Egypt Automatically Enrolls Vulnerable Citizens in Health Insurance
The system covers groups classified as “unable to pay” under a 2023 prime ministerial decree, using data from the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s cash and social support programmes.
Egypt’s cabinet has approved a new mechanism for automatically registering vulnerable citizens in the country’s universal health insurance system, eliminating the need for individuals to apply manually.
The system covers groups classified as “unable to pay” under a 2023 prime ministerial decree, using data from the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s cash and social support programmes. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the measure aims to extend health coverage without burdening citizens with any procedures to access benefits and services.
The Ministry of Social Solidarity will regularly update and share beneficiary data with the General Authority for Universal Health Insurance, with both bodies coordinating on integration and continuous updates.
In the first phase of the universal health insurance rollout, the state budget currently covers contributions for about 905,000 citizens, 17.6% of the 5.13 million registered. The General Authority for Universal Health Insurance reported revenues of EGP 69.4 billion and a surplus of EGP 52.2 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
