Medical Tourism in Egypt

When it comes to medical tourism, Egypt is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Egypt is also a land known for natural healing that contributes significantly to the health tourism market. It provides natural remedies based on natural resources such as suitable climate, mineral water springs, sulfur water baths, mud, and hot sand. All these things make Egypt a favorable destination for medical tourism, and that's why it is also known for "Therapeutic Tourism" worldwide.

Did you know, Egypt is ranked 14 out of 46 global destinations in the medical tourism industry?

In 2017 the 'Tour n' Cure' was launched, bringing Hepatitis C patients to Egypt for tourism and treatment. Egypt declared in 2019 that it would provide testing for hepatitis C and treatment free of cost to one million people in 14 countries in Africa, with WHO.

Places for Medical Tourism in Egypt

• Bahariya Oasis: It is a group of Egyptian oases located in the Western Desert. This valley has an area of approximately 2000 square kilometers and is surrounded by mountains and many water springs. "Gabel Dakrour" is the popular spot there for healing because it contains about 400 sulfur & mineral water. It is the best place for patients to heal who suffer from rheumatic issues, skin diseases, and gastritis.

• Kharga Oasis: It is located in South Assiut and contains deep wells such as Bulaq Wells and Nasser wells with lots of therapeutic benefits. According to laboratory analysis, it is proven that these wells contain mineralized water, which is beneficial to treat kidney stones, skin diseases, rheumatic diseases, digestive system disorders, etc.

• Aswan City: It is a famous tourist city that is located in Upper Egypt. The city's atmosphere is suitable for patients with kidney, respiratory systems, and rheumatic diseases. It has two sand and water treatment centers that are used for treating rheumatoid due to salt in seawater and UV rays beside the usage of natural black sand.

• Siwa Oasis: It is the most visited natural treatment spot in Egypt because it contains natural 230 freshwater springs and natural flowing 1000 wells. Mount Dakrur is a famous mountain there which is used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Why is Egypt Considered a Great Destination for Medical Tourism?

Egypt has been popular since ancient times because of its soil which contains many materials for disease treatments. Sulfur spring therapy, black sand therapy, etc., are widely popular alternative treatment options that relieve stress reduce aches and pains. Today, Egypt has all the ingredients of a medical tourism hub, which is why many people travel there for medical treatment every year. 

Here are several reasons why Egypt has become a well-known medical tourism destination:

• Cost: One essential thing every medical tourist considers before traveling to any country is the treatment cost. The primary reason why people travel to Egypt is that it is among the cheapest destinations for medical tourism compared to the UK, Europe, and North America. It is possible because the medical tourism companies provide attractive packages for medical tourists consisting of medical tests and services at affordable rates. The Egyptian Government allows these medical tourism companies to offer health insurance plans that remain valid for the duration of the stay. It is done to attract potential tourists to connect to the right healthcare facilities at subsidized prices. 

• A heart bypass surgery would cost 123,000 USD in the US, while it costs 26,000 USD in Egypt.

• Hip replacement cost in the US is 40 360 USD, and in Egypt, it is 11,300 USD. 

• Heart Valve Replacement Surgery cost in Egypt is just 20,500 USD compared to 170,000 USD in the US. 

As you can see, there is a huge difference in the costs of major surgeries. This is one of the reasons why people prefer Egypt for medical treatment. 

• Quality of Healthcare: Among 22 Middle East North Africa (MENA) countries, Egypt is ranked at 12th place as far as healthcare quality is concerned. Egypt is a prime destination for medical tourism because of its exceptional treatment standards. There are 11JCI accredited hospitals in the country that provide high-quality treatment round the clock. The medical professionals available in the hospitals received their training and credentials in the UK and USA. These quality healthcare services draw more medical tourists to the country from different parts of the world, which also generates millions for the economy.

• Alternative Treatment Therapy: Egypt has also developed a wide array of alternative therapies for medical tourists. They can find several resorts, healing centers, and spas that provide sulfur spring therapy, black sand therapy, and other popular treatments. These therapies are very beneficial and are used to relieve stress and aches. The climate alone in various places in Egypt can help certain conditions more than modern medicine can. These alternative treatments will also help in treating respiratory diseases, kidney problems, digestive issues, rheumatism, arthritis, joint pain, etc.

• Tourist Destination: Egypt is also a fantastic vacation destination to relieve pre-and post-treatment stress. One of Egypt's most popular tourist attractions is the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is also famous for its ancient civilization and monuments such as the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the GEM (The Grand Egyptian Museum), Sakkara, and Dahshur. The country's ancient temples are filled with interesting carvings and paintings. The capital city Cairo is one of the favored destinations because most private hospitals are located here, and it is also connected to numerous tourist spots. 

Around 12% of Egypt's population are employed in tourism-related roles, and millions of tourists visit Egypt safely every year.

• Lifestyle & Culture: Egypt is the perfect fusion of different cultures. Egyptians are very friendly and welcoming towards foreigners & tourists, and their smiling faces are an added charm. They are also known for their love of music, and many of them like to play instruments. Places of worship are considered sacred places for Egyptians, and therefore tourists from abroad should respect their serious mentality about the places of worship; mosques and churches. The country has developed over the past decades to become the modern heart of Africa. 

• Egyptian Food: Tourists will find a wide variety of Egyptian cuisine which is simple, traditional, and full of flavors. Some of the most famous Egyptian cuisines are Koshari, Malukhya, The musacaa, Alexandrian liver, The stuffed pigeon, Beans, The tortillas with meat, Hawawshi, and Macaroni with bacon. It is a blend of flavors that will definitely satisfy anyone's tastebuds. Every visitor must try these dishes in Egypt to understand the amazing taste of the country.

• Cosmetic Surgery: Egypt's primary market focus is cosmetic surgery. The best thing about combining a holiday with cosmetic surgery in Egypt is that both can be achieved for the price compared to just the surgery in the UK. There are many clinics in the country that offer packages for treatment, aftercare, and travel arrangements at an affordable price. In Egypt, Rhinoplasty will cost €1,500, breast augmentation €1,000, and a facelift €2,000. The low prices of cosmetic surgeries do not mean that medical tourists will get low-quality services. The cosmetic surgeons are well-trained and experienced in their field to provide the best treatment. 

Opportunities of Medical Tourism Business in Egypt

Egypt is a fast-growing medical tourist destination, and it can bring in revenue to support the economy. Every year the country welcomes a large number of tourists, which can be extended to medical tourism. A medical traveler can take advantage of the variety in accommodation, such as starred hotels with spas, wellness resorts, wellness centers, and budget hotels.

As mentioned earlier, it has 11JCI accredited hospitals with numerous professional and skilled physicians to attract foreign tourists. The medical tourism companies can promote hospitals with JCI accreditation so that patients will draw their attention towards them. It will help in increasing medical tourism in Egypt rapidly. Medical tourism companies can handle foreign patients right from the beginning of their arrival to the end of their treatment. 

Besides, medical treatment in Egypt is affordable, which is a big plus point to increase medical tourism in the country.

Top 5 Hospitals in Egypt

1. New Kasr El Aini Teaching Hospital, Cairo: This hospital is equipped with the latest scientific methods and technologies and has various medical and surgical departments like ENT, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, etc.

2. Cleopatra Hospital: It is Egypt's largest private hospital group by a number of hospital beds and number of operating hospitals. They aim to deliver the finest quality healthcare in Egypt in a safe, reliable, and caring environment.

3. Saudi German Hospital, Cairo: It is a JCI accredited hospital that also received the Temos International Healthcare Accreditation in its Excellence in Medical Tourism and quality in international patient care. It is the first in Africa to obtain this accreditation. 

4. As-Salam International Hospital, Cairo: It is one of the largest private-sector tertiary healthcare providers in Egypt. It is the first in the Middle East to receive the JCI for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

5. As-Salam International Hospital, Egypt: It is the third hospital worldwide and the first in the Middle East to receive clinical care certification by the JCI for the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD.

Top 5 Doctors in Egypt

1. Dr. Tarek Rayan: A leading Neurosurgeon with 20 years of experience.

2. Dr. Ahmed Serour: He is a well-known IVF specialist who has been practicing for 21 years. 

3. Dr. Yahia Amin: He has 35 years of extensive experience in treating patients with infertility.

4. Dr. Nasser Fathy Loza: He is a leading Psychiatrist with 28 years of experience in his field.

5. Dr. Mona Aboulghar: She has gained proficient skills and expertise as an IVF specialist with 25 years of experience.

Tourist Application Requirements for an Egypt Visa

• Passport: Your actual signed passport with two copies of the personal information page of the passport.

• Photographs

• VisaCentral Order Form

• Visa Application Form

• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

• Visa Upon Arrival

Final Words

Egypt has established itself as the front-runner in medical tourism. If you are planning to travel to Egypt for medical treatment, make sure to be prepared with all the relevant information. The immediate destination for tourists is Cairo because it has the maximum number of reputed hospitals, and you can find cheap and reliable accommodation services, treatment facilities, and attractive destinations.