Insurance for work and travel in Aleppo

    Aleppo has changed hands following the fall of Assad, but it remains a conflict-level operating environment. Multiple armed factions, degraded infrastructure and complex evacuation routes make specialist cover essential.

    Standard insurance will not cover this environment. Conflict Cover provides specialist cover for journalists, NGOs, contractors and humanitarian workers operating in Aleppo.

    Aleppo is rated conflict-level risk. Standard insurance will not cover work here.

    Multiple armed factions control different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Evacuation routes via Turkey require active management. Specialist cover is required.

    Yes — Conflict Cover provides specialist insurance for Aleppo.

    Subject to full disclosure of your assignment, operating area and security arrangements. This cover is designed for journalists, NGO workers, contractors and other non-combatants who have a legitimate professional reason to be there.

    Can you get insurance for Aleppo?

    Yes — cover for the real conditions on the ground

    We provide specialist insurance for non-combatants working in Aleppo — journalists, NGOs, contractors, researchers and humanitarian workers — where standard policies offer no meaningful protection.

    Cover is subject to accurate disclosure of your role, itinerary and security arrangements.

    Journalists and media teams
    NGOs and aid organisations
    Contractors and consultants
    Researchers and analysts
    Humanitarian workers
    Reconstruction teams

    Security context

    What's happening in Aleppo

    The situation

    Post-siege, still contested

    Aleppo is now under HTS control following the rapid advance that culminated in the fall of the Assad government in late 2024. The city, which endured years of devastating siege and urban combat, is now in a phase of contested reconstruction and governance consolidation. HTS fighters and affiliated groups control checkpoints and key infrastructure, while Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces maintain presence in surrounding areas including Azaz and Afrin.

    The security environment in Aleppo is characterised by multiple overlapping armed actors with different chains of command. While active front-line fighting has subsided within the city, the situation on access routes — particularly north toward Turkey and east toward Deir ez-Zor — remains volatile. Al-Bab and the highway to the Turkish border crossing at Bab al-Hawa are subject to checkpoint friction and occasional security incidents.

    Medical infrastructure in Aleppo has been severely degraded by years of conflict. University Hospital (Al-Rajaa) is partially functioning but has reduced capacity. International medical NGOs including MSF and ICRC have operated in the area, but sustained operational medical support cannot be assumed. For serious emergencies, evacuation north to Turkey — specifically to Gaziantep — is the standard plan for international personnel.

    What to watch

    • Factional tensions between HTS and Turkish-backed SNA forces in northern Aleppo governorate and Afrin district
    • Road security on the M5 highway south toward Hama and Homs, and the M4 east toward Raqqa
    • Checkpoint access and documentation requirements, which change with factional control
    • Status of Aleppo International Airport for any potential international operations resumption

    Why it can be challenging

    Key risks for non-combatants in Aleppo

    Multiple armed actors with overlapping areas of control

    HTS, SNA factions and residual local militia all operate within and around Aleppo. Checkpoint authority is inconsistent and can change with local agreements. Non-combatants must understand which faction controls a given route or district before moving.

    Islamic State insurgency in surrounding desert areas

    IS retains an insurgency capability in the Syrian desert east of Aleppo, including the Salamiyah area. Ambushes on desert roads and IED placement targeting forces moving between Aleppo and eastern Syria continue to be reported.

    Severely degraded urban infrastructure

    Large parts of Aleppo's eastern districts were destroyed during the 2012–2016 siege and subsequent fighting. Power, water and communications infrastructure are unreliable. Roads through damaged areas can be obstructed by debris or subject to security restrictions.

    Limited and insecure access to Turkey via northern corridors

    The overland route to Turkey through Azaz and Bab al-Hawa is controlled by different factions and subject to checkpoint delays and occasional closure. This is the primary evacuation route for international personnel working in Aleppo and must be maintained as an operational contingency.

    Emergency support

    24/7 support when conditions change

    NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. In Aleppo, this means coordinating medical care and evacuation in an environment where the primary exit route to Turkey requires active security management.

    24/7 response

    Round-the-clock emergency support every day of the year

    Medical coordination

    Coordinating care including evacuation to Gaziantep, Turkey

    Evacuation support

    Managing exit routes via northern Syria and Turkish border crossings

    Case management

    Handling the incident through to a safer outcome

    Exclusions

    What is not covered?

    This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.

    Cover not included

    • Kidnap and ransom cover
    • Detention or arrest cover
    • Political evacuation

    Activity exclusions

    • Participation in combat or military activity
    • Active involvement in hostilities

    Property exclusions

    • Loss or damage to personal belongings, baggage, or equipment

    Threat intelligence

    Threat intelligence and risk context

    For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.

    View threat intelligence

    FAQ

    Common questions about cover in Aleppo

    Ready to get covered for Aleppo?

    Start a quote for your specific role, dates and itinerary.

    Get started

    Create an account or get a quote now

    Register in minutes to access your quotes, manage policies, and activate cover. Or use the quick quote widget to get an indicative price immediately.

    Create a personal account

    Individual cover for journalists, researchers, contractors and aid workers. Instant online quote and same-day activation.

    Set up a corporate account

    Manage cover for your entire team — NGOs, media organisations, corporate groups. Consolidated billing and per-person policy documents.

    Already have an account? Sign in

    Quick Quote

    Get an instant price

    Fill in the details below and we'll show you the cost. No account needed to see a price.