Sana'a is under Houthi control and remains exposed to external military strikes, internal surveillance and severely degraded medical infrastructure. It is one of the most restricted operating environments in the world for international personnel.
Standard insurance will not cover this environment. Conflict Cover provides specialist cover for journalists, NGOs, contractors and humanitarian workers.
Sana'a is under active Houthi control and subject to external military strikes. Standard insurance will not cover work here.
Detention risk for international workers is real. Airport access is intermittent. Medical infrastructure is severely degraded. Specialist cover is essential.
Can you get insurance for Sana'a?
We provide specialist insurance for non-combatants with a genuine operational need to work in Sana'a. Cover is subject to accurate disclosure of your role, itinerary and security arrangements.
Security context
The situation
Sana'a has been under Houthi (Ansar Allah) control since 2015 and remains the de facto administrative capital of Houthi-controlled Yemen. The city functions under a parallel governance structure alongside sustained military activity linked to the wider Yemen conflict. Airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition have targeted military and infrastructure sites within the city, and Israeli strikes on Sana'a International Airport in late 2024 disrupted operations and served as a stark reminder of Sana'a's exposure to external military action.
For international workers, Sana'a presents a distinct set of access challenges. Entry via Sana'a International Airport is the primary option but flights are limited and subject to disruption. Houthi authorities control movement within the city and exercise extensive surveillance over international organisations and media. Arbitrary detention is a documented risk for journalists and individuals perceived to be hostile to Houthi authority.
Medical infrastructure in Sana'a has been degraded by the conflict and economic collapse. Al-Jumhouri Hospital and several others remain operational but with significant supply chain limitations. For serious trauma or complex medical emergencies, evacuation to Oman or Jordan is the standard contingency for international personnel.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Houthi detention and surveillance risk
Houthi authorities maintain active surveillance of international workers. Arbitrary detention of journalists, NGO staff and individuals suspected of hostile activity or unauthorised reporting has been documented across multiple organisations. Movement within the city must be approved and monitored.
External military strike risk
Sana'a has been subject to coalition airstrikes throughout the conflict, targeting military installations, government buildings and infrastructure. The airport was struck by Israeli forces in late 2024. Non-combatants working in proximity to Houthi military infrastructure face collateral risk from aerial operations.
Severely degraded medical infrastructure
Yemen's healthcare system has largely collapsed due to the conflict, fuel shortages and economic sanctions. Hospitals in Sana'a operate below capacity with unreliable supply chains. Evacuation to Oman (Muscat) or Jordan (Amman) is required for serious medical emergencies.
Restricted and unpredictable access routes
Sana'a Airport remains the only practical international entry and exit point, but operations are intermittent and subject to closure. Overland routes to Aden cross active conflict lines and are not viable for international personnel without substantial security infrastructure.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. In Sana'a, this means coordinating care under Houthi-controlled conditions and planning evacuation to Oman or Jordan.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care including evacuation to Muscat or Amman
Evacuation support
Managing exit via Sana'a airport or alternative overland routes
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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