Do you need insurance for a trip to Egypt
Entry to Egypt is simple for Russian citizens: a tourist visa is issued at the airport on arrival, and if you are staying only in South Sinai resorts (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Taba), you can enter with a free Sinai stamp for up to 15 days. Medical insurance is not checked on entry and is formally not required.
In practice a policy is needed in Egypt no less than in Turkey. Tourists mostly end up in private clinics at the resorts, where treatment is paid. Public hospitals are not the best option for foreigners in terms of service. Insurance lets you be treated at a clinic chosen by the assistance company without paying out of pocket.
Which sum to choose
For a beach holiday USD 30,000–35,000 is enough. If you travel with children, for a long period or plan scuba diving, choose USD 50,000: decompression sickness or a serious injury may require a hyperbaric chamber and medical transportation.
The most common insured events in Egypt
- Intestinal infections and food poisoning. The main reason tourists seek help. Drink bottled water, but if symptoms appear, call the assistance company right away — a doctor can often be sent straight to your hotel.
- Sunburn and heatstroke. The sun in Egypt is strong all year round. Sunburn is covered by a separate option; check it in the plan.
- Reef injuries. Coral cuts, sea urchin spines and stings from marine life are ordinary cases when snorkelling. Wear reef shoes.
- Diving. The Red Sea is one of the most popular diving destinations. Scuba diving counts as an active sport: add this option and decompression chamber treatment, otherwise diving-related consequences are not covered.
- Excursions and safaris. Quad bike rides in the desert, camel rides and climbing Mount Sinai — check whether your plan covers them.
The flight delay option is also useful: charter flights to Egypt are often rescheduled, and the compensation helps cover the cost of meals and waiting at the airport within the policy terms.
How to buy insurance to Egypt in a few minutes
On polisre.ru there is no need to fill in a request and wait for a call. The calculator above the text compares prices from 16 insurance companies via Polis Re’s partner, the Cherehapa service. The policy is issued by the insurer you choose and sent straight to your e-mail.
- Set the dates, the number of travellers and their ages.
- Choose the sum insured and, if necessary, add diving and decompression chamber treatment, sunburn, flight delay, baggage cover.
- Pick a plan by comparing price, deductible and assistance company.
- Enter your first and last name in Latin letters exactly as in your international passport, then pay by card.
- Receive the policy by e-mail and save the assistance phone number in your contacts.
What to do if something happens in Egypt
Your first step is a call to the assistance company whose phone number is shown in the policy. The assistance company will choose a clinic, approve the treatment and pay for it directly. If someone’s life is at risk, call the local ambulance at once and notify the assistance company as soon as you can.
- Call or message the assistance company (many accept requests via messengers); give the policy number, your full name, your location and what happened.
- Go to the clinic named by the assistance company and take your passport and policy with you.
- If you had to pay yourself, keep the doctor’s report, invoice, receipts and prescriptions: after you return, attach them to your claim to the insurance company.
Step-by-step guidance is available in the “Insured event” section.
Nearby destinations
If your route covers several countries, see the other pages too: insurance to Turkey, insurance to the UAE, insurance to Israel, insurance to the Maldives. The full list of destinations, annual policies and tips on choosing cover are on the travel insurance page.