Executive Summary:
- The start of the Israeli-led Operation Rising Lion on June 13, 2025, has prompted travel and logistical nightmares not just in Israel, with the closure of Ben Gurion Airport, but regionally across the Middle East.
- As of mid‑June 2025, around 40,000 non‑Israeli tourists—primarily vacationers and business travelers—are considered stranded in Israel due to ongoing regional tensions, closed airspace, and flight cancellations.
- The unpredictable offensive and start of Operation Rising Lion highlights the need for evacuation insurance. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer, a business traveler, or a first-time explorer, one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of travel planning is evacuation insurance.
- Consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services at info@rmsiusa.com to develop a customized and resilient evacuation insurance plan.
Situation Report (SITREP):
The start of the Israeli-led Operation Rising Lion on June 13, 2025, has prompted travel and logistical nightmares not just in Israel, with the closure of Ben Gurion Airport, but regionally across the Middle East. As of mid‑June 2025, around 40,000 non‑Israeli tourists—primarily vacationers and business travelers—are considered stranded in Israel due to ongoing regional tensions, closed airspace, and flight cancellations. In addition to tourists, there are tens of thousands of foreign workers and migrants currently in the country—often providing services in healthcare, agriculture, construction, and caregiving. Collectively, number of registered migrant workers, estimates of undocumented migrants, and foreign caregivers in country amounts to roughly 150,000 to 200,000 non‑Israeli nationals currently in Israel who may face restricted movement or difficulties in evacuating.
Impact Analysis and Recommended Course of Action:
The unpredictable offensive and start of Operation Rising Lion highlights the need for evacuation insurance. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer, a business traveler, or a first-time explorer, one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of travel planning is evacuation insurance. While most travelers remember to book flights, accommodations, and even travel medical insurance, few give real thought to what would happen in the event of a natural disaster, political unrest, or medical emergency abroad.
Here’s why evacuation insurance should be non-negotiable every time you leave your home country.
- Emergencies Can Happen Anywhere
No destination is entirely risk-free. From earthquakes in Turkey to sudden conflict in the Middle East or a surprise hurricane in the Caribbean, geopolitical and natural threats can erupt with little warning. Even developed countries can face crises—just look at recent wildfires, airport shutdowns, or riots in cities known for tourism.
Evacuation insurance ensures you have a plan in place if you’re caught in the middle of a crisis, whether it’s political, environmental, or medical.
- Medical Transport Costs Can Be Astronomical
If you suffer a serious injury or illness while traveling and local medical facilities aren’t equipped to treat you, you may need a medical evacuation to a nearby country—or even back home. These services often cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, and many standard travel health policies do not cover the full cost of evacuation.
Evacuation insurance covers these high costs and ensures you’re transported to a facility capable of providing proper care.
- Your Embassy Won’t Fly You Out
Many travelers mistakenly believe their home government will swoop in to evacuate them in an emergency. In reality, embassies and consulates do not provide free evacuation—and in many cases, they may not be able to arrange it at all. You’re expected to either arrange your own departure or pay for any government-assisted flights afterward.
Evacuation insurance gives you direct access to 24/7 emergency logistics teams who can arrange charter flights, ground transportation, and security—often far faster than government agencies can.
- Political and Civil Unrest Is Unpredictable
As we’ve seen in recent years—from unexpected coups to mass protests and missile strikes—political situations can deteriorate quickly. Evacuation insurance typically includes non-medical evacuations for situations such as war, terrorism, or government instability, helping you leave a country before commercial options disappear.
- Peace of Mind
Ultimately, evacuation insurance is about peace of mind. Knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re not alone, and you’re not facing an impossible financial burden, allows you to travel with greater confidence and less stress.
What to Look for in an Evacuation Insurance Policy
When purchasing a policy, look for coverage that includes:
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Non-medical evacuation (political, natural disaster, security threat)
- 24/7 global assistance
- Coverage limits of at least $100,000
- Evacuation to the hospital of your choice (not just the nearest facility)
No one expects to get caught in a crisis while traveling—but the world is unpredictable. Evacuation insurance isn’t just a luxury for extreme adventurers anymore. It’s a necessary safeguard for anyone who wants to travel responsibly and return home safely. Consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services at info@rmsiusa.com to develop a customized and resilient evacuation insurance plan.
Don’t just pack your bags. Pack a plan.
About RMS International:
Founded in 2012, RMS International provides ad hoc and contracted close protection, estate security, international travel management, corporate executive protection, personnel and asset security, and discreet investigative services. Operating a state-of-the-art Risk Operations Center in West Palm Beach, they provide 24/7 overwatch of global operations in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas. RMS International delivers peace of mind in a chaotic world. Connect with us at RMSIUSA.com