Understanding Egypt’s Healthcare System
In Egypt, both private and public facilities provide healthcare. However, the private sector delivers a higher standard of care. Egyptians seek private care when they can afford it, even when this results in high out-of-pocket costs. By 2027, all Egyptian citizens will have access to a new universal healthcare system, which will not include most expats.
However, as long as you have travel or international health insurance, you can now and in the future access excellent healthcare in Egypt. The country boasts highly rated hospitals that offer medical services meeting global standards.
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An Overview of Egypt’s Healthcare System
Egypt’s healthcare system has undergone significant improvements since the 1950s. A plan to cover a larger portion of the population was introduced in 1964. In 1993, health insurance expanded to students. The commitment to enhancing Egyptian healthcare continued through the Arab Spring Revolution of 2011.
After a military-backed regime took control in Egypt in 2013, the government still promised to address shortcomings in the healthcare sector.
Yet Egyptian healthcare has suffered shortfalls in public funding, resulting in understaffed and under-equipped public hospitals. Much of the population pays to use private facilities instead.
The Universal Health Insurance Law of 2018 created a six-step plan for universal coverage in Egypt. This new health system is expected to be fully operational by 2027 and will provide people with subsidized care at both private and public facilities.
Egypt’s Healthcare System Pros & Cons
In Egypt, there are both public and private options for healthcare. Most Egyptians opt for the private option, which includes for-profit and nonprofit entities.
A lack of funding has led to lower standards of care in public hospitals. Supplies and equipment are often unavailable in these facilities, which resulted in provider deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public hospitals also struggle to find healthcare providers due to the low salaries offered.
Egyptians who can afford it prefer to seek care at private facilities. Yet, this has resulted in a significant amount of out-of-pocket spending. In 2017, out-of-pocket spending for healthcare accounted for 56% of health expenses in Egypt.
Pros of Egypt’s Healthcare System
Egypt boasts excellent medical facilities and a well-trained medical staff. Expats who don’t speak Arabic will be glad to know that many of these doctors speak English.
Some of Egypt’s stellar hospitals have been accredited by the Joint Commission International, which means they meet the highest international standards.
Egypt can also boast of a successful campaign to eliminate Hepatitis C. Following this triumph, Egypt developed a medical tourism program to treat foreigners with Hepatitis C infections.
Egypt is aware of weaknesses in its healthcare system. That’s why the country is currently adopting a new universal health insurance system, which will finance taxes, premiums, and co-payments. Patients can seek care at their chosen health facility, private, public, or military.
Cons of Egypt’s Healthcare System
Public health in Egypt suffers because not every resident can access high-quality medical care in public hospitals.
Private facilities, university hospitals, and mosques usually deliver better care than what is available in public hospitals. Many people pay out of pocket for care to avoid public facilities that lack the necessary equipment and supplies.
Doctors are often reluctant to practice in rural areas, resulting in a shortage of healthcare providers. Doctors also receive higher wages in the private sector or abroad.
Although the government has recently increased pay for doctors, more needs to be done to ensure a sufficient number of providers throughout the country.
Challenges of Egypt’s Healthcare System
Egypt lacks sufficient hospital space and beds for its population, a problem that is becoming increasingly pressing as the population continues to grow.
The country is even harder-pressed for sufficient doctors and nurses to serve the population. It had only 0.75 physicians per 1,000 people in 2019, a decrease from 0.81 in 2017.
Thanks to the Universal Health Insurance Law of 2018, Egypt established a new public insurance program.
However, the system will not be fully active throughout Egypt until at least 2027. And unfortunately, government investment in the public system remains low.
Egypt also has a pervasive problem with counterfeit medications. These prescription drugs are often distributed in authentic-looking packages but contain unknown and harmful ingredients.
The government has started implementing digital tracking methods and otherwise cracking down on fake drugs, but they remain a persistent problem.
Does Egypt Have Universal Healthcare?
Egypt’s new universal health insurance system is expected to be in place by 2027. There are six stages to setting up the new system.
The system was initially scheduled to be completed by 2032, but the government has accelerated the timeline due to early successes.
This universal health insurance system will cover everything from medical examinations to diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and scans, treatments, and surgeries.
Funding for the new universal health insurance system comes via citizen premiums, employer premiums, a general tax, a tax on tobacco products, and healthcare co-payments.
Individuals are estimated to pay between EGP 1,300 and EGP 4,000 (around USD $70 to $212) annually. The government will subsidize the poor. The new system is expected to eliminate high out-of-pocket expenses.
Even under the current system, all Egyptians can access care via public hospitals. However, as many public facilities are understaffed and underfunded, Egyptians often pay out of pocket for private care whenever possible.
Egypt has both public and private healthcare providers. It has teaching hospitals, university hospitals, and hospitals overseen by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior.
The curative care organization, a non-profit governmental organization, and the health insurance organization, an independent government organization, both manage healthcare provision.
The Cost of Healthcare in Egypt
There is currently a public healthcare option in Egypt, offering subsidized services. Of these, 80% of the services are provided at no cost.
Yet those who can afford it choose to pay for private care rather than access care via the low-quality public system.
Implementing the new universal health insurance system is still in progress, so most Egyptians face out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services.
Foreigners in Egypt should be prepared to pay for healthcare services at private hospitals and healthcare facilities.
You are unlikely to receive treatment if you don’t have private insurance or sufficient funds to cover your care. This is why it is a good idea for any foreigner in Egypt to have international medical insurance.
Who is Eligible for Healthcare in Egypt?
Public health in Egypt focuses on coverage for citizens. The new universal healthcare system will extend coverage to those previously left without insurance, such as informal workers, the unemployed, and children not in school. Egyptians abroad will also have the option to receive healthcare benefits.
Visitors to Egypt are advised to carry travel insurance or a private insurance plan. Without insurance, they must pay for their care out of pocket, which can be a significant expense.
Healthcare Options for Expats in Egypt
As an expat officially working in Egypt, you may be eligible for healthcare via your employer. Your spouse’s insurance plan should cover you if you’re married to an Egyptian citizen.
Egypt’s 2018 health insurance law, which aims to establish a universal coverage system by 2027, is mandatory for all Egyptian citizens. The spouses and children of Egyptian citizens are also eligible for this coverage.
People officially working in Egypt can enroll in this coverage. Those living in Egypt without an official job may be eligible to sign up for this coverage if their home country offers reciprocal health coverage to Egyptians.
If you’re a foreigner who doesn’t fall into any of the above categories, don’t worry! Many private insurance options offer great coverage.
How to Join the Healthcare System in Egypt
If you’re eligible for healthcare in Egypt through your job, your employer will assist you in registering for Egypt’s healthcare system.
Some companies contract with the curative care organization, a non-profit governmental organization, to obtain care for their employees at private facilities.
The health insurance organization, an independent government organization, operates clinics and hospitals for members. If you join Egypt’s healthcare system as the spouse of an Egyptian citizen, you should be able to register via your partner’s place of employment.
Under Egypt’s new universal healthcare system, a General Authority of Healthcare will oversee services. If you aren’t eligible for the new universal healthcare system, you can still obtain private insurance covering healthcare in Egypt.
Expat Insurance in Egypt
Thinking about life as an expat in Egypt? Or have you already decided that Egypt will soon become a temporary home away from home?
Regardless of your status, you’ll want to select the appropriate insurance for your time in Egypt. The right insurance plan will make your life abroad much more enjoyable.
The Best Health Insurance in Egypt for US Citizens
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier offers insurance coverage inside and outside the United States. This makes the policy a good choice for U.S. citizens living abroad. BCBS Global Solutions provides access to fantastic doctors and hospitals wherever you are.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
The Best Health Insurance in Egypt for US and Non-US Expats
Expats and digital nomads appreciate the flexibility that Cigna Global Insurance Plans offer. You can design a plan for an individual or family, selecting your coverage area and preferred deductible.
Whether you choose Worldwide Coverage or a plan that excludes the U.S., your Cigna Global Insurance Plan will allow you to access a comprehensive network of hospitals and healthcare providers worldwide.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
How to Access & Receive Healthcare in Egypt
As a foreigner in Egypt, the easiest and best place to receive healthcare is usually a private hospital in an urban setting.
Given the conditions of care in rural settings, if possible, consider heading to Cairo or the closest city for medical care. Private facilities typically require private insurance or expect you to pay out-of-pocket for your care.
In an emergency, you can call 123 for an ambulance. However, please note that ambulances may not be readily available in rural settings.
Even in cities, they often get stuck in traffic. If you can travel to a hospital on your own, that may be the fastest solution.
Private hospitals offer emergency services, regular doctor visits, surgery, dentistry, and ophthalmology (although fellow travelers have recommended seeking dental treatment in another country if that is an option). However, you should be aware that there is a limited number of mental health providers in Egypt.
You can obtain the necessary medications at pharmacies located inside private hospitals. Filling prescriptions at a reputable pharmacy will help you avoid counterfeit medicines, a persistent issue throughout Egypt. Birth control methods such as IUDs, injectables, and pills are freely available in Egypt.
Egypt’s growing medical tourism industry also benefits expats. Focusing on medical tourism means that more facilities will strive to meet international standards.
Among the accredited hospitals that have already been judged to meet international standards of care are:
You may also find suggestions for medical facilities via embassies or other government sites.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
International Citizens Insurance has an experienced team of authors, including expatriates and world travelers, providing curated guidance for our clients.
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