Healthcare in Hurghada — The Complete Expat Medical Guide

Hospitals in Hurghada

El Salam Hospital is the primary private hospital catering to tourists and expats in Hurghada. English-speaking staff, reasonable facilities for most routine procedures, and international insurance acceptance. It handles everything from minor injuries to surgery — though complex cases are often referred to Cairo.

Hurghada General Hospital (government): the public facility, significantly cheaper but facilities and English-language capability are more limited. Most expats use private facilities. Several smaller private clinics throughout the tourist zone handle GP-level consultations and minor procedures at very competitive prices.

Dental Care

Dental care is one of Hurghada's great value propositions for expats. Private dentists in the tourist zone charge £20–£50 for treatments that cost £200–£500 in the UK. Quality at recommended dentists is generally good — the expat community maintains lists of reliable providers. Routine care (checkups, fillings, cleaning), orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry are all available at a fraction of UK prices. Many expats schedule dental work during Hurghada stays specifically for the cost advantage.

International Health Insurance

International health insurance is strongly recommended for all expats in Hurghada. Main providers covering Egypt: Cigna Global, AXA International, Allianz Care, Bupa International. Annual costs: £1,200–£3,500 depending on age, pre-existing conditions, and coverage level. Key things to check: whether evacuation and repatriation are covered, the Cairo hospital network covered by your insurer, whether pre-existing conditions are covered and at what premium, and the claims process for treatment in Hurghada specifically.

Pharmacy and Self-Care

Hurghada pharmacies are well-stocked and accessible — available on most major roads in the tourist zone. Many medications available over the counter in Egypt that require prescription in the UK: antibiotics, stronger pain relief, skin treatments. Pharmacists generally speak English and will advise on treatments. For chronic medication management, many expats bring 3–6 month supplies from the UK and supplement with Egyptian equivalents where available.

Medical Evacuation

For serious conditions, Cairo is the hub of Egypt's best medical care. German University Hospital and As-Salam International Hospital are considered Egypt's best private facilities and routinely treat expat medical evacuees from Hurghada. Travel time by road: 6 hours. By air ambulance: 1 hour. By internal flight: 1 hour. Ensure your health insurance includes evacuation cover — it is one of the most important elements of expat health insurance in Egypt.