Georgia Introduces Mandatory Health Insurance for Tourists Starting January 1, 2026
Traveling to new countries involves unique challenges and risk. Travelers to Georgia will need to be prepared for new insurance requirements for entry to the country. Travelers will need to obtain health and accident insurance that will cover their stay in the country. Because of this new requirement, travelers to Georgia will need to cover another aspect of their insurance before sipping wine and enjoying the beauty of the Caucasus mountains and the seaside city of Batumi. Starting on January 1, 2026, foreign tourists visiting Georgia must carry health and accident insurance that covers the entire stay in Georgia. So, do not forget to pack insurance.
What is the Reason for this Policy
New insurance requirements do not pose new burdens on travelers. Instead, the additional tourist protections help officials in Georgia manage their resources. Travel, especially international travel, involves uncertainties and sometimes accidents. Travel can result in a financial burden on the tourist if medical emergencies occur and turn the trip into a financial nightmare. Avoiding complications for the healthcare system is a positive for Georgia, as tourists turn over their countries resources. The new policies create a balance of positives for the tourists and the system.
Need more information about traveling to Georgia?
What Documents are Needed
Georgia requires foreign tourists to present signed and stamped insurance forms before being allowed to enter the country. The insurance policy must be in excess of 30,000 GEL, which is approximately $11,000 U.S. dollars. That translates to approximately 11,000 USD insurance coverage to cover medical treatment, and related services, related to any activities that are being performed in Georgia, including driving and accidents that may occur.
Your insurance document must show the following:
- Who is insured (that’s you!) Coverage territory (Georgia must be listed) Purpose of the insurance Start and end dates (include arrival and departure days!) Covered risks Coverage limits and premium details
- Partial coverage? No. No is half measures — your policy must include coverage for the entire trip.
Who is Exempt
Not everyone is required to have insurance. The following exemptions are lucky:
- Holders of diplomatic or special visas
- Holders of diplomatic, official, service, or special passports
- Accredited personnel of diplomatic missions or international organizations (plus their dependents)
- Some international drivers
So, if you are a regular tourist, then yes — you are part of the insurance club.
How This Affects Your Trip
Starting in 2026, remember that travel insurance is as important as a passport or plane ticket. Border guards may require you to show proof, either printed or on your mobile device, in English or Georgian. No insurance = no entry, so it is not a suggestion.
Travel specialists anticipate that soon insurance companies will implement policies specifically tailored to Georgia, as easily as visitors will be able to adapt to new guidelines. And if you are planning to come on a visa-free travel from the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia or Japan? No worries, Georgia's entry regulations are still very relaxed, you just need a little safety net.
Bottom Line
The mandatory health insurance is not aimed at making your life more difficult, it is aimed at providing you with the safety you need to offer you peace of mind to explore the beauty of Georgia. From the historical streets of Tbilisi to the breathtaking Caucasus mountains, you will be able to explore the beauty of Georgia without the fear of the unknown hazards that could ruin your epic adventure.
So, before you start packing your travel boots and your wine glasses, make sure you have the necessary insurance, because from January 1, 2026, Georgia will be waiting for it at the border. Your adventure is going to be epic and most importantly, safe!
