Do I need insurance when entering Georgia

Georgia cancels compulsory insurance for tourists until 2026

Changes in Insurance Requirements for Tourists in Georgia: Mandatory Insurance Cancelled until 2026

Introduction

Important news for all tourists planning a trip to Georgia: starting from June 1, 2024, mandatory health and accident insurance for guests of the country will not be introduced. This decision was made by the National Tourism Administration of Georgia and became the subject of discussion among tourism companies, insurance agents, and potential travelers.

Insurance — Background

Initially, it was planned that from June 1, 2024, all foreign citizens entering Georgia would be required to have medical insurance. This requirement applied to both health insurance and accident coverage. The purpose of introducing mandatory insurance was to ensure the safety of tourists and reduce financial risks associated with possible medical expenses during their stay in the country.

However, despite positive intentions, this project encountered numerous difficulties and contradictions during its preparation and coordination phase.

Reasons for Postponement

The National Tourism Administration of Georgia decided to postpone the introduction of mandatory insurance until 2026 for several reasons:

1. Disagreement with Insurance Companies: One of the main problems was the lack of consensus between the administration and insurance companies on issues related to the minimum cost of insurance packages. It was important to provide affordable and beneficial conditions for tourists, which proved to be difficult to achieve.
2. Insufficient Infrastructure Preparedness: Successful implementation of mandatory insurance requires a developed system of interaction between government agencies, medical institutions, and insurance companies. Currently, such a system requires refinement and improvement.
3. Reaction of Tourists and Tour Operators: The introduction of mandatory insurance sparked discussions and concerns among tourists and tour operators. Many feared that the new requirements could negatively impact the flow of tourists to the country, increasing the cost of trips.

Position of the National Tourism Administration

In their statement, representatives of the National Tourism Administration of Georgia emphasized that postponing the introduction of mandatory insurance will allow better preparation for its implementation in the future. «Our goal is to create conditions where tourists feel protected and confident, without experiencing additional financial burdens,» noted a representative of the administration.

Insurance — Expert Opinion

Tourism industry experts note that postponing mandatory insurance could have a positive impact on tourist flow to Georgia in the coming years. «Georgia remains a popular travel destination, and the cancellation of mandatory insurance at this stage will help maintain interest in the country,» comments one of the leading analysts in the tourism market.

What Tourists Need to Know

For those planning a trip to Georgia, it is important to know that starting from June 1, 2024, mandatory medical insurance will not be required. However, travelers are strongly advised to independently arrange medical insurance for their safety and peace of mind. Having insurance will help avoid unexpected expenses in case of needing medical assistance abroad.

Conclusion

The decision of the National Tourism Administration of Georgia to postpone mandatory insurance until 2026 is an important step aimed at improving conditions for tourists and preparing all necessary mechanisms for successful implementation of this measure in the future. Travelers can continue to enjoy the beauty and cultural heritage of Georgia, knowing that their journey will not be burdened by additional mandatory insurance costs.

However, it is important not to forget about personal safety and prudence—arranging medical insurance before traveling abroad always remains a good practice.