Medical
58 questions from travelers about Medical in Hurghada, Egypt.
Questions
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Is snorkeling in Hurghada safe if I have breathing difficulties or cannot use a standard snorkel?
Travelers’ experiences vary: a full-face mask may work for surface snorkeling, but prolonged swimming can still cause a feeling of shortness of breath. Hurghada’s summer heat and walking around large beachfront resorts may be difficult for visitors with chronic or post-COVID respiratory issues.
2 sources · 2 days ago
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Does travel health insurance in Hurghada cover flare-ups of chronic conditions, doctor visits and diagnostic tests?
Do not rely solely on a travel agent’s advice—check the terms of your individual policy before travelling. Travelers report that many policies cover treatment related to chronic conditions and diagnostic tests ordered by a doctor.
2 sources · 3 days ago
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Can the Russian Pharmacy in Hurghada deliver medicines to a hotel for a small order, and what does delivery cost?
Russian Pharmacy in Hurghada reportedly offers free hotel delivery or a round-trip transfer to the pharmacy for orders from US$150. For a small order of around US$10, free delivery is not confirmed; it may be chargeable or unavailable, especially for distant hotels.
2 sources · 4 days ago
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How does travel insurance work for hospital visits in Hurghada, Egypt - does it cover medication costs?
It depends on your specific policy: with a deductible you typically pay around $30 per visit and buy medications yourself (may be reimbursed later), while no-deductible plans provide everything free directly at the clinic.
1 source · 8 days ago
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When should you use travel insurance for food poisoning or illness in Hurghada, Egypt?
If you don't feel better within a few hours, don't wait — call your travel insurance right away, they respond quickly. Sanitation standards in Egypt are often worse than even in Thailand, so food poisoning is a common issue for tourists.
1 source · 10 days ago
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Do you need travel medical insurance for Hurghada, Egypt and how to get it?
Yes, get travel medical insurance for your Egypt trip — package tours often include only minimal coverage, and clinics may ask for an extra ~$20 on-site to activate it. You can also buy a separate policy before departure (e.g. a Belarusian traveler paid 74 BYN for 3 people via Belgosstrakh).
1 source · 10 days ago
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How to deal with a sun/sea skin rash or allergy in Hurghada, Egypt?
Many travelers develop a seasonal sun/salt-water rash in Hurghada; antihistamines during the first week, plain calcium tablets from a pharmacy (3x/day), and rinsing off in fresh water after every swim all help.
1 source · 11 days ago
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Are medications cheaper in Hurghada, and what should you pack in your travel first-aid kit?
Many prescription medications (e.g. for diabetics) are much cheaper in Hurghada than back home — around 280 EGP per pack versus far higher prices abroad. Pack antiseptic and bandages for scrapes, and avoid bringing medications back across borders without a prescription, as customs may search luggage.
2 sources · 13 days ago
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Are there restrictions on exporting medicine from Egypt (Hurghada) when flying home?
There's no official law banning medicine export from Egypt, but customs may question or confiscate excess if you're carrying large quantities (5+ packs of the same drug) — best not to overload your luggage with meds.
2 sources · 15 days ago
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How can I prevent an itchy sun rash or sun allergy while on holiday in Hurghada?
Hurghada’s intense sun and sea reflection can trigger an itchy sun rash even when using SPF. Do not rely on sunscreen alone: limit direct exposure, especially after swimming, and wash sunscreen off thoroughly before flying.
1 source · 17 days ago
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Why does skin break out in a rash after swimming in the Red Sea in Hurghada, and how to prevent it?
Sea salt combined with sun exposure can trigger skin irritation and hives — rinse off with fresh water at the beach shower right after swimming, and avoid hot showers or sauna right after sun exposure until your skin cools down.
2 sources · 18 days ago
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What to do if you get sick (food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting) in Hurghada - how to use travel insurance
If you feel sick at night (vomiting, etc.), call your travel insurance immediately instead of waiting until morning; an anti-nausea medication can help before a doctor arrives.
2 sources · 19 days ago
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Do pharmacies in Hurghada sell medicine at the price printed on the box, and what to do if overcharged?
Yes, medicine boxes have a fixed price printed under the barcode — check it via the El Ezaby Pharmacy app or sites like 'русская аптека в Египте'. If overcharged, you can return to the pharmacy and dispute the price using the printed price as proof.
1 source · 3 days ago
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Can you bring prescription medicine and pills into Egypt (Hurghada) without customs confiscating them?
A reasonable personal supply of medicine and vitamins for your own use is normally fine to bring in — reports of confiscation usually involve people carrying excessive quantities, not medication itself.
2 sources · 20 days ago
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How to treat a sunburn while on vacation in Hurghada, Egypt?
For sunburn in Hurghada, use aloe vera gel (available in local pharmacies) or fresh juice from an aloe leaf if the plant grows on your hotel grounds. Camel dung, despite the rumor, doesn't help — it's too dry and will just scratch the skin.
1 source · 21 days ago
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How to use travel insurance for medical help in Hurghada, Egypt?
Contact the insurance Assistance service immediately (number is in your policy) or file a claim through your bank's app, then consult a doctor via WhatsApp or a telemedicine Telegram bot.
1 source · 22 days ago
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Why do travelers get stomach infections/food poisoning in Hurghada and what medicine helps?
Stomach infections and rotavirus are common even in good Hurghada hotels, sometimes spreading from one family member to another within days. Locally made medicine like Egyptian ibuprofen (Brufen) is often described as working better than the same drug bought back home.
2 sources · 19 days ago
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How much medication can you bring through airport customs when flying from Hurghada, Egypt?
No official per-person limit was confirmed by travelers, but in practice checked luggage with medication passes without issue — one traveler flew out on July 18 with a pack of pharmacy items and wasn't questioned.
2 sources · 16 days ago
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Do I need travel medical insurance for Hurghada, Egypt, and how does it work at the hospital?
Get an extended travel insurance plan with add-ons — it costs only slightly more than the basic one, and banks often offer good family deals. But even with insurance, expect to pay around $30 out of pocket at your first hospital visit.
1 source · 26 days ago
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Do I need extra travel medical insurance for Hurghada, Egypt, or is the tour package insurance enough?
Basic package-tour insurance (e.g. Imkliva) covers standard emergencies, but for serious hospitalization in Hurghada travelers recommend buying extended coverage separately (e.g. from a national insurer like Belgosstrakh) for fuller protection.
2 sources · 27 days ago
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Is hotel food poisoning common in Hurghada, and what usually causes stomach problems for tourists there?
Locals in the chat say true mass food poisoning outbreaks at Hurghada hotels are rare — if the food were the cause, many guests would get sick at once. More often the culprit is acclimatization, heat/sunstroke, unfamiliar spicy food, or swallowing pool/sea water.
2 sources · 4 days ago
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How does travel insurance work at hospitals in Hurghada, and are there Russian/English-speaking doctors?
Insurance companies respond quickly and cover treatment (IV drips, etc.), but hospital staff mostly speak English, not Russian — Russian-speaking staff isn't available every day. Getting medical records (tests, CT scans, reports) from the clinic can be difficult, so request them in advance if you need a second opinion back home.
3 sources · 7 days ago
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What medicine (antibiotics, stomach remedies) should I pack for a trip to Hurghada, Egypt?
Experienced travelers recommend packing a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Amoxicillin or Suprax for sudden sore throat/colds, plus an intestinal antiseptic (Enterofuril-type) and Antinal (Nifuroxazide) for diarrhea — many bring 15-20 packs of Antinal just in case.
1 source · 27 days ago
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How to find a legitimate pharmacy with fair prices in Hurghada
There are no state pharmacies in Egypt, but chains like El Ezaby print fixed prices directly on the packaging (not covered by a sticker). Don't stock up on medicine — it may cause customs issues, and local meds in Egypt are affordable and good quality.
2 sources · 27 days ago
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Can you see a doctor at your hotel in Hurghada, and does travel insurance cover it?
Yes, many Hurghada hotels have an on-site doctor or partner clinic — you can either see the doctor at the hotel or arrange a round-trip transfer to a hospital, often covered by travel insurance.
1 source · today
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Is it common to get food poisoning or stomach issues in Hurghada, Egypt, and how to prevent it?
Stomach issues (from mild diarrhea to hepatitis A, giardiasis, or salmonella) do happen in Hurghada, even at well-known hotels, though many travelers have no problems at all. A common local trick for prevention and treatment is drinking local Coca-Cola.
2 sources · 29 days ago
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What to do if you get stung by a poisonous fish or your child gets sick in Hurghada - how to call an ambulance and use travel insurance?
If stung by a venomous fish, call an ambulance and contact your insurer via roaming at the same time; Hurghada hospitals have Russian-speaking coordinators who help with paperwork and insurance communication.
2 sources · 29 days ago
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What to do if you get sick or need emergency medical care while staying in Hurghada?
Contacting your rep or insurance gets you picked up and taken to a hospital fairly quickly, where you get tests, IV treatment and a diagnosis; you may stay in a private ward with meals included for a day or more, and get medication for the following days for free.
1 source · 29 days ago
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Which travel insurance should you buy for Egypt/Hurghada and how do you use it in a medical emergency?
Travelers recommend buying a no-deductible policy through Cherehapa — it works smoothly. If you develop a high fever (around 39°C/102°F), call your insurer immediately and demand an emergency transfer to a hospital; keep WhatsApp installed for communication.
2 sources · 29 days ago
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What to do for a medical emergency (like appendicitis) in Hurghada — where to get help fast?
For severe abdominal pain like suspected appendicitis in Hurghada, don't self-medicate — go straight to a hospital. Emergency response is fast: IV drip, hospital care if needed, then transport back to your hotel with medication.
1 source · 29 days ago
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Are hotel pharmacies in Hurghada more expensive than city pharmacies, and where can I buy medicine cheaper?
Hotel pharmacies in Hurghada often charge 2-10x more than city pharmacies, taking advantage of tourists' unfamiliarity with local prices; it's better to buy medicine at government-price pharmacies in town.
1 source · 10 days ago
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What to do if you get sick in Hurghada: how do hospital visits and travel insurance work?
Travel insurance usually covers a doctor's visit to your hotel or an IV drip at the hospital, but specific medications (like antispasmodics) may not be available locally — bring your own basic first-aid kit.
2 sources · 33 days ago
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Why do travelers get stomach problems (diarrhea) in Hurghada and how to avoid it?
It's usually not the food itself but the water and ice: drink only sealed bottled water, avoid ice of unknown origin, and be careful with raw unwashed vegetables.
2 sources · 25 days ago
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Can you upgrade the travel medical insurance included in a Hurghada package holiday, or is it better to buy a separate policy?
Travelers report that the medical insurance included in a package holiday usually cannot be upgraded, even if the extra cost seems small — around $20 was mentioned. The practical workaround is to buy a separate comprehensive medical policy before traveling to Hurghada.
1 source · 8 days ago
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Is rotavirus a common problem in Hurghada during July and August, and how can travelers reduce the risk?
Based on traveler reports, there is no clear sign of a widespread summer rotavirus outbreak in Hurghada: stomach issues do happen, but many link them to ice, water, or a sensitive stomach rather than the hotel itself. The most practical advice is to be careful with ice in drinks and pack basic meds such as Enterosgel or similar gut remedies.
2 sources · 37 days ago
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What travel medical insurance should you get for Hurghada, and what should you do if you get sick while in Egypt?
For Hurghada, get standard travel medical insurance and check in advance how to contact the insurer from Egypt. If you get sick, contact the insurer first: travelers report they can arrange treatment and provide medication, while basic medicines like No-Spa are available in local pharmacies.
1 source · 38 days ago
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Is it worth contacting travel insurance for food poisoning in Hurghada, and which insurers actually help?
There is no confirmed firsthand answer in this chat snippet: travelers are asking whether travel insurance is useful for food poisoning in Hurghada and which insurer actually arranged treatment. No specific insurer, clinic, or price is mentioned in the messages.
2 sources · 40 days ago
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Where is the nearest pharmacy in Makadi Bay, Hurghada?
In Makadi Bay, travelers suggest either using the pharmacy near Makadi Bazaar behind Stella hotel or taking a taxi to Senzo Mall. Some hotels also have an in-house pharmacy, but prices are usually higher.
2 sources · 2 days ago
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Is tap water in Hurghada safe for brushing teeth, or should travelers use bottled water?
Many travelers in Hurghada prefer using bottled water to brush their teeth, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. Some people are fine with tap water, but visitors still mention a risk of stomach upset.
2 sources · 12 days ago
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Is the hotel doctor in Hurghada covered by travel insurance, or will you have to pay out of pocket?
Contact your insurer first: some policies work with the hotel doctor, especially at resorts far from central Hurghada. If you see the hotel medic without insurer approval, you may be charged directly or billed at checkout.
2 sources · 6 days ago
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What should you do if you get a stomach bug in a Hurghada hotel, and which local medicine do travelers usually buy?
Travelers say it’s hard to prevent completely, so the practical advice is to carry basic meds and buy the local medicine Antinal if stomach issues start. The main takeaway is to stay calm and be prepared, since this can happen even in well-rated hotels.
2 sources · 43 days ago
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Was a tourist death in a Hurghada hotel officially linked to food poisoning?
According to the chat discussion, the official cause of death had not been confirmed at that time. People mentioned poisoning at the hotel only as a possible scenario, while the death reportedly happened later from complications still under investigation.
2 sources · 43 days ago
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What to do if you get sick in Hurghada — travel insurance, hospital, medical evacuation?
Call your insurer and go to a hospital at the first sign of illness — do not self-medicate. Cheap policies with $15,000 coverage often fall short of covering medical evacuation costs, which can be far higher.
1 source · 22 days ago
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Is tap water in Hurghada hotels safe for brushing teeth, or should travelers use bottled water?
Some travelers report no stomach issues in Hurghada hotels, but the safer choice—especially for children—is to use bottled water for brushing teeth. Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking.
2 sources · 44 days ago
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Are stomach bugs or rotavirus common in Hurghada hotels right now, and should travelers bring stomach medicine?
Recent traveler reports do not suggest a major rotavirus outbreak in Hurghada hotels, but stomach issues still happen بسبب heat, acclimatization, ice in drinks, pools, and food changes. Travelers recommend packing GI medicine such as Enterofuril.
2 sources · 25 days ago
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How many packs of personal medicines can you take home from Egypt via Hurghada airport?
No exact legal limit was given in the chat, but travelers say they usually carry several packs of the same medicine for personal use without issues. A practical tip is to combine blister packs into 1–2 boxes and keep medicines bought in Egypt separate from those you originally brought from home.
1 source · 36 days ago
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Where to get a phone repaired in Hurghada (iPhone, Samsung) and how much does it cost?
Phone repair shops exist in Hurghada for both iPhones and Samsung devices. For complex issues like water damage, some travelers prefer to wait and repair at home.
1 source · 48 days ago
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Where to find a cheap pharmacy near Soho Square and Mango Market in Hurghada?
There's a cheap pharmacy near Mango Market in a small mall that sells at printed package prices. Another pharmacy is located right outside hotel reception areas nearby.
1 source · 2 days ago
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How does travel insurance with a deductible work at hospitals in Hurghada, Egypt?
With a deductible policy, you pay $30 directly to the doctor at the hospital; everything else — transport, treatment, medication — is covered by insurance. With a no-deductible policy, you pay nothing out of pocket.
1 source · 52 days ago
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Can you buy quality vitamins and medications at pharmacies in Hurghada, Egypt?
Hurghada pharmacies stock a decent range of vitamins and medications, often cheaper than in Europe or Russia. Magnesium supplements and alternatives to popular vitamin brands are available, but it's worth asking the pharmacist for recommendations.
1 source · today