Erbil is often seen as a more stable entry point into Iraq. Many organisations, contractors and NGOs use it as a base for regional work. But from an insurance point of view, it is still part of a wider operating environment where specialist cover matters.
This is specialist cover designed for journalists, NGOs, contractors, researchers and operational teams whose work requires them to operate across Iraq and the surrounding region.
What's included
Designed for non-combatants working in environments where standard insurance often fails.
Erbil may feel more straightforward, but the insurance decision should reflect the wider reality of the work.
Many travellers are not operating in Erbil alone — they are moving between locations or supporting work across Iraq. Specialist cover needs to match the full scope of the deployment, not just the entry point.
Yes — Conflict Cover provides specialist insurance for Erbil, Iraq.
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.
City context
The situation
Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and is generally considered the most stable and accessible part of Iraq for international operations. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) maintains effective security forces, and the city has good medical facilities, international hotels and a functioning commercial airport.
However, events in January 2022 demonstrated the limits of this stability — Iran fired ballistic missiles at Erbil in an operation targeting what it described as Israeli intelligence facilities. The strikes killed civilians and caused significant damage, demonstrating that even the KRI is within range of Iranian military action and not insulated from regional conflict.
Erbil also serves as the base for operations into disputed territories between the KRI and the Iraqi federal government, as well as for cross-border operations into Syria. The broader Iraq threat environment — IS, militia groups and Iranian military capacity — affects planning for all operations based in Erbil.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Iranian military strikes targeting Erbil
Iran has demonstrated the capability and willingness to conduct precision ballistic missile strikes on Erbil. These strikes have killed civilians and caused property damage, representing an unpredictable strategic risk even in the KRI's most secure area.
IS residual activity in surrounding areas
IS retains insurgency capability in disputed territories around Kirkuk and Sinjar, within operational range of Erbil. Movement outside the city towards these areas carries significant risk.
Turkish military operations in northern KRI
Turkey conducts regular air and ground operations against PKK forces in the Kandil Mountains and surrounding areas. These operations occasionally affect civilian infrastructure and movement in northern KRI.
Transit risk for operations into Iraq and Syria
Erbil International Airport is a major transit hub for Iraq and Syria operations. Flight disruptions and airspace restrictions can occur without warning during military operations.
Can you get insurance for Erbil?
We provide specialist insurance for non-combatants travelling to Erbil for professional and operational reasons.
This cover is designed for real working conditions in a city that often acts as a base for wider deployment across Iraq.
Why this matters in Erbil
Erbil may feel more straightforward than other locations in Iraq, but many travellers are not operating in Erbil alone. They are moving between locations or supporting work across the country.
That means the insurance decision should reflect the wider reality of the work, not just the initial entry point.
Specialist cover helps ensure that if conditions change, there is a clearer route to support.
Practical relevance
Cover for teams and individuals using Erbil as a staging or coordination point for wider deployment across Iraq.
Professional travel where conditions may change during the assignment and the initial entry point does not reflect the full scope of risk.
Medical treatment following an incident during work travel where continuity of support matters.
Support for NGOs, journalists, contractors and operational teams working across Iraq and the surrounding region.
Emergency support
NGS provides 24/7 support. They can assess the situation, help coordinate treatment, support evacuation where required, and manage the case through to a safer outcome.
You are not relying on a standard policy alone. You have access to practical support if the situation becomes more complex.
Continuity
Yes. Eligible personal accident benefits can continue after you return to your country of domicile, subject to the policy terms.
That helps provide continuity if the impact of an incident continues after you leave the region.
Exclusions
Being clear about exclusions helps buyers know exactly what this policy is for and where separate cover may be needed.
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
These covers can be arranged separately if required.
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
Common questions
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