Travel insurance is not just a smart precaution when visiting Georgia—it’s becoming increasingly essential for protecting your health, finances, and peace of mind during your journey to this captivating Caucasus nation.
Mandatory Insurance Requirements
Georgia has specific travel insurance requirements that every visitor must understand. All visitors to Georgia must have appropriate travel insurance to cover healthcare needs during their visit. You may be asked to provide evidence of this coverage either by your airline at check-in or by immigration authorities upon arrival, and you may face difficulties entering the country without proper documentation.
While mandatory health and accident insurance for tourists was initially planned to begin in June 2024, this requirement has been postponed until January 1, 2026. However, the Georgian government strongly recommends that all tourists carry health insurance throughout their stay.
Healthcare System Realities for Foreign Visitors
No Free Healthcare for Foreigners
Unlike Georgian citizens who have access to the Universal Health Coverage Program (UHCP), foreigners have no access to public healthcare and must pay full commercial prices for all medical services. This creates a significant gap in coverage that travel insurance is designed to fill.
High Medical Costs
Healthcare costs in Georgia can be substantial for foreign visitors:
- Basic checkup: Around 380 GEL (USD 140)
- Hospital treatment: Around 1,000 GEL (USD 370)
- General practitioner visit: 50-70 GEL
- Specialist consultation: 60-100 GEL
- Dental services: Starting from 40-100 GEL for appointments, with teeth filling costing 375-750 GEL (USD 140-280)
Private healthcare costs are particularly high, ranging from more than $100 for a basic check-up to $300 for a cavity filling.
Specific Risks and Coverage Needs
Medical Emergency Protection
Travel insurance for Georgia typically provides comprehensive medical coverage including:
- Emergency medical expenses up to $1,000,000
- Hospitalization and daycare treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Outpatient treatment and telemedicine
- Prescription medications
- Repatriation of remains
Adventure and Altitude-Related Risks
Georgia’s diverse geography presents unique risks that make insurance particularly valuable:
- Altitude sickness risk in areas like Gudauri ski resort, Mount Kazbegi, and Mount Tetnuldi
- Rabies exposure – treatment is available in Tbilisi and major towns, but immediate medical attention is crucial
- Venomous snake bites – few medical facilities outside major towns have anti-venom
- Adventure sports coverage for activities under expert supervision
Travel-Related Protection
Beyond medical coverage, travel insurance for Georgia includes:
- Flight delay compensation – $50 for delays exceeding 4 hours
- Missed connection coverage – up to $750 for missed flights due to vehicle issues or disruptions
- Baggage loss and delay – up to $500 for lost luggage, $50 for delays over 4 hours
- Trip cancellation and curtailment – up to $1,500 each for covered reasons
- Bounced hotel/airline booking – $5,000 benefit for cancelled reservations
Limited Healthcare Infrastructure Outside Major Cities
While Tbilisi and other major cities have well-equipped hospitals with English-speaking staff, medical facilities are limited in rural areas. Language barriers can also pose challenges outside main urban centers. This geographical disparity makes comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage particularly important for travelers planning to explore Georgia’s remote regions.
Cost-Effective Protection
Travel insurance for Georgia is surprisingly affordable, with basic plans starting from as low as ₹24.8 per day (approximately $0.30). Comprehensive annual policies for foreigners in Georgia can cost around $280-320 per year, making it a cost-effective way to protect against potentially expensive medical bills.
24/7 Global Support and Assistance
Most reputable travel insurance providers offer round-the-clock assistance services including:
- Emergency assistance hotlines
- Medical referrals and coordination
- Transportation and accommodation arrangements
- Real-time baggage tracking
- Passport recovery support
Pre-Existing Conditions and Specialized Coverage
Many policies offer extended coverage options including:
- Coverage for chronic conditions when medically stable
- Adventure sports protection under supervised conditions
- Pregnancy-related complications
- Mental health support
Practical Recommendations
Minimum Coverage Requirements
When selecting travel insurance for Georgia, ensure your policy includes:
- Medical coverage of at least EUR 30,000 (though higher limits are recommended)
- Emergency medical evacuation
- 24/7 assistance services
- Coverage valid throughout Georgia’s territory
When to Purchase
Buy travel insurance before your departure to ensure coverage from the moment you leave home. Many policies won’t cover incidents that occur before the policy start date.
Documentation
Keep your insurance policy details easily accessible, including:
- Policy number and emergency contact information
- Digital and physical copies of your coverage certificate
- Clear understanding of claim procedures
Given Georgia’s mandatory insurance requirements, potential high medical costs, and the country’s adventurous terrain, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for a worry-free visit. The relatively small cost of coverage provides invaluable protection against potentially significant financial exposure, ensuring you can focus on enjoying Georgia’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality without concern for unexpected expenses.