Best Travel Insurance Options for Iraq in 2025

Travel insurance for Iraq: key takeaways

1. Definition: Travel insurance for Iraq covers emergency medical treatment, evacuation, accidental injury, and travel assistance services.

2. Warning: The US Department of State strongly advises against travel to Iraq due to security concerns and risks.

3. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens, but it is very important for safety and emergencies.

4. Healthcare cost: Private hospitals in Iraq can cost $100 to $300 nightly for foreigners, with limited facilities and resources.

5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Iraq costs about $30 to $80, depending on age and coverage.

6. Good to know: Some insurance providers may limit coverage in Iraq due to security risks, so always review policy exclusions closely.

Why trust HelloSafe?

HelloSafe is an international expert in travel insurance comparison, advising more than one million travelers every month. After analyzing 36 travel insurance policies available in the United States, our experts share here everything you need to know to select the best travel insurance for Iraq.

The Best Travel Insurances for Iraq

Is it currently safe to travel to Iraq?

As of June 2025, the U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to Iraq, citing persistent threats of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and limited ability to provide consular assistance. This advisory reflects the hazardous security context nationwide, with frequent attacks, restricted airport access, and military operations disrupting travel plans.

Here are their four main recommendations.

• Security risks: widespread terrorist and insurgent activity affects both urban and rural areas. For example, northern provinces such as Nineveh face regular armed clashes and targeted kidnappings. Avoid public gatherings and border regions.
• Health risks: medical care is well below U.S. standards, and facilities lack critical resources. Medical evacuation is frequently required, especially from cities like Baghdad, due to severe injuries or illness that cannot be treated locally.
• Transport restrictions: Baghdad International Airport may be inaccessible to U.S. travelers, with sudden flight suspensions. Check for airspace restrictions and be aware that overland routes can be affected by checkpoints and armed groups.
• Legal constraints: foreigners are subject to local law, including restrictions on photography near government or military sites. Breaches can result in arrest or lengthy investigations, especially in sensitive zones.

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 Iraq.

Travel insurance requirements for Iraq visa applications

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens applying for a tourist visa to Iraq.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the high level of risk, including serious security threats and the limited availability of quality medical care. Coverage for emergency medical expenses and evacuation is especially advisable, as such services can be very expensive and often require advance payment.

According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Iraq. This high percentage reflects the challenging security environment and the potential cost of medical emergencies.

Do you need travel insurance for Iraq?

It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Iraq.

In Iraq, access to quality healthcare is limited, especially outside major cities like Baghdad and Erbil. Foreigners are often referred to private facilities such as Al Salam International Hospital in Baghdad, where prices are significantly higher than in public hospitals. Serious conditions may require treatment or evacuation to nearby countries, which can lead to substantial costs.

Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US if a serious incident occurs.

Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Iraq.

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 Iraq

Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Iraq.

Travel insurance from local providers or included with bank cards often offers only limited benefits, low reimbursement ceilings, and many exclusions. For your safety, choose a reputable insurer with strong, full coverage. Compare top plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.

The cost of travel insurance for Iraq

These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.

💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.

Good to know

The price of travel insurance depends on several factors: the traveler’s age, duration of the stay, destination, the level of coverage selected, and whether you add cancellation options. Longer trips or remote destinations may increase costs. It’s important to keep these in mind so you can pick the best protection without overspending.

How to pay less for your travel insurance to Iraq

Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Iraq while keeping good coverage:

Insurance coverage in Iraq: What you need to know

It is completely legitimate to wonder if your existing insurance—like public or private health insurance, or your credit card’s coverage—can protect you while traveling in Iraq. Unfortunately, this coverage is often very limited or not valid in Iraq. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.

Example

While working in Baghdad, Jake developed acute appendicitis and needed emergency surgery, which cost $9,000. His Citibank Premier card covered only $500, while his U.S. health insurance reimbursed merely $850 for overseas care. Jake had to pay the remaining $7,650 out-of-pocket—a staggering expense he hadn’t anticipated.

Expert advice

Always review the terms, exclusions, and limits of your current insurance. Essential situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death might not be covered. Carefully read the policy to avoid surprises while traveling. For the most reliable protection, purchasing travel insurance tailored to your trip is always the safest and most reassuring choice.

FAQ

A. Fruchard

Insurance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and an experienced entrepreneur in the insurance and personal finance sector, Antoine uses his experience and in-depth knowledge of the market to help Internet users make the right choices. With an MBA in economics, he is a committed expert whose mission is to make personal finance and insurance issues simple and understandable. With a rich career marked by the creation of innovative companies, Antoine's ambition has always been to bring transparency to complex issues and to give power back to consumers. With HelloSafe, he continues to translate this vision by providing accurate advice, impartial comparisons and detailed explanations of travel insurance. He has analysed hundreds of contracts to reveal the best options available on the market.