Mortar-coated steel pipe comprise a steel cylinder having a mortar layer disposed therein, such mortar layer being free of any metallic reinforcement. An overcoat is disposed over the mortar layer and is formed from a material that is a dielectric and/or a barrier to moisture and oxygen entering the mortar layer, e.g., a polymeric material. The pipe may include a further concrete or mortar layer disposed over the overcoat, forming an outermost pipe surface. The outer layer can be cement, mortar, or other material. The mortar layer thickness is about 2 to 30 mm, the overcoat thickness is about 0.1 to 2 mm, and any outer layer thickness is about 1.2 to 4 cm. The pipe is made by compression coating method, where mortar layer and overcoat are applied simultaneously. When an outer layer is desired, it is preferably applied at the same time as the mortar layer and overcoat.