You’re Stuck in a Country Recently Impacted by War or Terrorism – Are You Covered for Evacuation by Your International Health Insurance Plan?
In the past five years, the number of countries experiencing conflict, terrorism, or significant political unrest has increased. International companies with global staff are feeling the pressure. As geopolitical tensions rise, a growing number of internationally mobile employees and expats are asking a pressing question:
If I find myself in a country affected by war, terrorism, or political unrest, will my international health insurance pay to evacuate me?
The short answer is: probably not – and even when you are covered, often only under very specific conditions.
What “Passive War and Terrorism” Actually Covers
Many international health insurance plans include coverage for what’s called “Passive War and Terrorism.” This benefit sounds reassuring – and in some ways, it is.
It generally means that:
- If you’re physically injured as a result of war, a terrorist attack or violent unrest, your insurer will cover treatment up to the policy’s normal benefit limits.
- Medical evacuations may also be covered, but only if the evacuation is medically necessary (for example, the care you need isn’t available locally).
But here’s the catch:
Passive War and Terrorism coverage doesn’t typically include evacuation for non-medical reasons – such as personal safety concerns, school closures, or government airspace restrictions. If you are physically unharmed, your medical insurer is unlikely to cover the cost of a flight out of the country or relocation to a safer area.
What If You’re Not Injured – But You Still Want to Leave?
Let’s take a realistic (and common) scenario: You’re in a city that has just experienced a terrorist attack. You weren’t physically harmed, but you’re shaken. Your employer is closed, the airport has limited flights, and you no longer feel safe.
You contact your insurer. Will they pay to evacuate you? Most of the time: No.
Unless a doctor determines you need medical treatment that’s not locally available – and signs off on evacuation as medically necessary – your international medical plan won’t pay for non-medical evacuation.
Even if your policy includes a “crisis hotline” or access to security advice, these services are advisory only. They can help guide your decisions but won’t cover your travel costs unless a medical trigger is involved.
What You Actually Need: Political Evacuation Coverage
Evacuation for political or security reasons – when you are not physically injured – generally falls under a specialty benefit known as Political Evacuation. This is not included in most international health insurance plans by default.
You’ll usually find it as:
- A rider or add-on in a Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion (KRE) insurance policy
- A benefit under a standalone crisis response policy
- A defined emergency evacuation clause in corporate travel insurance or employer-sponsored protection programs
Important note: some employer-sponsored international health insurance plans include coverage such as:
- Repatriation in the event of terrorism or political unrest (capped at around US$1,500 for one-way airfare, for example)
- Political evacuation and natural disaster coverage with limitations on triggers and maximum benefits
But again, this is not the same as medical evacuation – and it’s essential to verify that this type of cover is actually in place.
READ MORE >> From Kidnap to Evacuation: Why KRE Insurance Is Critical for Companies Operating in Unstable Environments
The Grey Zone: Psychological Impact After a Terror Event
Another misunderstood area: mental health.
If you were present at the scene of an attack but weren’t injured, insurers generally won’t cover evacuation. However, most international health plans do cover therapy or counselling after a traumatic event – provided your policy includes a mental health benefit.
Even so, insurers won’t typically fly you home just because you’re distressed – even if your distress is very real.
So, Are You Covered?
Here’s a practical checklist:
| Scenario | Medical Evacuation | Non-Medical Evacuation |
|---|---|---|
| Physically injured in a terrorist event | ✅ Usually covered if medically necessary | ❌ Not relevant |
| Uninjured but afraid to stay | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered unless you have Political Evacuation coverage |
| Need psychiatric treatment after an event | ✅ Covered if mental health benefit is included | ❌ Evacuation not covered |
| Area has declared conflict or war | ❓ Depends on your policy | ❌ Almost always excluded unless Political Evacuation is in place |
What Employers and Expats Should Do
For HR and risk managers:
- Confirm whether your staff’s current medical insurance includes Passive War and Terrorism coverage.
- Consider whether Political Evacuation or crisis response services should be added through K&R or general insurance policies.
- Communicate clearly with staff about what is – and isn’t – covered.
For globally mobile employees:
- Don’t assume that medical insurance = full protection.
- Ask your HR team or broker what crisis response or evacuation coverage is included.
- If travelling to high-risk regions, consider supplementary cover or travel-specific plans with defined evacuation benefits.
One World Cover Can Help
At One World Cover, we support employers and individuals in understanding the limits of their international health insurance – and in filling the gaps.
We help clients:
- Review and explain the fine print of their current policies
- Recommend appropriate Political Evacuation or crisis support options
- Integrate mental health and emergency evacuation solutions into their benefits strategy
- Educate staff on what protections are in place, and how to access help in a crisis
Peace of mind isn’t just about medical treatment – it’s about knowing how far your protection really goes. If you’re unsure what’s covered, we’re here to help.
To learn more please get in touch: [email protected] or click here to contact us.
