Iraq remains one of the clearest examples of why specialist insurance matters. It is a country where the real challenge is not just whether travel is possible, but whether your insurance will still respond properly when conditions become more difficult.
This is specialist cover designed for journalists, NGOs, contractors, researchers, operational teams and other professionals whose work still requires them to travel where standard insurance may no longer be enough.
What's included
Designed for non-combatants working in environments where standard insurance often fails.
Iraq is not one simple insurance environment — different areas present very different operating conditions.
The difference between routine work travel and a more difficult response situation can narrow quickly. Standard insurance may not respond when it matters most.
Country context
The situation
Iraq has stabilised significantly since the peak of the IS conflict, but remains a complex and dangerous operating environment. Baghdad functions as the political and economic centre with a substantial international presence, but armed groups — particularly Iran-backed militias — continue to operate across the country and have targeted international staff and infrastructure.
Kurdish-controlled areas in the north (KRI) present a different risk picture from the rest of Iraq. Erbil and Sulaymaniyah have functioning governance, security forces and international infrastructure. However, Iranian ballistic missile strikes on Erbil in 2022 demonstrated that even the relatively stable KRI is not insulated from regional conflict dynamics.
Outside Baghdad and the KRI, conditions vary enormously. Southern Iraq has active militia presence and oil infrastructure security challenges. Anbar and parts of the north-west retain residual IS activity. Mosul has been significantly reconstructed but requires careful threat assessment for movement.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Iran-backed militia targeting of international operations
Groups including Kataib Hezbollah and other Popular Mobilisation Forces factions target US and Western interests. International staff, contractors and perceived intelligence assets have been targeted. This is an ongoing and unpredictable threat.
IS insurgency outside major cities
IS retains insurgency capability in rural areas of Anbar, Diyala and parts of northern Iraq. Ambushes, IEDs and assassinations continue, particularly targeting security forces and infrastructure workers.
Kidnapping risk for international staff
Kidnapping for ransom and political leverage remains a risk across Iraq. International staff, particularly those working outside Baghdad and the KRI, face genuine kidnap risk requiring K&R specialist planning.
Variable security force reliability by region
The quality and reliability of Iraqi security forces varies by region and the political alignment of local commanders. In some areas, security forces are effectively controlled by Iran-backed militias, creating conflict of interest for international operations.
Can you get insurance for Iraq?
We provide specialist insurance for non-combatants travelling to Iraq for professional and operational reasons.
This cover is designed for real working conditions in a country where security, infrastructure, local access and regional developments can all affect risk.
Why this matters in Iraq
Iraq is not one simple insurance environment. Different areas can present very different operating conditions, and the difference between routine work travel and a more difficult response situation can narrow quickly.
That means serious travellers and organisations need more than a generic travel policy. They need cover that reflects the truth of the environment and gives them a route to support if something goes wrong.
That is where specialist cover matters.
Practical relevance
Professional travel into an environment where standard insurance may exclude or restrict meaningful cover at the point it is needed.
Medical treatment following an incident during work travel where local infrastructure may be stretched or access limited.
Need for evacuation where security conditions, access or local infrastructure deteriorate at short notice.
Support for NGOs, journalists, contractors and operational teams whose work requires sustained in-country presence.
Emergency support
NGS provides 24/7 support. They can assess the situation, help coordinate treatment, support evacuation where required, and manage the case through to a safer outcome.
You are not relying on a policy document alone. You have access to real-world support when the operating environment becomes more complicated.
Continuity
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
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
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
These covers can be arranged separately if required.
Related locations
Also covering
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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