Egypt (EG)
Egypt is one of the world's oldest civilisations — the land of the Pharaohs, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the mighty Nile River.
Insurance Guide
Which insurances you actually need in Egypt, prioritised.
Egypt's insurance market is regulated by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). The sector includes major international brands (AXA, Allianz, MetLife) and local Egyptian insurers. For expats, the priority insurances are health (critical), car/vehicle (mandatory), and property/contents. Life insurance is available through international providers. Egypt's overall insurance penetration is low by global standards — expats should ensure they are properly covered as the public safety net is inadequate for non-citizens.
Legally Mandatory
- - Third-party vehicle insurance (mandatory for all vehicle owners under Egyptian law — Motor Vehicles Act)
- - Work injury insurance (employer-paid, mandatory under Labour Code)
Private Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical coverage for consultations, hospitalisation, surgery, emergency care, and prescription medications at private hospitals in Egypt and (with international plans) globally.
Who needs it: Every expat in Egypt — non-negotiable. Public healthcare is inadequate for expat needs and all private care is paid out-of-pocket without insurance.
Annual cost: EGP 15,000–60,000/year (individual); EGP 40,000–150,000 for family of 4. International plans (Cigna, Bupa): USD 2,000–8,000/year
Employer-provided group health insurance is standard in multinationals — verify coverage scope before declining. Check if your plan covers: dental (usually separate), maternity, mental health, and emergency evacuation. For AXA Egypt and Allianz Egypt, pre-existing conditions may be excluded for 1–2 years.
Third-Party Vehicle Insurance
Mandatory minimum vehicle insurance covering damage and injury caused to third parties in accidents. Does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
Who needs it: All vehicle owners in Egypt. Legally mandatory — driving without it is an offence subject to fines and vehicle impoundment.
Annual cost: EGP 1,500–4,000/year for basic third-party; EGP 4,000–15,000 for comprehensive
Comprehensive (kasko) insurance is strongly recommended for expats — Cairo traffic damage rates are high. Include "natural disaster" coverage given dust storms. Many expats buy through their car dealership — compare prices independently.
Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance (Kasko)
Full coverage including theft, fire, natural damage (sandstorms), and collision damage to your own vehicle in addition to third-party liability.
Who needs it: All expats who own or drive a car in Egypt. Cairo's high accident rate and parking damage make this essential for peace of mind.
Annual cost: EGP 4,000–20,000/year depending on vehicle value
Deductible (franchise) clauses are common — read carefully. Report accidents within 24 hours. Keep all accident documentation (police report is important for comprehensive claims). Insure at the correct replacement value — underinsurance is common and leads to partial claim settlements.
Renter's Contents Insurance
Covers theft, fire, and accidental damage to personal belongings inside your rented property. Property buildings insurance is the landlord's responsibility.
Who needs it: Expats renting apartments in Cairo — especially if bringing valuable electronics, jewellery, and household items. Not legally required but strongly recommended.
Annual cost: EGP 3,000–10,000/year depending on coverage value
Ensure your policy covers valuables at their replacement cost. Keep receipts and photographs of high-value items. International home contents plans from your home country insurer may extend coverage to Egypt — check before purchasing locally.
Life Insurance / Term Life
Pays a lump sum to named beneficiaries upon the insured's death. Term life pays only if death occurs within the policy term; whole life builds cash value.
Who needs it: Expats with dependents (spouse, children) or financial obligations (mortgage in home country). Also relevant for employees whose families rely on their Egypt-based income.
Annual cost: USD 500–3,000/year for USD 500,000 term cover (international plan); EGP 5,000–20,000/year locally
For expats on international assignments, employer-provided group life insurance (typically 2–4x annual salary) may be available. If travelling frequently to higher-risk areas, ensure your policy does not exclude travel to Egypt or the Middle East.
International Health Evacuation Insurance
Covers emergency medical evacuation to a country with appropriate care if the required treatment is unavailable in Egypt. Also covers repatriation of remains.
Who needs it: All expats, particularly those living outside Cairo's main private hospital network (e.g., Red Sea resorts, rural areas, Upper Egypt). Even in Cairo, evacuation may be needed for very specialised treatments.
Annual cost: USD 200–600/year (standalone); often included in comprehensive international health plans
International SOS membership (approx. USD 300/year) is popular with NGO workers and development professionals in Egypt and across Africa. Your employer may provide this as part of an international assignment package.
Travel Insurance
Covers trip cancellations, lost baggage, emergency medical care abroad, and travel delays when travelling OUT of Egypt for holidays or business.
Who needs it: All expats when travelling from Egypt to other countries. Essential for trips to countries with expensive healthcare (USA, Switzerland). Annual multi-trip plans are most cost-effective.
Annual cost: EGP 2,000–8,000/year for annual multi-trip plan; EGP 200–600 per single trip
Annual multi-trip plans from AXA or Allianz are most practical for expats who travel frequently. Check whether your credit card includes travel insurance. Ensure Egypt is listed as your country of residence on the policy.
Comparison sites
Never be uninsured in Egypt — even for one day. Arrange health insurance before your arrival or as your first administrative task.
Employer-provided group health insurance is standard at multinationals but often has gaps (dental, mental health, evacuation) — review carefully and supplement.
For vehicle insurance, always get a police report (محضر) for any accident, even minor — required for insurance claims.
Pre-authorise non-emergency procedures with your insurer before treatment — most require this to avoid claim disputes.
Insure valuable items arriving in Egypt on your renter's policy — Egypt customs may open and inspect shipments.
EGP devaluation risk: if possible, hold health insurance in USD (international plan) to maintain real coverage value as EGP weakens.
Insurance
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