Libya remains a divided country with two competing governments, pervasive militia violence and an IS insurgency in the south. Standard insurance will not cover this environment.
Conflict Cover provides specialist insurance for journalists, NGOs, contractors and humanitarian workers who need to operate in Libya.
Libya is rated conflict-level risk. Two competing governments, militia violence and IS insurgency define the environment.
Standard insurance will not respond. FCDO advises against all travel. Specialist cover is essential for any non-combatant with a genuine operational need.
Can you get insurance for Libya?
We provide specialist insurance for journalists, NGOs, contractors and humanitarian workers in Libya, across both GNU-controlled Tripolitania and LNA-controlled Cyrenaica.
Country risk context
The situation
Libya has been divided between competing governments since the collapse of the Gaddafi regime in 2011. The Tripoli-based GNU (Government of National Unity) controls the west, while the Benghazi-based LNA (Libyan National Army) under Khalifa Haftar controls the east and south. The 2020 ceasefire has generally held along the front lines, but political negotiations have stalled and both sides maintain military forces. The risk of renewed large-scale conflict remains real.
Beyond the east-west political split, Libya faces pervasive security threats from militia groups, IS remnants in the Fezzan region and criminal networks involved in human smuggling, oil theft and kidnapping. Armed militias in Tripoli — including Radaa, Nawasi and others — operate with significant autonomy from the GNU and can engage in violent confrontations with each other and with state security forces. Clashes between Tripoli militias have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement in 2022 and 2023.
For non-combatants, Libya's risk profile is shaped by location, timing and affiliation. Tripoli is more accessible but not safe. Benghazi is under LNA control but with its own militia presence and residual IS threat. The south — including Sebha and the Fezzan — is among the most dangerous operating environments in Africa, with IS, Tuareg armed groups and smuggling networks all active.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Split governance and militia violence in Tripoli
Multiple armed militias operate in Tripoli with limited accountability to the GNU. Clashes between groups — including the August 2022 fighting that killed over 30 people — can erupt with minimal warning. Non-combatants caught between militia forces face acute risk from crossfire and indiscriminate fire.
Kidnapping targeting foreigners
Foreigners in Libya face kidnapping risk from multiple actors — militia groups, criminal networks and politically motivated actors. Foreign journalists and NGO workers have been detained and held. Movement outside secured facilities without security arrangements is high-risk across all regions.
IS insurgency in the south and coastal cities
IS retains a presence in the Fezzan, Derna and surrounding areas. Assassinations of security personnel and IED attacks occur periodically. The south is particularly dangerous for any movement without significant security infrastructure.
Limited and insecure medical infrastructure
Medical infrastructure in Libya has deteriorated significantly since 2011. Tripoli Medical Centre and a small number of private clinics provide limited care. For serious trauma or complex emergencies, evacuation to Tunisia (Tunis) or Malta is the established contingency.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. In Libya, evacuation to Tunisia or Malta is the standard contingency for serious medical emergencies. NGS coordinates the process from the first call.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care including evacuation to Tunis or Malta
Evacuation support
Managing exit via Tripoli Mitiga Airport or Benghazi
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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