Mosul is Iraq's second city and a major reconstruction hub, but it remains a high-risk operating environment. IS insurgency continues in surrounding areas, UXO risk is significant in post-battle districts, and disputed governance creates security complexity.
Standard insurers restrict or decline Mosul. Conflict Cover provides specialist cover for journalists, NGOs, reconstruction teams and contractors.
Mosul is high risk. IS insurgency continues in Nineveh Province and UXO contamination is significant in post-battle areas.
Standard insurers restrict or decline Iraq. Specialist cover is needed for reconstruction work, journalism and NGO operations in Mosul.
Can you get insurance for Mosul?
We provide specialist insurance for journalists, NGOs, reconstruction teams and contractors operating in Mosul. Cover is subject to accurate disclosure of your role, itinerary and security arrangements.
Security context
The situation
Mosul was liberated from Islamic State control in July 2017 after a nine-month urban battle that left much of the city, particularly the Old City and western Mosul, in ruins. The city is now under Iraqi government and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) joint administration, with ongoing disputes between Baghdad and Erbil over control of Nineveh Governorate. The political tension between Arab and Kurdish communities and between different armed groups complicates the security picture beyond the physical reconstruction challenge.
IS retains an active insurgency capability in Nineveh Province, including the districts surrounding Mosul. Improvised explosive device attacks, targeted assassinations and sporadic armed ambushes continue to occur, particularly in rural areas around the city and on roads between Mosul and Hawija, Tikrit and the Syrian border. The threat within Mosul city proper has diminished but has not been eliminated. IS has targeted security forces, local officials and individuals associated with reconstruction or international organisations.
Medical infrastructure in Mosul is in partial recovery. Al-Salam Hospital was heavily damaged during the battle. Mosul General Hospital and a number of reconstruction-era facilities provide basic care, but for complex trauma or serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Erbil (80km) or Baghdad remains the practical option. NGO medical facilities provide additional capacity but cannot be relied upon for all eventualities.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
IS insurgency in surrounding Nineveh Province
Despite losing territorial control, IS continues to conduct IED attacks, assassinations and targeted killings in Nineveh Province. The threat is concentrated in rural areas and on routes between Mosul and the Syrian border, but incidents have occurred within city limits.
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) risk in post-battle districts
The battle for Mosul generated massive UXO contamination, particularly in the Old City and western districts. Reconstruction workers and journalists operating in these areas face a persistent IED and UXO threat. Mine clearance is ongoing but incomplete across large areas.
Disputed governance and armed group presence
Nineveh Governorate is disputed between Baghdad and Erbil, and multiple armed groups including Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), Kurdish Peshmerga, Iraqi Army and IS remnants all maintain positions in and around Mosul. Checkpoint authority and rules of engagement are inconsistent.
Limited and recovering medical infrastructure
Mosul's medical system is partially recovered but remains limited relative to pre-2014 capacity. For serious trauma or medical emergencies, evacuation to Erbil — which has significantly better international-standard medical facilities — is the recommended plan.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. In Mosul, evacuation to Erbil (80km) provides access to international-standard medical facilities significantly better than those available in the city itself.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care including evacuation to Erbil or Baghdad
Evacuation support
Managing exit via Mosul Airport or road to Erbil International
Case management
Handling the incident through to a safer outcome
Exclusions
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
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