is travel insurance required for egypt

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Egypt?

Everyone should consider travel insurance before traveling to Egypt. If you don’t have insurance, you’re at risk of being left without compensation or medical treatment if anything goes wrong.

There are several types of travel insurance policies available, each offering varying levels of coverage. The main categories include trip cancellation/interruption, personal liability, emergency medical care, emergency medical evacuation coverage, and lost baggage coverage.

It is important to note that some policies offer additional benefits such as a pre-existing conditions waiver and repatriation assistance. While these additional features do cost extra, they can be very useful when traveling to Egypt or for any other international travel.

Does the Egyptian Government Require Tourists to have Travel Insurance?

Is travel insurance mandatory for Egypt?  

As of the time of writing, it was not mandatory for visitors to have any sort of travel insurance plan in order to visit Egypt.  

Do i need travel insurance for Egypt?  

Well, let’s just say that it is certainly a good idea. The chances are you won’t need it or use it, but disaster can strike at any time.

With proper insurance coverage you can enjoy your trip to Egypt knowing that you are fully covered in the event that something goes wrong.

Let’s take a look at a few things you should look for when shopping to insurance:

Goods Stolen from your Luggage while Traveling

This is one of the most common reasons why people purchase travel insurance. As a general rule of thumb, lost baggage coverage should provide cover of up to $100 per person per incident for items that get stolen from your luggage while traveling.

None of us like to think that maybe there are people scratching through our belongings, but it does happen and more often than many people like to believe.

It should be noted that in the case of your luggage being delayed or permanently lost, you will need to claim from the airline company because this is their responsibility. Most travel insurance policies do not provide cover for this.

Medical Coverage when Traveling to Egypt

If you are planning on visiting Egypt, then you probably want to know what kind of medical coverage you would receive if you were to fall sick or suffer an injury while traveling. This is especially true if you are going to be spending long periods of time away from home.

The type of medical coverage you choose depends on how much money you are willing to spend on it. For example, if you only want basic medical coverage, then you may opt for a policy with lower premiums.

However, if you want comprehensive medical coverage, then you might want to pay more for better coverage. In either case, make sure you understand exactly what you are buying. You should also check whether or not your chosen provider has an office or offices in Egypt.

Ideally, you should buy travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage of at least $50,000.

Emergency Medical Evacuation (Medevac) Cover

This is another popular reason why people buy travel insurance. It is important to remember that Medevac coverage is a form of medical insurance which provides cover for air ambulance services, etc. It is usually included in all major travel insurance policies.

If you are unable to afford this option, then you could always buy a separate Medevac policy. The elderly, along with people who have pre-existing medical conditions, should definitely consider Medevac coverage. To be on the safe side, look for Medevac coverage of at least $100,000.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Egypt Multi-Destination Tours?

Many people like to visit other nearby countries after they have spent a week or two exploring Egypt’s many legendary tourist sites. Israel and Jordan are very popular add-on destinations, each with their own fascinating tourist sites.

While travel insurance is not mandatory for travel to Egypt, it may be mandatory in other countries you choose to visit. In Israel, for example, medical travel insurance is mandatory for anyone wanting to visit the country. Your insurance must also include coverage for Coronavirus illness.

Many travel insurance plans don’t include any coverage for Coronavirus sickness, so this is something you need to determine when shopping for travel medical insurance.

Insurance from Card Providers

Major card providers like Mastercard and Visa provide some basic coverage if you pay for your flights with your card. Such coverage will include things like trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, and lost luggage coverage. In some instances, loss of rental cars or accident damage to rental cars will also be covered. The great thing about this is the fact that you don’t pay anything extra.

Egypt Tour Operators and Holiday Insurance

Some, but not all Egypt tour operators will gladly find suitable holiday insurance or even include it in the price of their tours if you request it. One big advantage of this is that your insurance coverage will be provided through a local insurance company with offices in Egypt.

This can make your life a lot easier if you are suddenly faced with a medical emergency while you are in the country. Remember, even though Egypt is a safe tourist destination , accidents can still occur, and having a local insurance provider can save you from a lot of hassle should you find yourself in a position where you are needing medical treatment.

So, do I need travel insurance for Egypt? While entry rules laid down by the Egyptian government don’t say anything about compulsory insurance for tourists, we believe that you do need insurance, even if only for the extra peace of mind it will give you.

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Travel insurance for egypt.

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx take travelers back 5,000 years in time, and they are just a couple of the “must-see” tourist sites in Egypt. Cairo, Egypt’s capital, is one of the oldest cities in the world, and early architecture is evident all around the city.

When embarking on such timeless adventures, it's important to have assistance and support for your journey and travel insurance can offer that. Whether you're marveling at the ancient wonders of Giza or navigating the historic streets of Cairo, unforeseen circumstances can arise. Let’s dive into our guide about Egypt.

• What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Egypt? 
• How does Travel Insurance work in the Egypt?
• Do I need Travel Insurance for Egypt? 
• How much does Travel Insurance cost for Egypt? 
• Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

Are there any covid-19 restrictions for travelers to egypt, traveling with pre-existing medical conditions , what should your travel insurance cover for a trip to egypt.

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.  AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind. 

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Egypt.

How Does Travel Insurance Work in the Egypt?

The crime rate in Egypt is relatively low, yet political tensions periodically surface in certain areas of the country. Travelers may want to educate themselves about the safest places to visit. Beyond that, tourists must take normal travel safety precautions to prevent burglary and theft.

All is not lost if your baggage gets stolen from your hotel when you have an AXA Travel Protection Plan. Travel insurance will replace your belongings and your bags so you can continue enjoying your Egypt trip. Here is how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Baggage Benefits:

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits 

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Egypt?

While the Egyptian government does not require travelers to purchase travel insurance , it offers assistance and support against unexpected costs such as medical emergencies, lost baggage and other disruptions in your trip.

A travel insurance plan can be a valuable resource if you run into a problem and unsure of how to handle it in a foreign country. Some reasons that could arise:

Medical Emergencies: Your health is a top priority. If you face a sudden illness or injury in Egypt travel insurance offers the means to receive prompt and quality medical care.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Trip Delay: Travel advisories, severe weather, or civil commotion can cause your trip to be delayed. Travel insurance can compensate you for non-refundable expenditures you paid before taking your trip.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Egypt?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Egypt will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Egypt hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers to consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

The Platinum Plan is a good choice for travelers to Egypt who want broader coverages. For example, " Cancel for Any Reason " is optional coverage that offers greater flexibility for those who have concerns about having to cancel their trip for a reason not covered under their plan. Collision Damage Waiver coverage is also available as an option and it covers collisions, theft or damage to a rental car being used during your Egypt trip.

Axa covers three types of medical expenses:

• Emergency medical
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation 
• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation 

Emergency Medical: Can cover insect-borne illnesses or health issues caused by contaminated water. It can also cover an injury due to a fall, car accident, or dog bite.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness. 

Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Can cover evacuation or repatriation expenses due to a non-medical event such as a cyclone, dust storm, heavy rain or heatwave which are common in Egypt.

The Egyptian government has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for travelers entering the country. They recommend travelers take normal precautions.

Traveling with preexisting medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.  

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons,   

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plans with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation. 

1.Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2.When should I buy Travel Insurance to Egypt?

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.)

AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip.

Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14-days of making your initial trip deposit.

3.Do Americans need travel insurance in Egypt?

No, travel insurance is not currently required to visit Egypt, although you may find it valuable.

4.What is needed to visit Egypt from the USA?

If you are visiting Egypt from the USA, you must have a single-entry 30-day tourist visa.

5.What happens if a tourist gets sick in Egypt?

If you become sick in Egypt, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline 855-327-1442 . Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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Travel Insurance for Egypt – Requirements and Cost

Home | Travel | Travel Insurance for Egypt – Requirements and Cost

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . You can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Purchasing travel insurance for Egypt should be at the top of your list of things to do before you travel. After all, any international trip requires coverage from one of the best travel insurance companies so you can be sure you’re covered in case of an emergency.

Having Egypt travel insurance is particularly necessary for a trip to Egypt, however, since all international travelers entering the country are required to at least have travel medical insurance, if not comprehensive travel insurance, that covers them for the duration of their stay.

While you’ll be able to find many different types of travel insurance that meet Egypt’s travel insurance requirements , there’s really no point in settling for anything less than the best travel insurance for Egypt , especially if it’s affordable.

We’ve been using Heymondo for years, and they’ve been wonderful in terms of coverage and customer support. So, if you’re in a rush, I’ll tell you now that Heymondo is my top recommendation.

5% OFF your travel insurance

If you want some other options, this guide will show you several different Egypt travel insurance plans and their costs so you can pick the travel insurance to Egypt that best suits your needs. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Guide to Egypt travel insurance

Egypt travel insurance is mandatory for all international travelers entering Egypt, without exception. This guide will cover everything you need to know about travel insurance for Egypt , including:

Egypt travel insurance requirements

How much is travel insurance to Egypt?

Best travel insurance for egypt.

• Travel insurance Egypt- is it classed as Europe?
• What travel insurance for Egypt should I get?

Although health insurance for travel to Egypt is mandatory for all international travelers, fulfilling Egypt’s travel insurance requirements is a rather straightforward process.

The only requirement for Egypt travel insurance is that it must be travel medical insurance that covers travelers for the duration of their stay in Egypt. There is no coverage minimum for medical expenses.

Of course, if you want trip cancellation and travel-related coverage in addition to medical coverage, you should purchase a more comprehensive Egypt travel insurance plan. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the cheapest travel insurance for Egypt , a travel medical insurance plan will be sufficient for meeting Egypt’s travel insurance requirements .

The cost of travel insurance for Egypt depends on your age and nationality, as well as the length and cost of your trip. To give you an idea of how much Egypt travel insurance costs, I’ve generated quotes for a 30-year-old American from Pennsylvania who is traveling to Egypt for two weeks with a trip cost of $2,500.

* price used for example

While all of the Egypt travel insurance plans I will cover have their merits, Heymondo stands out as the best travel insurance for Egypt because of its comprehensive coverage for an affordable price. Below, you’ll find detailed information on, as well as the pros and cons of, the top travel insurance to Egypt plans .

1. Heymondo , the best travel insurance to Egypt

If you want the best overall travel insurance for Egypt , look no further than Heymondo . Their plans offer top-tier medical- and travel-related coverage for a relatively affordable price, making them excellent value for money.

On top of that, unlike other travel insurance companies, Heymondo will never make you file a claim to get reimbursed for medical bills. Instead, Heymondo pays your medical expenses upfront and directly to the medical center, so it’s a completely hassle-free process.

Even better, Heymondo’s Top and Premium plans have $0 deductibles for medical expenses, which means Heymondo will cover the full price of any medical charges you incur.

We’ve been using Heymondo for years and currently have annual multi-trip travel insurance with them. Their customer support team has always been fantastic and quick to respond to our needs, and we couldn’t recommend them enough.  Best of all, you can save 5% on Heymondo’s Egypt travel insurance with this link. If you’d like to learn more about and read a review of Heymondo insurance, check out our Heymondo travel insurance guide .

2. SafetyWing , the cheapest travel insurance for Egypt

Maybe you’d rather skip all the bells and whistles of travel-related coverage and stick with travel health insurance for Egypt . In that case, SafetyWing is your best bet. It’s a travel medical insurance with a high amount of medical coverage, as well as the cheapest travel insurance for Egypt .

SafetyWing’s Egypt travel insurance plan is easily renewable and extendable since you can choose to have your plan automatically renewed every 28 days until you pick an end date. Moreover, the plan automatically gives you worldwide coverage, so you can extend your trip to countries beyond Egypt if you so choose.

As with most medical insurance for travel , SafetyWing provides limited travel-related coverage, which isn’t necessarily a drawback, especially since the plan easily meets Egypt’s travel insurance requirements . SafetyWing’s main limitation, however, is a $250 deductible for medical expenses. This deductible means you’ll have to pay $250 worth of medical bills before SafetyWing covers any remaining balance.

Ultimately, if getting the cheapest Egypt travel insurance that will meet Egyptian entry requirements is your priority, go with SafetyWing. If you’d rather spend a little more and benefit from a $0 deductible and travel-related coverage, pick more comprehensive travel insurance for Egypt like Heymondo .

3. World Nomads , a travel insurance for an Egypt holiday with lots of adventure

If you’re planning on diving in the red sea or hopping in a dune buggy while in Egypt, you’ll need a travel insurance for Egypt that will cover all your adventurous activities. Luckily, World Nomads ’ plans include coverage for hundreds of adventure sports and activities, so you can get your adrenaline fix while staying covered for any injuries.

Additionally, World Nomads offers a $0 deductible for medical expenses and provides solid coverage in all travel- and medical-related categories. The only real drawback of World Nomads is that their plans are the most expensive Egypt travel insurance option.

Ultimately, since you can benefit from similar coverage for a lower price with Heymondo , World Nomads is best suited for travelers who need sports and activity coverage.

4. IMG , a dependable Egypt travel insurance

IMG is a reliable travel insurance company that many travelers trust for coverage when they travel internationally. As such, IMG’s travel insurance for Egypt is comprehensive and provides great coverage in all medical- and travel-related categories.

Moreover, IMG covers COVID-19 just like any other illness and offers a $0 deductible for medical expenses. You really can’t go wrong with IMG’s travel insurance to Egypt , although, depending on your age and nationality, you may be able to get twice as much coverage for just $1 more with Heymondo .

Is Egypt in Europe for travel insurance purposes?

The question of whether Egypt is classed as Europe for the purposes of Egypt travel insurance may seem like a surprising and strange one, considering Egypt is located in the African continent. However, some Egypt travel insurance companies do indeed include Egypt in their travel insurance for Europe coverage.

Still, other travel insurance companies class Egypt as part of their worldwide coverage, so the best thing to do is to check with your insurance company when you purchase travel insurance for Egypt .

Heymondo , the best travel insurance for Egypt , includes Egypt as part of their Europe travel insurance coverage because Egypt is a Mediterranean basin country .

What travel insurance do I need for Egypt?

In summary, travel insurance for Egypt is an entry requirement for all international travelers, so you must purchase a plan before you enter the country. The plan must have travel medical coverage and cover you for the duration of your stay in Egypt.

If you want the best travel insurance for Egypt with both medical- and travel-related coverage, Heymondo is your best bet. On the other hand, if you want to get cheap travel insurance and still meet Egypt’s entry requirements, SafetyWing is the perfect option.

Hopefully, this article has answered all of your questions about Egypt travel insurance , but if you still have any more, don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below.

Enjoy your trip to Egypt!

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Travel Advisory July 13, 2023

Egypt - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Egypt due to  terrorism . Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to  the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.

Do not travel to:

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to  terrorism .
• The Western Desert due to  terrorism .
• Egyptian border areas due to  military zones .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities. Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.

The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Egypt.

If you decide to travel to Egypt:  

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)   to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on   Facebook   and   Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report   for Egypt.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest   Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the   Traveler’s Checklist .

Sinai Peninsula – Level 4: Do Not Travel The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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U.s. embassy cairo.

Consular Section 5 Tawfik Diab Street Garden City, Cairo Egypt Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300 Fax: +(20) 2-2797-2472 Email:   [email protected] Facebook

The American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit uses an  online appointment system  for those coming to the Embassy to receive routine consular services Sunday through Wednesday, except for official holidays (U.S. and Egyptian). U.S. citizens with non-emergency inquiries may send an email to the ACS Unit at  [email protected] .

For emergencies during and after business hours, including on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the ACS Unit via the Embassy switchboard at 02-2797-3300. The mailing address from the United States is: Consular Section, Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900. Within Egypt or from a third country, it is 8 Kamal el-Din Salah Street, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt. Express mail services also use the physical address.

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Passport and Visas:

• U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt.
• U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD.
• The Government of Egypt has created a website for the issuance of “ e-visas .” There are other websites purporting to offer electronic visas, some of which reportedly charge double the official price, but this is the only official Government of Egypt portal for this service. U.S. citizens and the citizens of 44 other countries are eligible to apply through this means in advance of their travel.
• Egyptian immigration officials occasionally have denied entry to travelers without explanation. 
• U.S. citizens who have experienced difficulty with their visa status in Egypt or are concerned about their eligibility for a visa upon arrival should apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate prior to travel, but a visa obtained prior to entry does not guarantee admission to Egypt.
• Visas for gainful employment or study in Egypt must be obtained prior to travel.

Entry from Israel:

• U.S. citizens arriving from Israel at the Taba border crossing should obtain a visa ahead of time.
• If travelers do not obtain a visa prior to arrival, they may either apply for a no-fee, 14-day visa that is only valid for travel within the Sinai Peninsula, or they may obtain a 30-day tourist visa valid for travel throughout Egypt for 25 USD.
• The 30-day visa requires the submission of a travel agency support letter that may be obtained from travel agents at the border; their fees for providing this service vary.
• The Government of Egypt opens this border on an infrequent and unpredictable basis.
• Travel groups and/or humanitarian aid convoys that wish to cross at Rafah would need to contact the  Egyptian Embassy  in Washington for permission prior to travel.
• The Egyptian government screens travelers before allowing entry/exit through the Rafah border crossing with Gaza.
• The U.S. government advises its citizens to avoid travel to Gaza; the U.S. Embassy does not issue travel letters or provide any assistance in crossing to and from Gaza.
• Travelers to Gaza from Egypt should read the  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza and are reminded the Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) attacks on security forces and civilians.

Diplomatic and Official Passports:

• Diplomatic and Official passport holders, when entering Egypt for official business, are required to have visas  before arrival in Egypt.
• Diplomatic or Official passport holders must not use these passports to enter Egypt for unofficial travel, and should use their personal passports, following all appropriate regulations.
• Travelers attempting to enter Egypt with diplomatic or official passports who do not have visas will be denied entry and required to remain in the airport transit area, at their own expense, until their immediate departure from Egypt can be arranged.
• The U.S. Embassy in Cairo is unable to intervene in such situations. Military personnel arriving on commercial flights are not exempt from passport and visa requirements.
• The  Egyptian Embassy  in Washington currently requires at least three weeks, and sometimes much longer, to process official and diplomatic visa requests, an expedite letter from the Department of State notwithstanding.
• It is incumbent upon all official travelers to submit their visa requests and passports to the Egyptian Embassy well in advance of travel.

Work Permits:

• U.S. citizens who wish to come to Egypt for work must obtain work permits and work/business visas before arrival.
• All work permits must be obtained through the employer. These permits may be acquired from the Ministry of Manpower and Migration offices in the district of the employer; accordingly, these permits authorize residency in the country.
• U.S. citizens who arrive as tourists but want to change their status after arrival in country may acquire a three-month tourist/non-working residency visa to allow sufficient time to change their status from tourist to worker.
• U.S. citizens in Egypt on tourist visas are not permitted to work. 

For additional information on entering Egypt, please contact the nearest  Egyptian Embassy  or Consulate.

Medical Requirements:

• U.S. citizens arriving from an area that has been infected with yellow fever will need to provide proof of immunizations.
• Please verify this information with the  Egyptian Embassy  before you travel. 

Exit Requirements:

• U.S. citizen women married to Egyptians do not need their spouse's permission to depart Egypt as long as they have a valid Egyptian visa or valid Egyptian passport.
• A U.S. citizen departing Egypt with a dual-national child (U.S.-Egyptian) may be required by Egyptian immigration officers at the airport to demonstrate that they have proof of consent of the non-traveling Egyptian parent.
• If travelers attempt to depart Egypt after the expiration of their visa, they may be required to pay a fine at the airport. Travelers should ensure that they arrive to the airport early with sufficient Egyptian currency to pay any fines.
• The U.S. Embassy does not issue travel letters to exit Egypt.

Dual Nationals:

• If a dual national has the annotation “Egyptian origin” on their entry visa, they will require proof of Egyptian citizenship in order to exit Egypt. 
• This is also true for dual nationals who remain in Egypt for more than six months.
• In some cases, if a dual national loses their U.S. passport, they will be required to present their parents’ Egyptian birth certificates and be documented as Egyptian citizens in order to obtain a temporary/replacement entry stamp to facilitate their travel out of Egypt.
• Male U.S. citizens who also hold Egyptian nationality, between 18-40 years old, who have stayed in Egypt more than 180 days, are required to finalize their Egyptian military status before departure, or risk being refused departure from Egypt by Egyptian Immigration officials. The U.S. Embassy is unable to intervene in these situations. For more information see: https://tagned.mod.gov.eg/ .

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

The Department of State Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert. Travel to the Libyan and Sudanese borders is also not recommended. U.S. citizens in Egypt should maintain a high level of vigilance throughout the country due to the threat of terrorism.

Between December 2018 and May 2019, terrorist incidents in tourist areas in greater Cairo killed four tourists and wounded at least 18 others. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, resorts, and local government facilities. There is a possibility of terrorist attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. In August 2019, a car bomb explosion outside of a hospital in Cairo killed at least 20. Additionally, terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

The Egyptian government has attempted to address security concerns and has visibly augmented its security presence at tourist locations, but challenges persist, and the threat of terrorism remains. Police and military are also engaged in operations to combat terrorism and disrupt terrorist cells in the Sinai Peninsula and the Nile Valley.

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.

The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent terrorist attacks on security forces and civilians.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air).

• The Western Desert due to terrorism.
• Egyptian border areas other than official ports of entry.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Egypt’s borders are under military control; movement of non-military persons and vehicles is substantially restricted, and in some cases prohibited, within these areas. U.S. citizens should not travel in these border zones.

It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings.

U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments, avoid demonstrations, and be vigilant regarding their personal security at all times throughout the country. U.S. citizens should also carry identification and a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Egypt, and it is advisable to pre-program the U.S. Embassy’s telephone number (+20 2 2797-3300) and email address ( [email protected] ) into the device.

Travelers must obtain permission and a travel route from the Egyptian Military Intelligence and the Tourist Police Headquarters via a local or overseas travel agency to access Egypt's frontiers, including the borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and parts of the Sinai Peninsula off paved roads.

High concentrations of World War II-era unexploded landmines are located in the World War II battlefields along the Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria, the Eastern Desert between Cairo and the Suez Canal, and much of the Sinai Peninsula. Travelers are urged to be especially cautious in these areas.

Crime:  Crime levels in Cairo and Alexandria are moderate.

The vast majority of criminal acts against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. 

Harassment of women, including foreigners, remains a serious problem. Incidents of harassment range from lewd comments and gestures to indecent exposure and inappropriate physical contact.

Tourists should be alert to being overcharged for various services and for being victimized in scams common to tourist destinations worldwide. Tourists should expect to encounter aggressive vendors at Egypt’s shops in urban areas, as well as at the many temples and archaeological sites. Some will offer “free” gifts to tourists which, once accepted, lead to demands for money. Most sites have specially designated tourist police who can assist in uncomfortable situations.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Egypt. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers

The U.S. Embassy receives frequent reports of online financial scams, often involving a fraudulent romantic partner requesting money for hospital bills or legal expenses to depart Egypt. Be skeptical about sending money to anyone known only through online contact.

Victims of Crime:

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 122 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(20) 2-2797-3300. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. The Embassy cannot intervene in legal disputes.

Failure to report crimes before leaving Egypt will make it impossible to seek prosecution at a later date. U.S. citizen tourists can forward their complaints for investigation to the Tourist Police Headquarters. For crimes involving children, you may call Egypt’s Child Emergency Help line by dialing 16000 . Egypt’s National Council for Women provides some assistance to women who are victims of domestic violence, or other complaints, at phone number 15115 or website: http://www.oo-ncw.org .  

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call the State Department in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department's travel website .
•  Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook . 
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and adventure facilities may not frequently occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are not always able to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: Travelers are subject to local laws. The Egyptian legal system is different from the legal system in the United States, with significantly different standards of evidence, due process, and rule of law. Travelers should be conscious of their behavior and how it may be interpreted by Egyptian authorities. If one  violate local laws, even unknowingly, one may be denied entry, expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

• Egyptian police and security forces do not require probable cause in order to stop, question, and detain individuals. Failure to carry proper identification, such as a passport, may result in detention and questioning.
• Suspects may be detained without charges or access to immediate legal counsel for months during the investigative stage of a criminal case.
• U.S. citizens have been detained for several days or more in non-criminal cases, including immigration violations.
• Local laws prohibit protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Even being in the vicinity of anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police or security forces, including demands to search personal electronic devices. U.S. citizens have been detained for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.
• Punishments often can be harsher in Egypt for comparable crimes than they are in the United States. Penalties for drug offenses can be particularly severe, including life in prison or the death penalty.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Dual U.S.-Egyptian Citizens : Egyptian law considers dual nationals to be Egyptian citizens and thus the Egyptian authorities do not automatically notify the U.S. Embassy when a dual national is detained, or provide information about their alleged crime. Family members, friends, and/or traveling companions may notify the ACS Unit at U.S. Embassy Cairo if the arrested U.S. citizen is unable to do so. U.S. citizenship does not provide protection from detention or arrest by Egyptian authorities and individuals detained may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention.  U.S. citizens arrested for any reason in Egypt may be deported, even if they are not convicted of a crime.  Detained U.S.-Egyptian citizens have been asked by the Government of Egypt to renounce their Egyptian citizenship as a condition of their deportation to the United States.

Consular officers must obtain authorization from Egyptian authorities to visit American detainees.

• Entering or exiting Egypt with more than $10,000 is prohibited. Attempting to enter or depart Egypt with any instruments of currency in the sum of more than $10,000 could result in the confiscation of the money over $10,000 and other penalties.

Importation of all types of drones, including small civilian drones used for personal or touristic purposes is strictly prohibited. Potential penalties for violating are harsh, and a recently passed law authorizes the death penalty for using a drone in support of terrorist activity.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Cultural Property:  Travelers should note that Egyptian law prohibits the unauthorized removal of antiquities (including historic coins, ceramics, and architectural elements) both from archaeological sites and other sources in Egypt. Egyptian law also forbids the intentional damaging of antiquities, such as inscribing or painting on them or attaching advertisements. The trade, sale, or export in antiquities is also heavily restricted and regulated. Travelers may be prosecuted if found to be looting or damaging archaeological sites, buying antiquities, or smuggling antiquities out of Egypt. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the  Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: LGBTI individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination in Egypt. Egyptian law does not criminalize same-sex sexual activity, but LGBTI persons and advocacy groups have reported harassment, intimidation, arrests, and other forms of abuse, including by police. There are also reports that authorities have used social media, dating websites, and cell phone apps to entrap persons suspected of being gay or transgender in an act of “debauchery,” which is a criminal offense that carries sentences of up to 10 years. Police have confiscated rainbow flags and sometimes detained their owners. See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and sections 1c and 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

ACCESSIBILITY:  While in Egypt, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. Businesses and institutions in Egypt generally do not make special accommodations for persons with disabilities, and Egyptian authorities do not enforce laws mandating access to transportation, communication, and public buildings by persons with disabilities. Pedestrian sidewalks and walkways are limited, uneven, high, and sometimes used by cars and motorcycles.

Accommodations on public transportation are not offered for elderly individuals or persons with disabilities. Crosswalks are not in widespread use and motorists have the right of way. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution.

Students:  See the  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  Many women travel safely each year without incident. However, when it comes to health and security, women travelers are more likely to be affected by religious and cultural beliefs of the foreign countries they visit. The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when travelling alone.

Women, especially those traveling alone, should exercise particular care in crowds, on public transportation, in rural areas, and in isolated sections of temple and pyramid complexes. Women have been groped in taxis and while in public places.

The Embassy continues to receive reports of U.S. citizen women subject to domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and rape in Egypt.

Some Egyptian NGOs provide assistance to victimized women within the Egyptian community. Women victimized overseas may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocating back to the United States.

For further information see the travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Egypt, dial 123 .

Ambulance services are not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Insurance:  Travelers should make sure their health insurance plan covers them when outside of the United States.

• The U.S Embassy cannot pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare does not pay overseas.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.
• The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation, since medical transport out of the country can be prohibitively expensive or logistically impossible. 
• See the webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Medical Care:

Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Most Nile cruise boats do not have a ship's doctor, but some employ a medical practitioner. Hospital facilities in Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm el Sheikh are adequate, but they are inadequate at most other ports-of-call. The Egyptian ambulance service hotline is 123. Although availability of ambulances is improving, getting them through Cairo traffic can be very challenging.

Beaches on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are generally unpolluted. However, persons who swim in the Nile or its canals, walk barefoot in stagnant water, or drink untreated water are at risk of exposure to bacterial and other infections and the parasitic disease schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

It is generally safe to eat freshly prepared cooked food in hotels, on Nile cruise boats, and in mainstream restaurants. When selecting a restaurant, travelers should select a clean and reputable place, eat only freshly prepared, cooked foods, avoid all uncooked food including raw fruits and vegetables. Tap water in some locations is not potable. It is best to drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Well-known brands of bottled beverages are generally considered to be safe if the seal is intact.

Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public,  a list of hospitals and doctors in Egypt  can be found on the Embassy website.

Prescriptions:  Travelers should carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations:  Travelers should be up-to-date on all recommended  vaccinations , per CDC’s information. 

Further Health Information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Traffic Laws:  Although the enforcement of traffic laws generally is lax, foreigners are subject to extra scrutiny and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in arrest or detainment.

Road Conditions and Safety:  Driving in Egypt is extremely hazardous. Egypt has one of the highest occurrences of road fatalities per mile driven in the world. Intercity roads are generally in good condition, but unmarked surfaces, pedestrians, stray animals, sandstorms and fog, vehicles without lights, and disabled vehicles without reflectors are among the many hazards present on highways, especially after dark.

Driving Cairo’s busy maze of streets can be an extreme challenge to foreigners, especially those used to a culture of structured rules and regulations. Even residents of Cairo must use extreme care and situational awareness to navigate the capital’s hectic streets. Impatient drivers typically ignore traffic rules, which police seldom enforce. Most traffic lights in Cairo do not function; instead, police officers, using finger and hand movements to direct traffic, normally staff the main intersections.

Vehicle accidents remain a significant safety concern.

Visitors thinking about driving in Egypt should carefully consider other options, such as a taxi or hired driver. If visitors decide to drive, it is essential that they take the utmost precautions and drive defensively. Drivers should be prepared for unlit vehicles at night, few road markings, vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, vehicles traveling the wrong way on one-way streets, divided highways, and connecting ramps, pedestrians dodging in and out of traffic, and domesticated animals on the roadways. Motorists should be especially cautious during the rare winter rains, which can cause extremely slippery road surfaces and localized flooding; Egyptian drivers are not familiar with driving in wet conditions, making such periods particularly hazardous.

Pedestrians should also exercise extreme caution on high-volume/high-velocity streets, like Cairo’s Corniche, which follows the eastern bank of the Nile River, and Alexandria’s Corniche along the Mediterranean.

Public Transportation:  Public buses and microbuses are not safe, and Embassy personnel are prohibited from using them. Embassy personnel are also prohibited from traveling on Cairo’s metro system. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling by train, which is a particularly unsafe means of transportation, with regular accidents that sometimes involve mass casualties.

Embassy personnel are generally prohibited from traveling outside the greater Cairo and Alexandria areas by motor vehicle, with the exception of travel to beach resorts on the western side of the Red Sea and near Alexandria. Furthermore, Embassy policy prohibits personal travel via privately-owned vehicle to any part of the Sinai Peninsula or the Western Desert.

Please refer to our  Road Safety page  for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Egypt’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Egypt should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website . 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .

Egypt was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Egypt . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

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Egypt Travel Insurance Requirements

Last updated: 03/07/2024

While travel insurance was once a requirement for those heading to Egypt, obtaining a policy is no longer an entry requirement. However, both the U.S Department of State and Egyptian Embassy strongly recommend purchasing a travel medical policy that covers you for the duration of your visit. Before you depart for your trip, make sure to check the U.S. Embassy in Egypt for the latest entry requirements.

Squaremouth’s Egypt Travel Insurance Recommendations

For international travel, Squaremouth recommends travelers visiting Egypt buy a travel insurance policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, and at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage. This coverage is reimbursement-based, meaning the traveler is typically required to pay their medical expenses upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement when they return home.

The Emergency Medical benefit of travel insurance can reimburse travelers for the costs of medical treatment in the event of an illness or injury during their trip. This includes physician services, ambulance expenses, and other costs of treatment.

The Medical Evacuation benefit can transport a traveler to the nearest adequate hospital in the event of a medical emergency. If the treating physician determines the traveler should return home for better treatment, this benefit can also cover those costs.

Medical travel insurance is the only coverage required in order for a traveler to enter Egypt, however, most travel insurance policies are comprehensive and include a variety of other benefits, without increasing the cost of a policy. This includes coverage for travel delays and lost or delayed luggage.

Due to the rising trip costs, Squaremouth recommends Trip Cancellation coverage for travelers who are concerned about canceling their trip, in addition to the medical travel insurance that is required in order for a traveler to enter Egypt.

Click here to begin your search for Egypt Travel Insurance.

Egypt Travel Insurance Trends and Data

Egypt has long been a popular destination for its famous tourist attractions, such as the Pyramids and the Nile River.

Destination Rank: 39

Percentage of Squaremouth Sales: 0.66%

Average Premium: $494.12

Average Trip Cost: $7,187.02

Squaremouth Analytics compares thousands of travel insurance policies purchased pre- and post-pandemic to identify changes and trends in the travel insurance industry.

Helpful Resources https://www.experienceegypt.eg/" target="blank">Egypt Tourism Authority

• U.S. Embassy in Egypt

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Top Travel Insurances for Egypt You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Egypt is a country that's captured the imagination of generations of travellers. Famous for its long and fascinating history that's given the world the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings, Egypt is also known for its lively culture, bustling markets, and stunning landscapes along the Nile River. Although travelling to Egypt can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, and although healthcare costs in the country aren't outrageously expensive, it's still a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance anway, as you'll want the highest-quality healthcare you can find.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Egypt and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Egypt Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Egypt:

Best Travel Insurances for Egypt

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for Egypt? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Egypt scroll down

Heading to Egypt soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Egypt?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through Egypt.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Egypt or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Egypt:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Egypt. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Egypt, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Egypt:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Egypt? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Egypt

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for Egypt. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in Egypt can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Egypt set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Consulate General for Egypt in the UK .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Visa requirements

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa. Visa processing fees are non-refundable.

We advise you to get a visa before you travel, particularly if travelling for work or business. You can apply for a visa from the official Visa2Egypt portal or at your nearest Egyptian Consulate . Tourist visas granted using the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months.

The online e-visa portal (Visa2Egypt) does not currently accept applications from variant British passport holders (those from British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies).

All British passport holders can get a visa in advance by submitting an application in person or by post to the Egyptian Consulate in London . The specific requirements for the visa are listed on the website.

Alternatively, if you wish to get a visa on arrival, you can do so at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is 25 US dollars, payable in dollars as the preferred currency, although you may also be able to pay in pounds sterling or euros. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days. There’s no need to buy a visa from an agent. In many cases agents will charge more than US$25 for a visa. If you’re harassed by an agent, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.

If you’re travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa.

If you have travelled to one of the South Sinai Red Sea resorts, entered without a visa and your plans have changed, you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport to allow you to travel elsewhere.

Applications for visa extensions should be made at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You may have difficulties leaving Egypt with an out of date visa. You will normally have to pay a fine if your visa is out of date by more than 14 days.

For further information and enquiries, contact the Egyptian Consulate in London .

Visa extensions

Apply for visa extensions at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You may face difficulties if you try to leave Egypt on an expired visa. You may be fined if your visa has expired by more than 14 days.

Contact the Egyptian Consulate in London for more information.

Visas at the Egypt-Sudan Border Crossing

If you’re crossing the border from Sudan, the Egyptian authorities have advised it is still possible to get a visa on arrival for the regular cost of 25 US dollars.

HIV test for work permits

You will need to show your result from a HIV test to apply for a work permit.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro’s Egypt guide . Depending on the country you’re arriving from, this may include a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Egypt . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You’re allowed to bring in or take out up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds. There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you can bring in, but you must declare it when you arrive if it’s worth more than 10,000 US dollars.

You must also declare certain valuables, including electrical equipment or video cameras, when you arrive. These will be noted in your passport. You may be asked to show these items again when you leave the country. If you do not have them on you, you may have to pay a high rate of customs duty.

Officials are likely to confiscate satellite phones or radio communications equipment unless you have prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Contact the Egyptian embassy in your country of residence for further information on customs requirements

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Travel Insurance Egypt

Millennia of history and balmy heat – check.

Find out more about why Egypt remains a top holiday choice for British tourists.

History buffs, divers and sun-seekers have flocked to Egypt for years, and despite a spate of violent protests and terrorist attacks over the past few years, holidaymakers continue to visit the African country in droves - around 319,000 British nationals visited in 2017.

And according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), most visits are trouble free.

Like many busy tourist hotspots, the risk of opportunistic thieves pickpocketing and bag snatching is high , and with temperatures reaching a sweltering 33°C, heat-related illnesses can affect tourists, so it pays to have good travel insurance in place.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

Travel Insurance Egypt: what cover do I need?

Getting the right cover in place is particularly important for holiday in Egypt as there’s no public healthcare. If you fall ill or get an injury, you’ll need to visit a private doctor or hospital, and the bills could run into the thousands – the right travel insurance will cover you.

Admiral has three levels of cover - Admiral, Admiral Gold and Admiral Platinum - depending on your budget and needs, which you can have for a Single Trip or to cover all your holidays over the year with annual cover  (up to a maximum of 31 days per trip).

All Admiral policies provide cover for a wide range of scenarios, including:

• Your belongings being lost, damaged or stolen
• Needing legal assistance while you’re away
• Travel disruption

Choose from three levels of cover

Read the full list of benefits in the policy summary booklet .

Is Egypt in Europe?

Admiral Travel Insurance classes Egypt as Europe, so you can buy our European cover , other insurers will class it differently, so you’d need worldwide cover – make sure you check before buying your cover.

Admiral covers 50 European countries, and our policies stretch the boundaries of Europe to include places like:

Travel tips for Egypt

Does the ghic/ehic cover me in egypt.

No – neither the European Health Insurance Card nor the Global Health Insurance Card are valid in Egypt, meaning you’ll be footing the bill for any medical care if you don’t have insurance in place.

Despite some insurers, including Admiral, classing Egypt as in Europe for its travel zones, each country’s healthcare system is different, and some don't accept the cards at all: Egypt is one, as is Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus (the north).

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A  pre-existing condition  is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on  0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Your questions answered

Is it safe to travel to egypt.

Since January 2011, there has been significant political turmoil in Egypt with violent protests and terrorist attacks. Before booking a trip there, be sure to the check the latest FCDO travel advice . Some areas of Egypt are listed under the 'advise against all travel' category – if you travel to one of these places your travel insurance will not be valid.

Do you need a visa for Egypt?

Yes, British passport holders need a visa before entering Egypt. You can buy one online before you go from Visa2Egypt , which will be valid for three months, or at the airport on arrival, which will be valid for 30 days. They cost US$25.

Is Egypt classed as Europe for travel insurance?

Egypt is classed as part of Europe for Admiral Travel Insurance, so you’ll be covered with our  European Travel Insurance .

Do you need injections for Egypt?

There aren’t any specific vaccinations for travel in Egypt if your routine vaccinations as recommended in the UK are up to date.

For more information on where, when and how to get vaccines, take a look at our guide to travel vaccinations .

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

June 1, 2020

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Travel insurance

Tricky travel insurance questions answered by experts

Erica Lamberg

Alyce Meserve

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

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• Travel insurance is subject to the terms and conditions of your policy, so it’s vital to read your policy documents to understand the scope of coverage, policy limits and exclusions of your plan. 
• Although your credit card may offer some valuable travel insurance benefits, make sure the coverage limits are a fit with your travel plans and circumstances.
• You can buy travel insurance to cover a portion of trip expenses, or to cover a trip with no prepaid, nonrefundable costs. 

Travel insurance can be a sound investment that protects your trip costs, health and the value of your belongings while you’re on a trip. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans provide coverage for the following issues: trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, medical expense, emergency medical evacuation and baggage loss protection.

Your plan documents will provide an overview of the scope of coverage, including what your travel insurance covers , the limitations and what is excluded from your coverage.

It’s important to read your policy thoroughly and carefully so you can get the most value from your travel insurance plan.

Even when a policy is comprehensive, you may still have questions and concerns about the scope of what your plan will cover, how the policy works regarding reimbursement and more. We’ve asked travel insurance experts to explain the fine print and address some pressing travel insurance questions to help you be a more informed traveler and be best protected on your trip.

Do I need to buy travel insurance if my credit card covers it?

You may hold a credit card with travel insurance benefits that are provided when you use that credit card to pay for your trip. But its coverage might not be sufficient for an expensive or international trip. 

“Many credit card providers include no additional charge travel insurance coverage as part of a customer’s selection of a particular card,” said Scott Adamski, spokesperson with AIG Travel . “Based on the card type and level, benefits vary significantly, so it’s incumbent on the cardholder to review the terms and conditions in order to understand what coverages, if any, are included in the card.”

He cautions that cardholders should review limits of coverage to determine whether they are adequate for their needs. “In one review of credit card trip cancellation coverage, a particular card offers a $1,500 maximum trip cancellation benefit. If the customer were taking a trip with, for example, a $5,000 trip cost, there may be a limitation as to getting reimbursement above the benefit level through the coverage under the credit card,” said Adamski.

Another important consideration is that select credit cards may provide limited or no medical expense coverage . As most domestic health insurance isn’t accepted in foreign countries, make certain you are prepared with health coverage when traveling outside the U.S.

Travel insurance policies that you buy from a third party let you customize your coverage so you can get the benefits you need for a particular trip. These standalone policies offer a larger list of covered cancellation and interruption reasons, missed connection benefits, optional upgrades like adventure bundles, rental car coverage or increased limits on baggage, trip delay and medical and emergency evacuation protection . Plus, the only way to get “ cancel for any reason ” and “interruption for any reason” coverage is through a third-party policy. 

Although many credit cards provide baggage and trip delay insurance, getting a claim paid can take an extended period. Because airlines sometimes provide compensation for delayed flights and baggage, the credit card company may require you to prove what the airline reimbursed you before it will consider your claim.

“It is important to understand all parameters of the coverage, and you should review the details of any coverage you have through your credit cards,” Adamski said. He added, that due to the limitations described above, a third-party travel insurance program may be a great complement to the coverage offered through a credit card.

Can I insure only part of my trip?

Daniel Durazo, spokesperson for Allianz Partners US, said indeed you could purchase travel insurance to cover only part of your prepaid travel expenses. 

If, for instance, your flights are refundable and your car rental is cancellable, you may only want to buy travel insurance for the value of your prepaid accommodations. 

Travel insurance costs an average of 5% to 6% of the prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses you want to insure. Insuring a lower amount will bring down the cost of your travel insurance policy.

Can I insure a trip with a value of $0?

Adamski with AIG said, yes, you can insure a trip with a zero value. “In fact, purchasing a travel insurance plan where there are no prepaid nonrefundable costs is not uncommon, and a common scenario includes the use of airline or similar mileage to pay for travel,” he said.

So when someone is using rewards miles to purchase air tickets or other components of a travel experience, there may not be any non-refundable amount. “An insured can still purchase an AIG Travel plan at $0 trip cost and benefit from the comprehensive coverages offered in the plan, i.e., medical expense, baggage and medical evacuation,” said Adamski.

Is it worth buying an annual policy or are the limits much lower? 

Opting to buy an annual travel insurance plan may be a sound purchase for frequent travelers. “Typically, an annual plan may offer lower benefits and limited coverage for scenarios such as trip cancellation, trip interruption or travel delays but will, conversely, have robust coverage for medical expense and medical evacuation benefits,” explained Adamski.

Therefore, someone who’s taking a number of low-cost trips using domestic air travel may elect to buy an annual plan specifically for more catastrophic events, such as a medical evacuation, particularly if they’re not as concerned about protecting the low-cost airfares, he said.

As an example, parents who have children located throughout the U.S. and are paying for lower costs, such as domestic air tickets to travel and then staying with their children, have relatively low out-of-pocket costs. “An annual plan may be a good fit. However, if those parents decide to take a vacation and book a $25,000 cruise, an individual travel insurance plan would be a good option,” clarified Adamski.

Annual policies can vary widely in terms of how or whether they cover pre-existing conditions. Some policies may cover pre-existing conditions if you buy the plan shortly after paying the initial deposit, while others cover them only if you experience an acute flare-up. However, some don’t offer any extra protection and restrict coverage to a medical history look-back period.

To ascertain if a plan is correct for your travel circumstances, be sure to thoroughly review the terms and conditions, benefits, coverages and limits of your travel insurance policy.

When will travel insurance arrange payment for a medical emergency?

According to Durazo with Allianz, depending on your personal situation, you may need to pay up front for medical care or be able to rely on your travel insurance to handle payment.

“If you experience a minor injury, such as needing to get stitches for a cut or getting a splint for a sprained ankle, there’s a possibility you will need to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed later,” said Durazo. 

However, he said, should you experience a more serious injury that leaves you in the hospital for more than 24 hours, that’s typically when an insurance company can guarantee advance payment for medical care, up to the limit of your specific policy. 

“Experiencing a medical emergency when you’re far from home can be incredibly stressful,” said Durazo. “That’s why it’s essential to purchase emergency medical coverage from a credible travel insurance company, who you know will be there for you when you have a problem.”

Expert tip: A travel insurance company with a medical assistance team can help direct you to the local, pre-screened medical providers, provide translation services when speaking with medical professionals outside of your own country, guarantee payments to hospitals and help transfer you to a more appropriate medical facility for top care.

Is it worth buying travel insurance if my health insurance covers me?

Relying solely on your health insurance provider in a foreign country can leave you in a vulnerable situation. Even if your domestic health insurance reimburses for medical expenses incurred outside of the country — and many don’t — it may require you to get pre-authorization, find an in-network provider and submit reimbursement claims. This could put you in a tough spot if you need to pay for medical care before you can leave the country. 

Travel medical insurance , which is included in comprehensive travel insurance plans, can provide additional guidance and advance payments to ensure your safe return home.

According to Durazo, if your health insurance is accepted abroad, it’s important to speak with your health insurance provider to determine if your policy also includes coverage for potentially expensive emergency medical evacuation and transportation. 

“Emergency medical transportation, especially by air ambulance, can cost tens of thousands of dollars and be very difficult to arrange on your own,” said Durazo. “Your travel insurance policy can arrange and pay for costly emergency medical transportation.”

Can I get reimbursed if I’m too anxious to travel?

Travel insurance recognizes numerous “covered perils,” that would allow you to cancel your trip — even last-minute — and still be covered, subject to the terms of the insurance policy, said Adamski with AIG. “However, fear of travel is not a covered reason, nor is — as a more specific example — a concern that a developing tropical cyclone could become a hurricane and hit a certain destination when a traveler is scheduled to be there,” he said.

However, many travel insurance plans offer an optional “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade that would provide coverage for circumstances like these. The decision to pay extra for CFAR coverage is closely connected to the traveler’s risk tolerance, the value of the trip and circumstances that may arise that may not be covered under the terms and conditions of the base travel insurance plan, said Adamski.

“The key benefit put plainly is that this optional coverage could provide reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs in circumstances where no other coverage may apply. It is of great importance that travelers carefully review the terms of any policies that offer a CFAR option to get specifics on coverage amounts, limits or exclusions,” said Adamski.

For example, if a traveler has purchased the optional CFAR coverage and needs to cancel for a non-covered reason under their AIG travel insurance plan, Adamski said they may be reimbursed up to 50% of their prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost. “Please note that, under the terms of CFAR, the traveler must cancel the trip more than 48 hours prior to their planned trip departure,” he emphasized. 

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Erica Lamberg is a regular contributor to Fox News, Fox Business, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, AAA and USA TODAY. She writes about business, travel, personal finance, health, travel insurance and work/life balance. She is based in suburban Philadelphia.

Alyce Meserve is an experienced insurance, personal finance and travel writer. Alyce is a licensed insurance professional in life, health and property and casualty, and holds an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duke University.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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What Is Schengen Travel Insurance?

Quick answer.

S chengen travel insurance is a specific type of travel insurance policy tailored to meet the travel medical coverage requirements set by the 27 (soon to be 29) European destinations within the Schengen Area. Travelers must present proof of sufficient coverage as part of the Schengen visa application process.

Schengen member countries have abolished their internal borders, allowing more accessible travel within the area. While this is incredibly convenient, some travelers may need a visa to visit Schengen countries. And one of the requirements to obtain that visa is to purchase sufficient travel medical insurance coverage.

Read on to learn more about Schengen visa travel insurance requirements and find the best travel insurance policy for your upcoming trip.

Table of contents

What is schengen travel insurance, schengen countries, visa and travel insurance requirements for the schengen area, key coverages in schengen travel insurance, how to get schengen travel insurance, schengen travel insurance faqs, summary of money’s guide to schengen travel insurance.

Schengen travel insurance is designed for travelers entering the Schengen zone, which comprises 27 (soon to be 29) European nations that have abolished internal borders.

Many visitors, including citizens from non-EU countries like India and China, must obtain a travel visa to enter the Schengen Area. And a requirement for a Schengen Visa is to have insurance covering at least €30,000 (around $32,720) in medical costs.

However, there are exemptions. For example, U.S. citizens and residents of countries such as Canada, Brazil and Mexico don’t need a Schengen visa or travel insurance for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Schengen Area consists of a diverse tapestry of countries. Among the member nations are some of the best places to visit in Europe , including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece and the Netherlands.

Here’s the complete list:

Ireland and Cyprus are the only E.U. member states not currently part of the Schengen Agreement.

Having a valid U.S. passport allows you to spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area, whether for tourism or business purposes.

Once officially admitted, you can travel freely within the member countries without passing through customs each time. Stays under 90 days don’t require a visa for U.S. nationals, but your passport should be valid for at least six months past your travel dates.

Short stays don’t require travel medical insurance either, though travel insurance may still be worth it . That could be especially true if you plan to participate in adventure sports or other high-risk activities.

Travel insurance generally also covers cancellations and delays. Purchasing a policy could pay off if you’ve booked expensive, non-refundable flights or accommodations and didn’t purchase them with one of the best travel credit cards that offer insurance.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

Travel requirements for European Union countries are projected to change by mid-2025. Visa-exempt travelers to all 27 (soon to be 29) Schengen countries and Cyprus will need an ETIAS authorization.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must complete an online application and pay a small fee for an ETIAS authorization.
• The authorization is tied to your passport and is valid for three years or until your passport expires.
• With a valid travel authorization, you can enter 30 European countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• ETIAS authorization does not guarantee entry into any of these countries. You still have to present your passport and documents at the border.
• The above applies to people from the U.S., Canada and dozens of other countries, so check the E.U.’s official travel website or your country’s embassy for more information. An ETIAS is not a visa and doesn’t mandate travel medical insurance.

Schengen visa requirements

You’ll need a visa if you’re from a visa-exempt country, like the U.S., and planning to stay in the Schengen Area beyond the 90-day threshold. Regardless of the length of the stay, nationals traveling from certain countries always require a visa.

Determine which Schengen country you’ll spend most of your time in and check with their official tourism or embassy website for instructions on applying for a visa. The embassy will inform you about the required documentation and instructions to meet their regulations.

Schengen visa processing time can vary depending on your country of origin and your destination country, so be sure to start the process as early as possible.

Besides the application form, the following are required to obtain a Schengen visa:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after departure.
• Passport photo: You must submit a picture of yourself that complies with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
• Travel medical insurance: You must carry at least €30,000 (approximately $32,720) in coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation that’s valid in the entire Schengen Area for the duration of your stay.
• Documentation: You must provide evidence of the purpose of your visit through supporting documentation, demonstrate you have the financial means to cover expenses and accommodations and show intent to return to your home country after the stay.
• Fingerprints: Most, but not all, applicants will be required to submit their fingerprints along with their application.

Consulates of particular countries may require additional documentation.

Understanding what travel insurance covers can help you plan a worry-free journey. While plans and coverage options vary by company, here’s a breakdown of what Schengen travel insurance generally covers.

• Medical expenses: Travel medical insurance covers the cost of treating unexpected illnesses or injuries you suffer during your trip, up to your policy limits. These include the cost of medications, hospitalization and other essential medical treatments.
• Medical repatriation: Some travel medical policies also include emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, which covers some of the costs of transporting you back home or to a different medical facility to receive necessary medical treatment.
• Repatriation of remains: As the name suggests, this coverage will pay (up to your policy limits) for expenses related to transporting your body or cremated remains to your home country or point of origin.
• 24/7 Travel Assistance: Travel insurance companies generally offer round-the-clock assistance services, including language support, help recovering lost passports or prescriptions and even booking accommodations and medical transportation.

Note that some companies may require you to meet a deductible for the travel medical plan to start paying out.

Other travel-related coverage options

Most travel insurers sell policies covering medical emergencies and travel-related inconveniences such as delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. While you don’t need these coverage options to obtain a Schengen visa, you may still find them worthwhile.

• Trip cancellation and trip interruption: Covers non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to unforeseen events like illness or accidents.
• Baggage loss or delay: Helps cover the cost of replacing essential items if your baggage is lost or delayed by a specified number of hours.
• Delayed flights and missed connections: Provides compensation for additional expenses caused by inconveniences such as delays or missed connections.

It’s easy to buy travel insurance for your Schengen Area trip. Many providers offer policies that fulfill the visa requirement and include additional coverage that can be tailored to your needs.

Here are some steps to help you get the right coverage.

1. Research reputable travel insurance providers

Most travel insurers bundle travel medical insurance coverage with trip cancellation, interruption, and other coverage options. If you only want to satisfy Schengen visa requirements, look for a provider that explicitly markets Schengen travel insurance or offers stand-alone travel medical coverage.

2. Select a plan that meets your needs and get a quote

Remember that you may not need trip insurance beyond the €30,000 in travel medical coverage required for a Schengen visa, so read plan details carefully to avoid buying unnecessary coverage.

It also pays to shop around and get quotes from several insurers, as travel insurance costs between 3% and 14% of the total cost of your trip, depending on the company and policy you choose.

3. Read your policy details

When shopping for travel insurance online, you’ll typically find that most companies include a policy summary or schedule. This document outlines critical details such as the policy’s coverage limits and exclusions. Carefully reading it can help you avoid surprises and frustration if you ever need to file a claim.

If you still have questions after reading the policy summary, contact the insurer before finalizing your purchase.

4. Get to know the claims process

Similarly, reading about your insurance provider’s claims process can save you time and energy in an emergency. Your policy summary should include a list of documents you’ll be required to provide as part of the claims process, which may include receipts and medical bills.

After a covered incident, contact your insurer through the company’s website or mobile app as soon as possible. Most insurers also offer travel assistance services around the clock.

5. Purchase and safeguard your policy

You will need proof of your travel medical insurance plan to apply for a Schengen visa. Keep your insurance certificate in a secure yet accessible location, whether a digital version on your smartphone or a physical printout in your travel folder.

It may also be a good idea to share a copy of your policy with a trusted friend or family member back home so they can contact your insurance provider if you cannot request medical assistance due to an emergency.

Should I get travel insurance for Europe?

Travel insurance, especially within the Schengen Area, is not just recommended but often mandatory. To obtain a visa to visit the Schengen zone, you must show proof of having sufficient travel medical insurance.

How much travel insurance do I need for Europe?

What countries does europe travel insurance cover.

• The first step before you travel to any Schengen country is to determine whether you need a visa and, therefore, mandatory travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa.
• Check with your country’s embassy, Department of Foreign Affairs or the tourism website of the country you plan to visit for specifics about medical travel insurance for Schengen visa requirements.
• You don’t need a visa or international travel insurance if you have a valid U.S. passport and are visiting the Schengen zone for less than 90 days in a 180-day period.
• If you’re a U.S. national planning to visit the Schengen Area for more than 90 days, you must apply for a visa and secure adequate travel health insurance (at least €30,000 in travel medical and repatriation coverage).

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