Introduction: In 2015, only 58% of Egyptians had coverage by the public health insurer; the Health Insurance Organization (HIO), with an aim to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2020. Simultaneously, less than 10% of the population have coverage through private health insurance (PHI), with less clarity on characteristics of policyholders, and how many have dual insurance. Nonetheless, in 2013 Egyptian citizens paid about 60% of Total Health Expenditure (THE) as Out Of Pocket payments (OOP). With implementation of UHC, the role of PHI, within the Egyptian healthcare system, is expected to evolve. The aim of this study is to examine the characteristics of policyholders of PHI, in Egypt, and examine the opportunities of PHI evolution, in terms of size and role, after the implementation of UHC.  Methods: Demographic aggregate data of PHI policyholders, from both insurance companies and Third Part Administrators (TPAs), were used to evaluate the development of health insurance policyholders over a 5-year period (2008-2013). In depth semi-structured interviews with industry experts and policy makers will be used to assess the expected transition of PHI market within the Egyptian economic and population context, into a substantial stakeholder, after the implementation of UHC.  Results: PHI market is underdeveloped in the Egyptian, with trends commonly observed in employment-based insurance. However, it is expected to markedly progress, after the implementation of UHC. A process that requires support to develop appropriate policies and build the capacities that private health insurance providers lack, to be able to serve their expected and much needed rule. Conclusion: Private Health Insurance is expected to play a different and significant role in Egypt after the implementation of UHC, despite the current small size of market share of healthcare market in Egypt. This indicates the importance of involving PHI in the development of UHC policies and strategies.