

No matter which type of insurance policy you take out, Asda Money offers three levels of cover: Value, Premium and Superior. Each level provides different amounts you can claim for unforeseen events, such as lost luggage, cancellations, medical bills, legal expenses, personal money, and delayed departures.

For example, Asda’s Value cover will pay up to £20 million for medical expenses, £1,000 for lost luggage and up to £1,000 per person if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. **

With Asda’s Premium cover, you will be covered up to £25 million for medical expenses, £1,300 for lost or stolen personal belongings, and up to £2,000 per person if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. **

Our Superior cover offers unlimited protection for medical costs, £2,000 for lost luggage and up to £5,000 for cancelling or cutting short your holiday. **

You may also need to take out additional cover for any extreme sports or adventure activities that are not included in your standard policy.

If you are going to Egypt on business or taking expensive personal belongings with you, it may be beneficial for you to consider taking out additional gadget cover or business travel insurance to make sure you have adequate protection in place for expensive items.

To check which policy could work best for you, compare travel insurance options to Egypt to make sure you get the level of cover that’s right for you.

* Up to three kids go free per insured adult, subject to medical screening when you buy direct with us.

** Exclusions and restrictions apply so check your policy documents for full details.

 

What will Egypt travel insurance cover?

 

When it comes to travel insurance for Egypt, the majority of insurance policies will cover:

 

• Having to cancel your trip for any valid reason that is specified in your insurance policy, such as having to head home earlier for an emergency
• Medical expenses or the costs of any other emergency treatment
• Repatriation – the cost of bringing you back to the UK
• Lost, stolen, damaged or delayed personal belongings and luggage
• Personal accident cover
• Delayed or cancelled flights
• Cancelled accommodation
• The cost of your trip being prolonged, such as needing to stay extra nights in your hotel
• Lost passport – this can come in quite handy as ordering a replacement for a lost or stolen passport when abroad can be quite complicated and costly
• Personal liability cover – this protects you in case you cause injury or damage to another person or their possessions
• Legal expenses

 

The details of each insurance policy will differ between insurers, so be sure to check the fine print and read your policy documents carefully to see what exactly you will be covered for.

 

What isn’t covered?

 

As with most other travel insurance policies, your Egypt travel insurance will come with some exclusions, such as:

 

• Some pre-existing medical conditions are unlikely to be covered by your standard travel insurance policy, so you may have to take out additional cover for this
• Any pre-existing medical conditions that you did not disclose to your insurer when you took out your policy
• If you don’t get any required vaccinations
• Cover for unexpected incidents that may occur whilst you are abroad that impact your holiday such as civil unrest, war, earthquakes and/or any other natural disasters unless you’ve taken out additional cover for this
• Cover for injuries or accidents that take place whilst you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Cover for travel to any specific areas within Egypt that the FCDO has advised against – you can find the full list here
• Cover for accidents or injuries that take place when taking part in any dangerous activities or extreme sports that are not covered in your policy

 

When organising travel insurance to Egypt, read your policy documents so you understand what is and isn’t covered before you travel.

 

Egypt healthcare

 

Tourism is vital to Egypt and healthcare for tourists is taken very seriously. Many resorts and hotels will have some sort of doctor or pharmacy nearby – if not on-site – in case you need medical attention or purchase any medications over the counter.

 

Most hospitals will provide you with emergency medical care if you have valid travel insurance. However, the FCDO advises you to travel to Cairo or your nearest town if you need urgent medical treatment as places outside of major population centres will usually only provide very basic healthcare. Egypt has both public and private healthcare systems^[2].

 

If you need to be taken to a hospital, contact your travel insurance provider right away to ask how they can assist you. Your insurance provider may be able to help you get the best care possible. If you have any other questions about medical care in Egypt, such as which hospital you should be taken to, you can also contact the British Embassy in Cairo.

 

Travelling with prescription medication

 

If you’ll be bringing prescription medication with you to Egypt, here are some things to remember:

 

• Make sure you have enough to last throughout your trip
• Keep all medication in its original packaging
• Bring your prescription(s) with you
• Bring a note from your doctor explaining why you’re taking the medication

 

Dengue fever in Egypt

 

Dengue fever is a disease spread by mosquitos and is present in parts of Egypt. Take the following advice to protect against insect bites when you’re travelling.

 

Tips for travelling to Egypt

 

Follow these travel tips to make the most of your holiday in Egypt:

 

Take medication with you

 

Whilst it may be available over the counter, some medicines including prescriptions, are considered controlled substances in Egypt^[3], so you may not be able to purchase them. If you are bringing medication with you, make sure you have the permission and appropriate documentation from your doctor to do so.

 

Check you’re up to date with your vaccinations

 

The Travel Health Pro website currently recommends that all travellers from the UK are up to date with their routine vaccinations and boosters, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Rabies, tetanus, typhoid, and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations may also be required for at-risk travellers, so check with your doctor at least eight weeks before you travel to make sure you have all the vaccinations you need.

 

Organise your currency in advance

 

You will need to exchange your British currency for Egyptian Pounds before your holiday. It’s a good idea to organise this early and buy currency before travelling, as airports and tourist spots tend to have more expensive exchange rates.

 

Be aware of local laws and customs

 

It is illegal to drink alcohol anywhere in Egypt that isn’t licensed. Drinking on the street, for example, could potentially get you arrested. Local cultural customs also include dressing modestly in many public places, so keep this in mind when you’re out and about. The possession of illegal drugs is a serious offence in Egypt, and it can lead to lengthy prison sentences (25 years to life), or even the death penalty^[4].

 

Ramadan

 

Held on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramdan is a religious festival that involves fasting from sunrise to sunset. If you’re in Egypt during Ramadan, do your best to respect the celebration, including not eating, drinking, or smoking when in public^[5].

 

Women travellers

 

Be vigilant when travelling as a lone woman, or even in small groups, especially at night, as British women have been subject to sexual harassment in Egypt^[6].

 

LGBTQ+ travellers

 

Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt, but it’s also not widely accepted^[7]. Public shows of affection may attract unwelcome attention outside of tourist resorts. For example, there has been an incident where an Egyptian woman was arrested for waving a rainbow flag.

 

Taking photos

 

Be aware of where you’re pointing your camera or phone. You need written permission to take photos of Egyptian citizens, whilst taking photos of children is completely forbidden. It’s also prohibited to take photos of government buildings, churches and religious buildings, and civil infrastructure. Doing so can lead to you being arrested^[8].

 

Tipping is customary

 

It is customary in Egypt to tip hotel staff, wait staff, and tour guides, so be prepared, and have some spare cash on hand.

 

Keep photo ID on you

 

The FCDO recommends that you keep some form of photo ID with you at all times, like a photo driving licence. It’s best not to carry your passport as you don’t want to risk losing it. Instead, carry a photocopy or a clear photo on your phone and keep the original in the safe in your hotel.

 

Egyptian currency

 

Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian pound (£E).

 

You can find ATMs in tourist areas and many hotels, but to get the best deal, we recommend you buy Egyptian pounds online before you leave.

 

With Asda Money, ordering your travel money couldn’t be easier. You can order online to have it delivered to your door or click and collect from a participating store. Alternatively, if you prefer to go cashless, the Asda Travel Money Card allows you to make contactless payments anywhere Mastercard Prepaid is accepted – and there are no fees for spending abroad.

 

Some hotels and tour operators also accept US dollars and euros, and your VISA and Mastercard credit and debit cards will be widely accepted. Check with your bank or credit card provider before you leave to see if there are charges, and to see if you need to let them know you’ll be using your card abroad.

 

Travel risks in Egypt

 

Tourist resorts in Egypt are committed to safety, yet no country is without travel risks. As well as taking the usual precautions when abroad, when travelling to Egypt it’s worth being aware of:

 

Regional tensions

 

Some parts of Egypt are experiencing tensions and conflicts that mean they won’t be safe for tourists. See the FCDO travel advice for the latest information on where to avoid within Egypt. Be aware that travelling to areas that the FCDO advises against will likely invalidate your travel insurance.

 

Crime

 

Incidents of crime are rare in tourist resorts, but are more likely to happen in larger cities and busy areas^[9]. Be vigilant against crime, pickpocketing and scams. Take sensible precautions like wearing bags on your front and not your back, not carrying items in your pockets, not wearing expensive jewellery and watches, and not flashing valuables around.

 

Aggressive sales tactics

 

Merchants can approach tourists to sell wares in an in-your-face manner, especially at popular tourist sites. The best way to deal with this is to stay calm and firmly say no. Merchants will quickly move on to someone else if they realise there’s no chance of a sale.

 

Taxis

 

Hailing taxis directly from the street can put you at unnecessary risk. If you want to travel by taxi, ask your hotel to book it for you, as they’ll have trusted drivers they use^[10].

 

Other things to consider when booking Egypt travel insurance

 

When looking for the right travel insurance policy for your trip, consider the activities you want to do in Egypt as you may need extra insurance cover for them. These can include:

 

• Water sports - Egypt is a popular destination for watersports, like snorkelling, scuba diving, and paddle boarding. Some of these may be covered by standard travel insurance, but others won't.

 

• Adventure sports - Many adventure and extreme sports won’t be covered by standard insurance, like bungee jumping and desert quad biking. Your policy may not cover you for riding on camelback, another popular tourist activity.

 

• Taking a cruise - Sailing along the Nile is a popular excursion in Egypt, but it may not always be covered by your travel insurance.

 

You may be able to add additional coverage to a travel insurance policy for these activities, or you may need to buy a second policy.

 

Always check the details of your travel insurance policies carefully before you purchase, so you’re clear on what is and isn't covered. 

 

Getting around Egypt

 

If you’re planning on travelling around in Egypt, bear the following travel advice in mind:

 

Driving

 

Driving can be a bracing experience in Egypt, with traffic laws routinely ignored and roads often in poor condition. If you want to rent a car in Egypt, only do so from a trusted rental company and make sure you buy both damage waiver insurance and third-party insurance. You must be 18 years old or over to drive in Egypt^[11], and you’ll need your full UK driving licence with you.

 

Taxis

 

Always book taxis from a trusted source, such as from your hotel.

 

Buses

 

Bus travel is reliable and cheap in Egypt. But buses rarely have air conditioning, and journeys can become uncomfortable when busy or when travelling over long distances.

 

Trains

 

Train travel is reasonably priced in Egypt and is an easy way to make long-distance journeys. For the sake of comfort, it’s advisable to book seats in first or second class.

 

River boats

 

Boats on the Nile can be a great way to get around, but make sure you book from a reputable operator (check online) to ensure you set foot onto a safe and river-ready boat.

 

Before booking any travel within Egypt, be sure to check the Transport risks section of the FCDO foreign travel advice for Egypt.

 

 

Looking for cheap travel insurance to Egypt? Asda Money can help. We offer comprehensive travel insurance policies with three different levels of cover, so you can find travel insurance that meets your needs while delivering excellent value for money.

 

Get a great value Travel Insurance quote today!

*Best Travel Insurance Provider in the 2022/2023/2024 Moneynet.co.uk awards

 

 

[1] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/entry-requirements

[2] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/health

[3] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/health

[4] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/safety-and-security

[5] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/safety-and-security

[6] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/safety-and-security

[7] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/safety-and-security

[8] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/safety-and-security

[9] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/safety-and-security

[10] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/safety-and-security

[11] https://www.autoeurope.co.uk/driving-information-egypt/