Cairo at a Glance
Cairo: Medical Care & International Travel
Most national travel from Cairo takes place by coach.
Getting to Cairo (and Back Again)
Cairo International Airport is one of the busiest on the continent. Over 61% of the services are provided by Star Alliance member EgyptAir. More than 65 other airlines also offer connections to and from the airport, serving a total of 16 million customers annually.
A major hub for travel into Africa and the Middle East, the airport was recently expanded with a third, state-of-the-art terminal. Additionally, a subway line connecting the airport with downtown Cairo is currently under construction. This should considerably improve the airport’s accessibility.
Right now, various shuttle services and taxis are your best option. Fares range anywhere between 45 and 470E£, depending on your destination and the level of comfort you desire.
National Travel
Although Egypt offers an extensive (and relatively comfortable) railway system, most national travel is undertaken in buses. The biggest center of transportation in Egypt is, of course, located in Cairo, at Ramses Square.
Via the modern highways extending in every direction, you will reach your destination fairly quickly and comfortably when travelling by car. But please keep in mind that the desert areas should be off limits to expats for safety reasons. If you do not have work-related business there, it would be unwise to go exploring outside the established tourist routes.
Hospitals and Health Care
Your health is in good hands in Cairo. The city is Egypt’s main center for medical treatment, and generally speaking, it has the highest standard of medical care in the nation. You can expect almost every doctor in Cairo to have a good command of English. Seeing how many medical practitioners have spent some time abroad during part of their training, this does not come as a surprise.
Dozens of hospitals and clinics of different size and quality and with various specializations are available in Cairo. If you are not sure which hospital is the best option for you, you should consult your family doctor for advice. Many expats choose specific institutions, though, according to their language or specific health needs.
The As-Salam International Hospital, located in Cairo’s Maadi district, is the largest private hospital in Egypt. This internationally recognized institution is the preferred choice of many expats. But there are numerous other fine institutions, including an Anglo-American clinic and an Italian hospital.
Pharmacies and Emergencies
Pharmacies that are open for business around the clock are quite common in Cairo, and it is best to familiarize yourself with the one nearest to your home. Prescriptions are only rarely needed. You will usually be able to immediately get what you require. If not, your pharmacist can make an order for your pharmaceutical. Brand names will probably vary from those you know from home, but you can identify your medication by its main active ingredient.
The general emergency hotline for Egypt is 123. In order to receive the quickest possible help in case of emergencies, it could prove wise to directly call the emergency line of your district or part of town. The AmCham offers a comprehensive list on their website. Please keep in mind that, due to the traffic situation, Cairo’s emergency services are somewhat unreliable.
Health Insurance
As we have outlined in our article on Working in Cairo, the Egyptian social security system does unfortunately not apply to expats. Please make sure your insurance company offers full coverage for Egypt, or discuss possible company insurance plans with your employer. In any case, expect to pay fees for every visit to the doctor’s and every hospital stay.
It is possible to receive medical attention without health insurance, but you might be faced with considerable costs depending on the nature of your ailment. For example, many hospitals require a security deposit up front to ensure you can pay your bills.
Recommended international insurance providers that offer coverage for Egypt include Allianz and IAMAT.
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