Discover how the health system works in Egypt
The medical system in Egypt is provided by the private and public sectors. Medical care does not meet quality standards. Hospitals do not have the necessary equipment, are understaffed and drugs are often missing. Except for some private hospitals, health standards are not always maintained.
Private hospitals provide quality medical care but they are very expensive. Most of Egyptian doctors have received their training in Western countries and therefore speak English.
In major cities like Cairo, Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh, medical centers provide appropriate quality services for basic care; however in case of emergency or serious illness, medical evacuation is necessary. In the rest of the country, access to healthcare is rather limited.
Visiting a doctor in Egypt
Most of consultations are provided in clinics or private hospitals. It will be possible to make an appointment with a specialist doctor or GP.
Being admitted to hospital in Egypt
In Egypt, hospitals from the public sector are often overcrowded and there are not enough equipment and qualified staff. Outside the big cities, public healthcare centers provide low quality medical care.
Private hospitals are only present in large cities (Cairo, Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh) and provide medical services of better quality: they are modern and you can consult specialist doctors who have received their training in the USA or in Europe. Medical services are expensive, which is why it is strongly recommended to take out international health insurance coverage in Egypt.
Buying medication in Egypt
Pharmacies can be found everywhere in Egypt. They usually open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. although some of them open all day long in Cairo. It is possible to get drugs without prescription. Be careful as counterfeit drugs are common.
