Ethiopia is not one simple insurance environment. Conditions can vary sharply by region, and serious travel decisions need to take account of local realities rather than relying on broad assumptions.
This is specialist cover designed for journalists, NGOs, contractors, researchers and operational teams working where conditions may differ significantly across the country.
What's included
Ethiopia is not one simple insurance environment.
Risk can vary sharply between locations. The right insurance decision depends on the actual operating environment, not just the country name on the itinerary.
Country context
The situation
Ethiopia is Africa's second-most populous country and a major hub for continental humanitarian operations through the African Union and IGAD. However, the country has experienced severe internal conflict since 2020, most dramatically the Tigray war (November 2020 — November 2022) which caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. A peace deal in November 2022 halted major fighting but has not fully implemented.
Beyond Tigray, Ethiopia has multiple other conflict dynamics. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) continues operations in Oromia, including attacks near Addis Ababa. Amhara region experienced major Fano militia conflict in 2023-2024 following the government's attempt to disarm regional forces. The Somali region and Benishangul-Gumuz have persistent armed group activity.
For non-combatants working in Ethiopia — which hosts major UN agencies, NGOs and diplomatic missions — the risk profile requires careful regional assessment. Addis Ababa functions as a hub but with significant security events occurring nearby. Field operations in Tigray, Amhara, Oromia and the Somali region require specific planning.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Multiple active conflicts with overlapping geographies
Ethiopia has simultaneous conflicts in Tigray, Amhara and Oromia, plus lower-level instability in other regions. The conflicts interact and can affect each other — creating unpredictable security dynamics across a country the size of France and Germany combined.
Humanitarian access restrictions and targeting of aid workers
All parties to Ethiopian conflicts have restricted humanitarian access. Aid workers have been killed, detained and expelled. The Ethiopian government has used internet shutdowns and communications restrictions in conflict areas.
Ethnic conflict and civilian targeting
All Ethiopian conflicts have involved significant civilian targeting along ethnic lines. International workers identified with any particular ethnic group through their work or association face specific targeting risk.
Addis Ababa proximity to Oromia conflict
OLA operations have occurred in zones around Addis Ababa. While the capital remains largely stable, the proximity of conflict creates evacuation planning requirements and potential for rapid deterioration.
Can you get insurance for Ethiopia?
We provide specialist insurance for non-combatants travelling to Ethiopia for professional and operational reasons.
Cover depends on where you are going, what you are doing and the conditions likely to affect the assignment.
Why this matters in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a country where risk can vary sharply between locations. The right insurance decision depends on the actual operating environment, not just the country name.
That is why specialist cover matters. It helps ensure the policy reflects the truth of the trip and provides a clearer route to support if something goes wrong.
Practical relevance
Cover for travel across a country where the risk profile can change significantly from one region to another.
Medical treatment following an incident during work travel, where local access to care may vary by region.
Evacuation where local conditions or infrastructure in a given region complicate how quickly and practically help can be reached.
Support for teams operating across multiple regions where each location may carry a different level of risk and operational challenge.
Emergency support
NGS provides 24/7 support and can coordinate treatment, evacuation and onward care where required.
Continuity
Yes. Eligible personal accident benefits can continue after return, subject to the policy terms.
Exclusions
This policy protects 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.
Common questions
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