Appropriate DR Congo insurance should be central to any plans for visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On-going conflict, political instability, high levels of violent crime and tropical disease mean that travel here should only be undertaken with specialist advice and close attention to security.

Official risk ratings

Accident and Evacuation
Kidnapping and Ransom
Political Risk

Potential dangers in DRC

Formerly known as Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the world’s poorest countries, even though its mineral wealth is thought to be among the worlds richest.

If you are planning on operating in DRC, perhaps in mining or humanitarian work, it’s essential that your people have robust insurance that includes personal accident cover and medical evacuation. Hospitals are scarce and medical care will not be of a standard you would normally accept. Ebola is still a potential concern, as are numerous other tropical diseases.

The security situation, particularly in eastern DRC, remains unstable. The continued presence of armed groups, intercommunal violence and an influx of refugees from neighbouring countries are all contributing to a deterioration in the political, security and humanitarian situation. There are reports of kidnappings, including of staff from international NGOs.

We recommend Kidnap and Ransom insurance, particularly if your people are working in remote regions. We’ve Taken Your People is a first hand account of how professional support funded by kidnap and ransom insurance helped a company recover hostages in DRC; it will give you a good understanding of the possible risks you could face here.

Given the unstable political situation, protection for property, assets and specialist equipment is also advisable, including loss or damage from political violence and terrorism.