Look, I get it. Insurance is boring. It's the thing you buy at 11 PM the night before your flight because your mum nagged you. Buying travel insurance feels like throwing money into a void... until you need it.
And in Hurghada? You really, really might need it.
I've lived here for 15 years. I've seen tourists stranded in private clinics because their credit card limit was £2,000 and the bill was £12,000. I've seen families frantic because "little Timmy" swallowed half the Red Sea and caught a bug that — frankly — requires professional plumbing to fix.
If you're British, listen to me: Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC is a piece of plastic here. It does nothing. Zero. Nada. You are outside Europe. You are in Africa. The NHS cannot hear you scream.
🏥 The "Public vs Private" Hospital Trap
Here's the thing about Egyptian healthcare: it's actually pretty good... if you have money.
The Public Hospitals: Incredibly cheap. And... well. Let's just say you don't want to go there unless you absolutely have to. It's chaotic, crowded, and not exactly the "Holby City" experience.
The Private Hospitals: These are basically 5-star hotels with MRI machines. They are shiny. They are modern. And they are EXPENSIVE. They love British tourists because they know British insurers usually pay up.
⚠️ The "Passport Hostage" Situation
I've seen this happen a dozen times. You get sick. The hotel doctor (we'll get to him in a minute) sends you to a specific private hospital. You get treated. Then, they ask for your passport "for the paperwork."
Do not give it to them.
They hold it until the bill is paid in full. If your insurance drags its feet, you miss your flight. Always give a copy. Never the original. If they insist, call the Tourist Police (126).
💸 The Real Cost of "Oops" in Egypt
Many people think Egypt is cheap, so medical care must be cheap. Wrong. Private medical care for tourists is priced internationally. Here are real prices I've seen invoice for:
🇬🇧 UK Insurers: Who Actually Pays Out?
Based on experience with hundreds of guests, not all policies are created equal. Here's the tea on the big names:
| Insurer | Verdict | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide FlexPlus | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Frequent travelers. It's a bank account perk but the cover is rock solid worldwide. |
| Staysure | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Seniors & Pre-existing conditions. They are expensive but they actually cover you. |
| Coverwise | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Budget option that covers Scuba (check the "Standard Plus" or higher). |
| Post Office | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Okay for basics, but can be fussy with claims. Read the small print. |
| Revolut (Metal/Premium) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Convenient, but check the underwriter (usually Allianz or similar). Good for digital nomads. |
🤿 The "Water Sports" Loophole
You're coming to the Red Sea. You're probably going to snorkel, maybe dive, maybe ride a banana boat while screaming. Check out our Ultimate Diving Guide for the best spots, but read this first.
Most "Basic" policies EXCLUDE these.
I met a guy from Manchester last year — broke his collarbone kite surfing in Soma Bay. His insurance? "Sorry mate, hazardous activity." Bill was £4,500. He had to borrow money from his parents.
The Golden Rules:
- Snorkeling: Usually covered standard.
- Scuba Diving: Check the depth! Most standard policies cover up to 18 meters. If you do an "Advanced Open Water" course (which goes to 30m), you are uninsured unless you add the "Extreme" or "Sports" pack.
- Quad Biking: Almost NEVER covered unless you explicitly add it. And you must wear a helmet. If you crash without a helmet, your claim is void.
- Kite Surfing: Considered "Extreme" by 90% of insurers. Add the sports package.
🛡️ Don't Risk It. Just Get Covered.
If you're looking for a policy that specifically covers COVID-19, flight cancellations, and actually understands that "Hurghada" acts differently to Spain, check out Ekta.
They are solid, verified, and their medical limits are high enough to keep the private hospitals happy.
Check Prices for Egypt ➔Full disclosure: This is an affiliate link. It costs you literally nothing extra, but buys me a coffee for writing this guide. Fair deal?
🩺 The Hotel Doctor Scam
Every resort has a "Doctor." Usually a guy in a white coat sitting in a small clinic near the lobby. You can read more about resort safety in our guide to the Best All-Inclusive Resorts.
He is not your friend. He is a businessman.
If you have a tummy bug (Pharaoh's Revenge), he might try to put you on an IV drip for $300. It's overkill. He gets a commission. The hospital he sends you to? He gets a commission.
Pro Tip: For minor things (stomach issues, sunburn, headaches), go to a Pharmacy (El Ezaby is the best chain). The pharmacists speak English, are trained, and will sell you Antinal (the magic yellow stomach pill) for £2. Not $300.
❓ Frequent Questions (UK Tourist Edition)
Egypt often falls under "Europe" for some generous insurers (weird geography, I know), but usually it's "Worldwide excluding USA/Caribbean." diverse policies differ - ALWAYS check the region list.
Yes, but you MUST declare them. If you have asthma and don't declare it, then get a chest infection from the AC? Void. Staysure and AllClear are the specialists for this.
Usually only to 18 meters, and only if you are with a certified instructor (PADI/SSI). Solo technical diving is almost never covered on standard packs. If you are learning, check if "Introductory Dives" are covered.
Rarely. And if it does, the limit is small (like £200). Use ATMs in Hurghada (National Bank of Egypt is best) or check out our Currency Guide for tips on handling money safely.
Look for policies with high "Baggage" cover (kids lose things) and "Cancellation" cover. Nationwide FlexPlus is unbeatable for families as it covers everyone in the household for one monthly fee.
Most decent insurers now cover emergency medical costs for COVID-19. However, "cancellation due to self-isolation" is harder to find. Check the fine print if you are worried about testing positive before you fly.
Final thought: Don't be the guy starting a GoFundMe page because you skimp on £20 insurance. Hurghada is safe, fun, and amazing — but accidents happen. Buy the insurance. Print the policy. Keep the emergency number on your phone. Then go enjoy the beach.