Great news — after a short pause, the insurance program for Ukrainian media professionals working in high-risk areas is back.
The program, which has already proven its effectiveness in supporting journalists, camera operators, fixers, and editors, is once again open for applications. It is part of the International Insurance Fund for Journalists (IIFJ) initiative, implemented by the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) in cooperation with Ukrainian and European partners.
A new start with better conditions
The full-scale war continues, and the need for reliable insurance for journalists remains as urgent as ever. Reporters, photographers, videographers, and fixers working in high-risk zones face danger every day. This program provides them with real protection and confidence in their safety.
Together with its partners, the AIRPPU team has not only extended the insurance program but also significantly improved its conditions.
“We are relaunching with improved terms — no limits on the number of team members deployed to dangerous areas, and no restrictions on the number of insured days. The coverage amount reaches up to 100,000 USD. This flexibility allows every Ukrainian journalist, operator, or fixer traveling to a high-risk zone to have protection regardless of the trip’s duration or team size. In addition, we are preparing to hold another safety training in December — an essential part of our program. The ability to act in crisis situations is crucial”, explains Oksana Brovko, CEO of AIRPPU.
During the training, participants will practice practical skills such as responding in extreme situations, providing first aid, and learning how to behave during shelling or evacuation. The goal is for every Ukrainian media professional to feel confident and safe, even when their work involves risk.
How to apply
Applications are open now — registration for insurance of Ukrainian media professionals officially starts on November 1. The application form is available on the International Insurance Fund for Journalists website, and program coordinators provide consultations almost around the clock.
Ukrainian fixers, journalists, videographers, editors, and photographers working for independent Ukrainian media can apply if they are traveling on assignments to combat zones, liberated areas, border regions with Russia or Belarus, or frontline areas, and possess personal protective equipment.
Priority will be given to those who have already completed safety or first aid training.
Applications can be submitted for trips to the following regions:
Kherson
Zaporizhzhia
Sumy
Mykolaiv
Donetsk
Luhansk
Odesa
Kharkiv
Dnipropetrovsk
Border areas of Kyiv and Chernihiv regions
Safety is not an option — it’s a necessity
The International Insurance Fund for Journalists (IIFJ) is an initiative of six civil society organizations:
Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU), SUSPILNIST Foundation, Institute of Mass Information (IMI), Detector Media, CEDEM, and RPDI.
The initiative aims to help journalists stay protected while reporting news, stories, and investigations during the war. To ensure transparency, a Coordinating Council composed of representatives of all founding organizations oversees the project’s implementation.
Initially, the initiative was supported by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), and in recent years — by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF).
Over the past year and a half:
- 92 journalists (54 men and 38 women) were insured for a total of 1,230 days in hazardous environments;
- 704 applications were received, 633 of which were approved, including one confirmed insurance case;
- Since the IJIF’s inception: 1,015 applications processed, 2,196 insured days, with total coverage reaching 100,000 USD.
At the same time, the team organized physical and psychological safety trainings for more than 100 participants, including HEFAT (Hostile Environment and First Aid Training), crisis reporting workshops, psychological consultations, seminars, and conferences.
“The project has achieved significant results in creating a safer environment for Ukrainian journalists and fixers working in conflict zones. Thanks to training, psychological support, insurance, and awareness campaigns, the initiative has become an essential resource for protecting media professionals and strengthening their readiness to work under high-risk conditions,” notes Oksana Brovko.
Working for safer journalism
The insurance program is part of AIRPPU’s broader mission to develop a safe, sustainable, and responsible environment for Ukrainian journalists, especially those working near the frontlines.
Plan your trips in advance and apply for insurance.
The application form is available here.
For consultation regarding terms and conditions — contact the program coordinators.
Safe journalism is not only about courage — it’s also about responsibility.
Join us to work confidently — even where it’s hardest.
***
The insurance project is implemented by the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) together with its partners. The initiative is part of the “Voices of Ukraine” program coordinated by the European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF). “Voices of Ukraine” is carried out within the Hannah-Arendt-Initiative and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
