Travel insurance has always been a smart idea when visiting Georgia. As of January 1, 2026, it is no longer optional. The Georgian government now requires all international visitors to carry valid health and accident insurance for the duration of their stay. This applies to everyone, including passport holders from the 95+ countries eligible for visa-free entry.
If you are planning a trip to Georgia this year, whether you are flying into Tbilisi Airport, Kutaisi Airport, or crossing a land border, you need to understand these new requirements before you travel.
What the Law Requires
Under Government Regulation No. 602, which took effect on January 1, 2026, all tourists entering Georgia must hold an insurance policy that covers:
- Medical treatment and hospitalization with a minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL (approximately 11,000 USD)
- Accident-related expenses
- The entire duration of your stay, including your arrival and departure dates
The policy can be issued by either a Georgian or international insurance company and must be presentable in English or Georgian, in either digital or printed form.
Who Needs Insurance?
The requirement applies to all foreign visitors entering Georgia as tourists, regardless of nationality or visa status. This includes travelers from countries with visa-free access who previously did not need to show any documentation beyond a passport.
Exemptions exist for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports, accredited diplomatic representatives and their families, persons covered by international treaties, and international drivers engaged in road transport.
What Happens If You Don't Have It?
Travelers without valid insurance may be refused entry to Georgia or face a fine reported at 300 GEL. In practice, airlines are checking insurance documents at check-in and at the gate before boarding. There have been reports of passengers being denied boarding for failing to show proof of coverage. Checks at Georgian passport control and land borders appear to be less consistent so far, but enforcement is expected to tighten over time.
How to Choose a Qualifying Policy
Most standard international travel insurance policies will meet the requirements as long as they explicitly include Georgia in the covered territory, meet the 30,000 GEL minimum coverage for medical and accident expenses, show clear policy dates matching your stay, and provide a certificate in English or Georgian.
International Providers
Traditional travel insurance from established providers like Allianz, World Nomads, or HeyMondo is the most straightforward option. These policies come with clear English-language certificates that airline staff and border officials can easily verify. For longer stays, subscription-based options like SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance renew monthly and cover Georgia worldwide.
Georgian Providers
Several local insurers offer affordable policies designed specifically for visitors to Georgia, starting from as little as 1.5 GEL (about 50 US cents) per day. Options include TBC Insurance, Ardi's Welcomer package, Imedi L, and E-COVER. These are generally cheaper than international policies but may have more limited coverage and support.
Credit Card Insurance
Some premium credit cards include travel insurance that may qualify, but you need to be able to download a formal policy document showing medical and accident coverage, minimum limits, Georgia as covered territory, and dates matching your stay. Marketing material or card benefits summaries are unlikely to be accepted by airline staff.
How to Show Proof of Insurance
Carry your insurance documents in multiple formats to avoid problems:
- A digital copy accessible on your phone
- A downloaded PDF available offline (in case you cannot connect to Wi-Fi at the airport)
- A printed copy as backup
Your policy certificate should clearly display your full name, coverage dates, the territory covered (including Georgia), the type of coverage (medical and accident), and the coverage amount (minimum 30,000 GEL or equivalent).
Why Insurance Matters Beyond the Legal Requirement
Georgia is a very safe country with low crime rates, and healthcare in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi is affordable by Western standards. However, quality and access drop significantly outside major cities. In mountain regions where many of Georgia's best road trip destinations are located, facilities are basic and emergency response times can be long.
Road safety is one of the biggest practical risks for visitors. Accident rates are higher than in most European countries, and this applies whether you are driving yourself, riding in a marshrutka minivan, or taking a taxi. If you plan to drive mountain roads to places like Tusheti, Svaneti, or Racha, accident cover and emergency evacuation insurance become especially important.
Can You Buy Insurance at the Airport or Border?
No. At the time of writing, there are no facilities to purchase health or accident insurance at Georgian airports or land border crossings. There is no official mechanism to buy insurance on arrival. Airlines may refuse boarding if you cannot show valid insurance before departure. Always arrange your insurance before you travel.
Special Cases
Driving in Georgia
Travel insurance covers your health and accident expenses. It is separate from vehicle insurance. When you rent a car with FSTA, our rental packages include vehicle insurance options (basic and full coverage). Your personal travel insurance handles your medical costs if anything happens on the road. We recommend both.
Cross-Border Trips
If your itinerary includes driving from Georgia to Armenia or vice versa, make sure your travel insurance covers both countries. Most international policies cover multiple countries, but Georgian-issued policies may only cover Georgia. Check your policy territory before planning a cross-border trip.
Adventure Activities
Standard travel insurance may exclude certain activities like off-road driving, skiing, or high-altitude hiking. If your Georgia trip includes mountain passes in a 4x4 vehicle, skiing at Gudauri, or trekking above 3,000 meters, verify that your policy covers these activities or purchase an adventure sports add-on.
Planning Your Trip
The insurance requirement is one more reason to plan ahead. Arrange your policy before booking flights, carry documents in multiple formats, and make sure your coverage matches your full itinerary. For everything else you need to know before arriving, see our complete first-time visitor guide and our seasonal planning guide. Browse our full fleet to find the right car for your Georgia adventure.