Egypt is a popular tourist destination with ancient pyramids, temples, and beautiful beaches. However, it’s always best to be prepared for any emergency that may arise during your stay. In this article, we will cover the following questions:
- What is the phone number to call for emergency medical assistance in Egypt? Include information for mental health emergencies
- Where can you go for emergency medical treatment in Egypt?
- Is emergency treatment free in Egypt or is there a cost involved? Is insurance required?
Phone Number for Emergency Medical Assistance in Egypt
The emergency phone number for medical assistance in Egypt is 123. This number can be called from any phone, and it will connect you to the emergency medical services. The operator will speak Arabic, but they will likely also speak English.
It’s important to note that in Egypt, the ambulance service is not as advanced as in some other countries. The ambulances may not be fully equipped with medical supplies and personnel, and they may not always arrive in a timely manner. Therefore, if you have a serious medical emergency, it may be best to arrange for private transport to a hospital.
For mental health emergencies, there are several helplines that can be contacted. The National Council for Mental Health has a helpline that can be reached at 08008887777. They also offer counseling services in Arabic and English.
Emergency medical treatment in Egypt
There are both public and private hospitals in Egypt. The public hospitals are run by the government and are generally cheaper, but they can be crowded and have long waiting times. Private hospitals, on the other hand, are more expensive but generally offer better service and shorter wait times.
Some of the top hospitals in Egypt include:
- Dar El Fouad Hospital
- As-Salam International Hospital
- American Hospital Cairo
- Nasser Institute Hospital
In the event of an emergency, it’s important to go to the nearest hospital. If you’re staying in a tourist area, there may be hospitals or clinics that cater specifically to tourists. These hospitals may have English-speaking staff and be more accustomed to dealing with tourists’ medical needs.
Cost of emergency treatment in Egypt
Emergency treatment in Egypt is not free, and there is a cost involved. However, the cost is generally much lower than in many other countries. For example, a visit to a public hospital may cost around 50-100 Egyptian pounds (equivalent to 3-6 US dollars), while a private hospital may charge several hundred pounds.
It’s important to note that most hospitals in Egypt require payment upfront, even for emergency treatment. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. This will ensure that you’re not stuck with a large bill in the event of an emergency.
In conclusion, Egypt has a reliable emergency medical system, but it’s important to be aware of the limitations of the system. If you have a serious medical emergency, it may be best to arrange for private transport to a hospital. There are both public and private hospitals in Egypt, and the cost of emergency treatment is generally low compared to many other countries. However, it’s still important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies to avoid unexpected expenses.