Compare travel insurance for Egypt
Here are a few ideas on how to have a brilliant time in Egypt and a reminder to sort out your travel insurance when you book.
Key takeaways
Ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance cover for any unexpected turn of events
Choose an excess you’re comfortable with, a higher excess lowers your premium but could be a burden during claims
Check your policy documents, some insurance company's treat Egypt as part of Europe due to its Mediterranean border, while others classify it as ‘worldwide’
Remember, Egypt is not in Europe so European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) won’t work there
Why do I need travel insurance for Egypt?
Travel insurance is essential if you’re planning a holiday in Egypt. The land of the Pharaohs is a treasure trove of history and culture, but it's also a place where the unexpected can happen. Whether it's a bout of illness, an accidental fall among the ruins, or the misfortune of lost luggage, being prepared can make all the difference. Financial protection if you need to cut short or cancel your trip in an emergency is a key reason to have travel insurance.
Travel insurance acts as your financial safety net, ensuring that mishaps don't turn into disasters. It's not just about having a backup plan; it's about peace of mind. Knowing that you're covered for emergencies, from trip cancellations to theft, lets you focus on the wonders of Egypt, rather than worrying about what-ifs.
What should my travel insurance policy for Egypt include?
A comprehensive travel insurance policy for Egypt should be as multifaceted as the country itself. Here's what to look for:
Cover for emergency medical expenses.
Cover for the cost of bringing you back to the UK, or ‘repatriation’.
Cover for the cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. This is in case you have to head home earlier than planned or an emergency prevents you from going in the first place.
Delay and missed departure cover. This covers you if events beyond your control (such as a car breakdown) cause you to miss your flight.
Travel abandonment cover for unusual circumstances where the journey to your destination becomes unfeasible.
Baggage cover. This is in case your belongings are lost or stolen during your trip. Make sure you have cover for any particularly costly items you’ll have with you, such as precious jewellery.
Passport cover. This is important because getting a replacement for a lost or stolen passport while abroad can be both complicated and costly.
Personal liability cover protects you in case something you do causes injury to someone else or the loss or damage of their possessions.
Egypt travel insurance: exclusions and what to watch out for
While travel insurance is a must-have, it's equally important to understand what your policy does not cover. These exclusions are critical to note so you can avoid unpleasant surprises when making a claim.
Exclusions typically include:
Pre-existing medical conditions. For example, if you have chronic high blood pressure and become unwell on holiday as a direct result, you will be unable to claim. If you have such a condition, or you’ve had one in the past for which you’ve received advice or treatment, you may be charged a higher premium. In some instances, you might have to take out a special policy.
Unexpected incidents affecting holidays like civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disasters.
Accidents or injuries linked to excessive alcohol consumption.
Travel to locations advised against by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Accidents or injuries during sporting activities without appropriate insurance.
Can I get insurance for adventurous activities or extreme sports?
Egypt is not just about ancient monuments; it's also a hotspot for adrenaline-pumping activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing. If you're planning to indulge in such sports, make sure your insurance policy covers them. MoneySuperMarket’s comparison tool can help you find tailored policies that include coverage for your planned activities.
Excess premium
The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before your insurer pays out. It's vital to choose an excess you're comfortable with; a higher excess can lower your premium, but it could be a financial burden if you need to claim. Balance is key.
When should I start my travel insurance policy?
Timing is everything, and this holds true for travel insurance as well. The best time to start your policy is from the moment you book your trip, not the day you start traveling. This ensures you're covered for any unforeseen events that might force you to cancel your plans.
Do I need worldwide or European travel insurance?
This is where it gets interesting. While a majority of Egypt is on the continent of Africa, for some travel insurance policies, it can sometimes be covered by Europe-wide travel insurance. While some companies treat Egypt as though it is part of Europe because it borders the Mediterranean, other travel insurers class it as a ‘worldwide’ destination. Always check your policy documents to confirm if Egypt is included in the coverage.
Can I access healthcare in Egypt?
Though Egypt is sometimes included in European travel insurance policies, it’s important to remember that the country is not in Europe. You will not be able to access healthcare using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Adequate travel insurance is your ticket to healthcare services, with most hotels and resorts housing a doctor and hospital treatment available in cities.
Healthcare standards outside major cities and tourist areas can be basic, so Cairo is often the go-to for urgent and emergency care. If you're bringing medication, carry a copy of your prescription, as some drugs legal in the UK may be prohibited in Egypt.
Looking for travel insurance?
Planning your Egyptian getaway should be thrilling, not stressful. MoneySuperMarket’s comparison tool simplifies the process of finding affordable and comprehensive travel insurance for Egypt. By comparing quotes from leading insurers, you can select a policy that matches your travel plans and activities, ensuring that your adventure is safeguarded from start to finish.
