Afghanistan is one of the hardest places in the world to secure meaningful insurance.
We provide specialist cover for non-combatants working in Afghanistan, even where most insurers will decline.
This is not standard travel insurance. It is built for people operating in complex, high-risk environments where access, infrastructure and response all matter.
What's included
Why standard insurance fails here
Most insurers exclude Afghanistan completely. Or they provide policies that do not respond properly when something actually happens.
The reality on the ground requires:
Yes — Conflict Cover provides specialist insurance for 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.
Country context
The situation
Afghanistan has been under Taliban control since August 2021. The international humanitarian and development presence has been severely constrained by Taliban restrictions on the activities of international NGOs, particularly the ban on women working for aid organisations. The operational environment is fundamentally different from the pre-2021 period.
The security environment under Taliban rule has seen a reduction in some forms of violence compared to the insurgency period, but Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) continues to conduct suicide bombings and attacks targeting the Taliban, Shia communities, foreign nationals and civilian gatherings. IS-K has demonstrated the capability and willingness to attack international organisations and their staff.
For non-combatants working in Afghanistan — humanitarian organisations, journalists and specific contractors — the environment requires specialist insurance that accounts for IS-K attack risk, Taliban interference and detention risk, and the near-total absence of effective emergency medical infrastructure outside Kabul.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
IS-K attacks on civilian and international targets
IS-K conducts regular suicide bombings, complex attacks and targeted killings across Afghanistan. International organisations, NGO offices and gatherings of international staff are specific targets. The group has explicitly targeted Western interests.
Taliban detention and operational interference
Taliban authorities have detained international staff, confiscated equipment and shut down NGO offices. Operations require Taliban acquiescence, which is not guaranteed and can be withdrawn suddenly.
Absent medical infrastructure outside Kabul
Outside Kabul, emergency medical care is effectively absent. Serious trauma cases require evacuation to Kabul or to Pakistan, a journey that can take many hours across difficult terrain.
Kidnapping risk from criminal and militant networks
Kidnapping for ransom by criminal networks, with some operating under Taliban protection, remains a risk for international workers. The collapse of the previous justice system has reduced accountability for criminal actors.
Can you get insurance for Afghanistan?
Yes. We regularly support NGOs, journalists and professionals travelling to Afghanistan.
Cover depends on what you are doing, where you are going and full disclosure of risk.
Where this applies
We can support travel across Afghanistan, subject to underwriting and full disclosure.
Yes. Eligible benefits can continue after you return to your country of residence.
Who this is for
Emergency support
NGS provides 24/7 support, helping coordinate treatment, evacuation and onward care.
Exclusions
This policy protects people, not possessions.
Activity exclusions
Cover not included
Property exclusions
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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