International SOS Risk Outlook 2026: Uncertainty shaping the pace of preparedness

Updated Global Risk Map Released

International SOS today unveiled its 10th annual Risk Outlook report, providing critical insights into the evolving and emerging security and health risk challenges facing organizations and their workforces in 2026.

The research confirms the continuous and rapid increase and convergence of risks and threats. In parallel, it highlights that this is placing heavy demand on the pace of preparedness required to protect employees and operations. Key findings include:

• Nearly six in ten leaders (57%) reported that new risks are emerging faster than they can manage. 74% said that the window for making critical decisions is shrinking and only 35% are confident they can mobilize teams rapidly.
• Although 80% believe that detecting risks quickly provides an advantage, only 20% reported that they feel confident in verifying risk information rapidly.
• Nearly half (49%) note that risks are increasingly interconnected and converging, requiring joint security and medical responses

Concurrently, International SOS has released its open-access Risk Map, which reflects today’s medical and security risk ratings. Several security ratings have been increased due to geopolitical tensions, including Iran (Medium to High), Myanmar (High to Extreme) and Niger (Medium to High). Mongolia has seen a reduction in its security risk rating, from Medium to Low, due to stability in the capital and improvements in natural disaster response and road safety. The medical risk rating for India has changed from variable to medium, due to the standard of care available in major cities.

Arnaud Vaissié, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of International SOS,

As we enter 2026, organisations face a landscape defined not only by complexity but by the accelerating pace of change. Geopolitical shifts, natural hazards, rising costs, and polarisation strain operations and impact employees. Misinformation and disinformation erode trust. Mental health concerns intensify as human capital becomes ever more critical. Risks no longer arrive in isolation; they converge, evolve, and challenge even the most robust plans. In this environment, preparedness is essential - the foundation for confidence, continuity, and growth.

The ability to anticipate and act decisively is what enables businesses to protect their people and sustain productivity, wherever they operate and whatever the circumstances. Preparedness can no longer be static. It must be intelligent, dynamic, and continuous. Artificial Intelligence has become a critical force multiplier, enabling real-time risk detection and faster decision-making. Technology alone cannot replace judgment. The integration of advanced analytics with deep human expertise is what delivers clarity from complexity and transforms uncertainty into actionable foresight.

 

Uncertainty is rising sharply, with 66% of organisations saying it has grown significantly in the past year. Geopolitical instability is the top driver, cited by 47% of respondents. Cybercrime ranks second, yet other digital threats are being underestimated: only 14% of respondents identified misinformation and disinformation as significant sources of uncertainty, despite their growing potential to disrupt operations and erode trust.

At the same time, technology that could help mitigate these challenges is seemingly low. Despite widespread attention on artificial intelligence, just 6% of organisations view AI as important for risk management, suggesting missed opportunities to harness its capabilities.

Cvete Koneska, Global Security Director, International SOS, said:

Businesses can improve their ability to anticipate and adapt to change. Agility and access to timely intelligence are now essential for resilience.

Nearly 80% of security and health specialists anticipate static or decreasing budgets, potentially blocking the ability to manage risks at pace.

Although data shows the burden of mental health issues continues to trend upwards, with over one billion people estimated to be living with mental health conditions, it only rates in the top three concerns for 17% of those surveyed. 

Dr Irene Lai, Global Medical Director, International SOS, commented:

Forgetting health means forgetting the human. International SOS case data indicates anxiety and stress are the most common mental health conditions requiring our assistance, with medication issues often complicating travel. Health risks rarely occur in isolation anymore. Extreme weather, mental health challenges, and infectious disease threats often overlap with security crises. Organisations must integrate medical and security planning to protect their people effectively.