Ethiopia Insurance
Essential cover
It’s important to get the right level of Ethiopia insurance before you travel or begin operations here. Civil unrest, terrorist attacks, border disputes, poor infrastructure and healthcare can present problems. Any Ethiopia insurance plan you take out should include specialist cover for high risks areas.
Official risk ratings
Accident and Evacuation | <span class="icon" data-icon="star4"></span> |
Kidnapping and Ransom | <span class="icon" data-icon="star2"></span> |
Political Risk | <span class="icon" data-icon="star4"></span> |
Ethiopia– quick facts

- Unrest along most of Ethiopia's borders and thoughout Tigray make these high-risk areas
- International health insurance in Ethiopia is essential, along with cover for emergency evacuation
- A high threat of kidnapping exists in the Somali region and terrorist attacks can occur throughout Ethiopia
- Road travel can be hazardous due to poor maintenance, safety standards and the risk of banditry outside the capital city
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Potential risks in Ethiopia
Africa’s oldest country is a land of dramatic varied landscapes and fascinating history, yet it is best known for the tragedy of its droughts, famines and war with Eritrea. Once regarded as one of Africa’s more stable states, it has suffered a high degree of civil unrest over recent years.
The FCDO advises against travel to all of Ethiopia's border areas with Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia and Kenya due to going military activity, inter-tribal conflict and border disputes. The whole of Tigray regional state to the north and Gambella in western Ethiopia should also be avoided. High-risk insurance is essential in these regions.
Workers and tourists have been targeted for kidnap in the north-east Somali region. Travel here is against FCDO advice so specialist Ethiopia insurance is necessary, possibly with kidnap and ransom cover included. If you are bidding for state contracts or making private sector investments, you should also consider Trade and Political Risk insurance.
The Somali based terrorist group, Al Shabaab, has indicated its intention to commit attacks on military and civilian targets. Political demonstrations can turn violent and should be avoided. Keep up to date with the local security situation and be prepared to leave the area if things deteriorate.
Although violent crime is relatively rare, petty theft and mugging is on the rise in Addis Ababa. The healthcare system is wholly inadequate by western standards and comprehensive international Medical insurance in Ethiopia is strongly advised and must include cover for emergency evacuation and repatriation.

High-risk Countries
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