Best Travel Insurance options for Afghanistan in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Afghanistan
- Is it currently safe to travel to Afghanistan?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Afghanistan?
- Why take out travel insurance for Afghanistan?
- Travel insurance coverage for Afghanistan
- What is the cost of travel insurance for Afghanistan?
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Afghanistan
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Afghanistan?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Afghanistan: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Afghanistan covers medical emergencies, security evacuation, and other unexpected travel risks.
2. Warning: The U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to extreme security risks.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but crucial for medical evacuation and security assistance in this high-risk zone.
4. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is extremely limited; serious issues require medical evacuation, which can cost over $100,000.
5. Price: Specialized high-risk insurance is required and can cost several hundred dollars for a one-week trip.
6. Good to know: Most U.S. insurers exclude Afghanistan; seek a specialist provider for high-risk destination coverage.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Afghanistan.
The best travel insurance plans for Afghanistan
Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
---|---|---|
HelloTravel Premium | 1.1M USD | Reliable choice for Afghanistan with robust limits and modern support. - high medical ceiling - repatriation covered - clear war risk exclusions |
Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.1M USD | Suitable for urgent medical needs and emergencies abroad. - 24/7 emergency hotline - trip interruption - straightforward claims process |
Tourist Card | 550k USD | Good fundamental protection for travelers on tourism or business. - solid medical cover - emergency assistance - flexible trip cancellation option |
Travel Pass Monde | 770k USD | Balanced plan for serious travelers. - evacuation and repatriation - hospital expenses included - broad territorial scope |
Globe Partner | 330k USD | International plan for essential needs and smooth admin. - medical care abroad - repatriation services - civil liability protection |
Globe Traveller | 550k USD | For short, moderate-risk trips to Afghanistan. - basic hospital cover - fast claim payment - medical evacuation and support |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation covered
- clear war risk exclusions
- 24/7 emergency hotline
- trip interruption
- straightforward claims process
- solid medical cover
- emergency assistance
- flexible trip cancellation option
- evacuation and repatriation
- hospital expenses included
- broad territorial scope
- medical care abroad
- repatriation services
- civil liability protection
- basic hospital cover
- fast claim payment
- medical evacuation and support
Watch out!
These are the insurers we generally recommend for their quality of service and value for money. However, be aware that in exceptional situations like armed conflict zone, they may not be able to provide coverage.
Is it currently safe to travel to Afghanistan?
As of June 2025, the U.S. Department of State officially advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to persistent armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and the high risk of wrongful detention targeting U.S. citizens.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: armed attacks, terrorist incidents, and kidnappings are widespread, especially in Kabul and along major roads. The Taliban and other groups frequently target foreigners and aid workers.
- Health risks: medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Kabul. Counterfeit medications and inadequate care can pose life-threatening dangers, and medical evacuation is often the only effective solution.
- Legal constraints:travelers must register with the Afghan Ministry of Interior upon arrival. Possession of a U.S. passport with Israeli stamps results in denied entry, and a valid Afghan visa is required.
- Consular support: the U.S. Embassy in Kabul is closed and cannot provide emergency help. All services are handled through the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, with extremely restricted capacity for crisis support.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the U.S. Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Afghanistan.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Afghanistan?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for U.S. citizens to enter Afghanistan.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the U.S. Department of State due to the extreme security situation, limited health care, and the very high cost of medical evacuation or emergency repatriation. Coverage should include medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Afghanistan, due to the high-risk environment and serious health system limitations.
Why take out travel insurance for Afghanistan?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Afghanistan.
Healthcare costs are often high in Afghanistan because advanced care is only available at private hospitals in major cities like Kabul, such as the French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC). Public facilities typically lack basic equipment and supplies, so foreigners are routinely directed to private clinics where fees are charged up front.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medication, ambulance services, and repatriation to the United States in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Afghanistan.
Example of medical treatment | Cost at French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC) | Covered by travel insurance |
---|---|---|
I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 100,000 AFN (about $1,400) | up to 100% |
I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 60,000 AFN (about $840) | up to 100% |
I need to be repatriated | 3,000,000 AFN (about $42,000) | up to 100% |
I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 350,000 AFN (about $4,900) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel insurance coverage for Afghanistan
⚠️ Due to ongoing armed conflict and widespread insecurity, many insurers refuse coverage for Afghanistan or significantly limit their guarantees. Access to comprehensive travel insurance is often restricted and premiums are high.
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Afghanistan.
Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
---|---|
🏥 Medical expenses | Covers urgent treatment following accident or illness, including hospitalization and outpatient care. We recommend a reimbursement limit of $250,000 for Afghanistan. |
🚑 Medical evacuation | Covers ambulance transport or air evacuation to a safe third country for treatment, since medical infrastructure is limited. We recommend a reimbursement limit of $500,000. |
✈️ Repatriation | Covers the cost of returning to the US for ongoing care or in case of death. Minimum $100,000 reimbursement limit is recommended. |
💊 Medication cover | Reimburses the cost of prescribed drugs, especially important due to prevalence of counterfeit medicine. At least $2,000 in coverage is advisable. |
🛡️ Personal liability | Covers damages accidentally caused to others. Recommended minimum is $25,000. |
🚨 Accident & disability | Compensation for accident, permanent disability, or loss of life during your trip. Choose a contract covering at least $50,000. |
💼 Baggage & delay | Reimburses theft, loss, or delayed arrival of baggage. We recommend at least $1,000 in coverage. |
🏚️ Trip cancellation | Covers irrecoverable costs if you must cancel or curtail your trip for covered reasons. Recommended minimum is $3,000. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of $250,000 for Afghanistan.
We recommend a reimbursement limit of $500,000.
Minimum $100,000 reimbursement limit is recommended.
At least $2,000 in coverage is advisable.
Recommended minimum is $25,000.
Choose a contract covering at least $50,000.
We recommend at least $1,000 in coverage.
Recommended minimum is $3,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or credit cards usually offers limited coverage, low limits, and numerous exclusions. For reliable protection, always select a trusted insurer with complete guarantees. Compare the best policies on HelloSafe and apply online for immediate certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Afghanistan?
Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
---|---|---|
1 week | 25 years old | $95 |
2 weeks | 45 years old | $170 |
1 month | 35 years old | $260 |
1 month | 70 years old | $510 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance policy depends on several key details: the traveler's age, the duration of your stay, your destination, and chosen options like trip cancellation coverage. Considering these factors is essential to select the right plan for your needs and budget, ensuring you're properly protected on your trip.
Insurance Coverage for Afghanistan
Many insurance providers exclude Afghanistan from coverage due to the ongoing conflict and high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and wrongful detention. Carefully review policy terms and obtain written confirmation that your plan explicitly covers travel to Afghanistan. Prioritize comprehensive medical evacuation and high-limit emergency assistance in your coverage.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Afghanistan
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Afghanistan while keeping good coverage:
Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
---|---|---|
🛡️ Policy coverage | Afghanistan presents high risks, so coverage for medical evacuation and emergency should be robust | Choose a plan that covers medical evacuation but avoid optional add-ons. Compare plans for essential protections. Focus on core medical and evacuation benefits. |
📅 Trip duration | Longer stays increase the cost, especially in high-risk areas | Estimate your trip dates carefully. Limit your policy to exact needs and avoid coverage for extra days if not required. |
👤 Traveller’s age | Age often impacts premium, especially for destination countries with high risks | If over 62, check Heymondo which does not increase prices. Compare age brackets to optimize your premium. |
👨👩👦 Number of travelers | Family/group policies may offer discounts | Consider a group plan rather than individual ones. Joint coverage can be more economical especially for families or work teams. |
🚑 Health history | Pre-existing conditions can increase the cost | Declare health conditions honestly but check multiple insurers. Some providers offer better rates for stable conditions. |
🏥 Destination region | Some areas are more expensive to insure due to war risk or lack of clinics | Only cover regions you will actually visit. Avoid unnecessary geographic extensions in the policy. |
💡 Policy excess/deductible | Higher deductibles lower premiums, but increase out-of-pocket costs | Choose a reasonable deductible you can afford. Balance premium savings with protection against large expenses. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Afghanistan?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current coverage—such as credit card insurance or private health insurance—can protect you during a trip to Afghanistan. Unfortunately, such coverage is often limited or does not apply at all. Only travel insurance offers the high coverage and support required for this destination.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
Type of insurance | Valid in Afghanistan? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
---|---|---|---|
Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage outside the US. Emergency care or evacuation not included. | Travel insurance provides up to $250,000 in medical costs and evacuation. |
Private health insurance (Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna) | Yes, partly | May reimburse some medical bills after returning. Rarely covers emergency evacuation or terrorism risks. | Travel insurance includes direct payment overseas and $500,000 evacuation coverage. |
Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity, Capital One Platinum) | Yes, partly | Some trip delay, baggage loss, or medical expenses under $5,000. No evacuation or warzone support. | Travel insurance covers trip cancelation, $100,000+ medical care, evacuation, and war risk. |
Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Yes, partly | Medical coverage up to $50,000 or less, limited trip delay or lost luggage payout. | Travel insurance covers medical emergencies up to $500,000, full evacuation, and 24/7 assistance. |
Example
In Kabul, a severe bout of dysentery landed an aid worker in a private clinic for a week, with a bill of $10,000. His US health plan wouldn't cover care in Afghanistan, and his Visa Signature card’s travel insurance only paid $1,500, leaving him to fund the remaining $8,500 himself.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Critical situations, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness, are often excluded. Read your policy carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, buying dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Afghanistan?
Yes, U.S. citizens need a valid Afghan visa to enter and exit Afghanistan. Arriving without a visa can result in deportation, passport confiscation, fines, or detention. There are no visa-on-arrival services. You must obtain your visa through the Afghan government prior to travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Afghanistan?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to evaluate available policies for Afghanistan.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Ensure your chosen plan provides coverage specifically for Afghanistan, including medical evacuation and war risk, and review all exclusions.
3/ Buy online: Complete your purchase on the insurer’s website.
4/ Receive your certificate: Your proof of insurance will be emailed or available via download.
Is medical evacuation covered by most travel insurance for Afghanistan?
Many standard travel insurance plans exclude travel to Afghanistan due to instability and war risk. However, some specialist insurers offer coverage that includes medical evacuation. Always verify that your policy expressly lists Afghanistan and offers evacuation to your home country or a nearby hospital.
What should I look for in a travel insurance plan for Afghanistan?
Because Afghanistan is a high-risk destination, seek coverage that includes medical evacuation, emergency medical expenses, accidental injury, and acts of war or terrorism if possible. Confirm the insurer’s 24/7 assistance and direct payment to overseas hospitals due to limited local care.
Can I purchase travel insurance for Afghanistan while already abroad?
It may be more challenging to find coverage from abroad, as most providers require you to purchase insurance before leaving your country of residence. Some specialty insurers may offer coverage if you are already overseas, but always confirm the terms and start date before relying on the plan.
What are common exclusions in travel insurance for Afghanistan?
Policies often exclude claims related to active conflict, terrorism, or government travel warnings for Afghanistan. Pre-existing medical conditions, adventure activities, and non-emergency travel also may not be covered. Review all exclusions carefully to be sure your main risks in Afghanistan are not excluded.
Do I need a visa to travel to Afghanistan?
Yes, U.S. citizens need a valid Afghan visa to enter and exit Afghanistan. Arriving without a visa can result in deportation, passport confiscation, fines, or detention. There are no visa-on-arrival services. You must obtain your visa through the Afghan government prior to travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Afghanistan?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to evaluate available policies for Afghanistan.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Ensure your chosen plan provides coverage specifically for Afghanistan, including medical evacuation and war risk, and review all exclusions.
3/ Buy online: Complete your purchase on the insurer’s website.
4/ Receive your certificate: Your proof of insurance will be emailed or available via download.
Is medical evacuation covered by most travel insurance for Afghanistan?
Many standard travel insurance plans exclude travel to Afghanistan due to instability and war risk. However, some specialist insurers offer coverage that includes medical evacuation. Always verify that your policy expressly lists Afghanistan and offers evacuation to your home country or a nearby hospital.
What should I look for in a travel insurance plan for Afghanistan?
Because Afghanistan is a high-risk destination, seek coverage that includes medical evacuation, emergency medical expenses, accidental injury, and acts of war or terrorism if possible. Confirm the insurer’s 24/7 assistance and direct payment to overseas hospitals due to limited local care.
Can I purchase travel insurance for Afghanistan while already abroad?
It may be more challenging to find coverage from abroad, as most providers require you to purchase insurance before leaving your country of residence. Some specialty insurers may offer coverage if you are already overseas, but always confirm the terms and start date before relying on the plan.
What are common exclusions in travel insurance for Afghanistan?
Policies often exclude claims related to active conflict, terrorism, or government travel warnings for Afghanistan. Pre-existing medical conditions, adventure activities, and non-emergency travel also may not be covered. Review all exclusions carefully to be sure your main risks in Afghanistan are not excluded.