Kabul — Risk 9

    Insurance for work and travel in Kabul

    Kabul is one of the clearest examples of why specialist insurance matters. It is a city where access, infrastructure, security and response all affect what meaningful cover needs to do.

    This is specialist cover designed for NGOs, journalists, contractors, researchers and operational teams whose work still requires them to be there when standard insurance is unlikely to be enough.

    What's included

    Specialist cover for Kabul

    Accidental death & permanent disability
    Sickness & accident medical expenses
    Medical evacuation & repatriation
    24/7 emergency support through NGS

    Designed for non-combatants working in environments where standard insurance often fails.

    Kabul is a high-risk and complex operating environment.

    Standard insurance is unlikely to provide meaningful protection here. Having a policy is rarely enough on its own — what matters is whether the cover reflects the truth of the environment and gives a clearer route to support when it is needed.

    Yes — Conflict Cover provides specialist insurance for Kabul, Afghanistan.

    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

    What's happening in Kabul

    The situation

    Afghanistan's capital under Taliban control — IS-K attack risk

    Kabul is the centre of Taliban governance and the hub for the international humanitarian presence in Afghanistan. The city has more infrastructure than other parts of Afghanistan, including functioning hospitals, an international airport and some international hotels and guesthouses. However, it remains a high-risk environment.

    IS-K has conducted multiple mass-casualty attacks in Kabul under Taliban rule, including attacks on hospitals, educational institutions, mosques and areas frequented by international workers. The Taliban security forces have been unable to prevent these attacks consistently.

    For international workers based in Kabul, the primary risks are IS-K suicide bombings and targeted attacks, Taliban operational interference, and the general absence of rule of law that creates vulnerability to extortion, kidnapping and arbitrary detention.

    What to watch

    • IS-K attack planning against international targets and mass-gathering events in Kabul
    • Taliban Ministry for Propagation of Virtue enforcement activity affecting operations
    • Kabul International Airport access and international flight connections
    • Political dynamics between Taliban factions that can affect operational stability

    Why it can be challenging

    Risk factors specific to Kabul

    IS-K suicide bombings and complex attacks

    IS-K has conducted multiple mass-casualty attacks in Kabul since the Taliban takeover. Educational institutions, hospitals and areas frequented by international workers have been explicitly targeted.

    Taliban restrictions on movement and operations

    Movement and operations in Kabul require Taliban permission at various levels. Checkpoints, arrests and confiscation of equipment have occurred. Female international staff face severe operational restrictions.

    Extortion and petty crime from criminal networks

    The collapse of the previous justice system has empowered criminal networks. Extortion, theft and vehicle hijacking are risks, particularly outside established international quarters.

    Limited and variable medical infrastructure

    Kabul has functioning hospitals including some with international standards, but their reliability and security have been affected by Taliban governance. Serious trauma cases should plan for potential evacuation to Pakistan.

    Can you get insurance for Kabul?

    Yes — specialist cover for non-combatants in high-risk environments

    We provide specialist insurance for non-combatants travelling to Kabul for professional and operational reasons.

    Cover depends on a clear understanding of who is travelling, what they are doing and the real operating conditions involved.

    • Journalists and media teams
    • NGOs and humanitarian organisations
    • Contractors and consultants
    • Researchers and analysts
    • Operational and security teams

    Why this matters in Kabul

    Cover that reflects the truth of the environment

    Kabul is not a routine destination from an insurance point of view. The challenge is not only the level of risk — it is also the practical reality of how treatment, support and evacuation would work if something happens.

    That means having a standard policy is rarely enough on its own. Serious travellers and organisations need cover that reflects the truth of the environment and gives them a clearer route to support.

    That is where specialist cover matters.

    Practical relevance

    Real-world scenarios this cover is designed for

    Professional work in a high-risk urban environment

    Cover for individuals and teams whose work requires them to operate in Kabul despite elevated security conditions.

    Medical treatment where local support may be limited

    Medical treatment following an incident where infrastructure and access to care may significantly affect outcomes.

    Evacuation where access or infrastructure complicates response

    Support for evacuation where movement, access or conditions on the ground create additional complexity.

    NGOs, journalists, contractors and operational teams

    Cover for organisations and professionals working under pressure in one of the world's most demanding operating environments.

    Emergency support

    What happens if something goes wrong?

    NGS provides 24/7 support. They can assess the situation, coordinate treatment, support evacuation where possible and manage the case through to a safer outcome.

    You are not relying on a policy alone. You have access to real-world support in an environment where that matters most.

    Continuity

    Does cover continue after you return home?

    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 country.

    Exclusions

    What is not covered?

    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

    • 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

    These covers can be arranged separately if required.

    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

    Common questions

    Questions about insurance for Kabul

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