Health Insurance in Georgia for Foreigners (2026)
From 1 January 2026, tourists entering Georgia — regardless of nationality or whether they arrive by air, land or sea — must hold health and accident insurance with a minimum sum insured of GEL 30,000, valid for their whole stay. Border authorities may check the policy and entry can be refused without it. Long-term residents generally rely on private insurance, as the state Universal Healthcare Program offers foreigners only limited free cover.
Last reviewed: 31 August 2026 · Last checked: 12 November 2026
Georgia introduced a mandatory entry-insurance rule in 2026, so health cover now matters both for short-term visitors and for people relocating long term. This guide separates the two: the insurance you must hold to enter the country, and how healthcare works once you live here.
Mandatory insurance to enter Georgia
From 1 January 2026, anyone travelling to Georgia as a tourist must have valid health and accident insurance. This requirement applies to all foreign visitors, regardless of their nationality or whether they arrive by air, land or sea.
Your insurance must be valid for your entire stay in Georgia, from the day you enter until the day you leave. The maximum policy period recognised for this purpose is one year.
The policy may be issued by either a Georgian or a foreign insurance company. You can present it electronically or on paper, and it must be in either Georgian or English.
To be accepted, the insurance must provide at least the following minimum cover:
| Requirement | Standard set by legislation |
|---|---|
| Minimum sum insured | At least GEL 30,000 |
| Cover | Medical expenses and the consequences of accidents |
| Validity | Entire period of stay, from entry to departure (maximum one year) |
| Format | Paper or electronic |
| Language | Georgian or English |
| Insurer | Georgian or foreign insurance company |
Minimum insurance coverage
Your insurance policy must provide at least GEL 30,000 in total coverage. This is the maximum amount the insurer may pay under the policy.
The insurance must cover both medical treatment and accidents. There is no legal requirement to allocate separate amounts for different types of medical care (such as outpatient or inpatient treatment) — only the minimum total coverage of GEL 30,000 is required.
What information must the policy include
The insurance policy or certificate should clearly state:
- the name of the insured person;
- the name of the insurance company;
- that the policy is valid in Georgia;
- what risks are covered (health and accident insurance);
- the total coverage amount;
- the policy start and end dates;
- the insurance premium and payment details.
Who does not need this insurance
The mandatory insurance requirement does not apply to:
- holders of a diplomatic or special visa;
- holders of a diplomatic, official, service or special passport;
- accredited staff of diplomatic missions, consulates and international organisations in Georgia, as well as their accredited family members;
- persons who are exempt under an international treaty or agreement binding on Georgia; and
- drivers engaged in international road freight and passenger transport.
These exemptions relate to a requirement that applies to tourists entering Georgia. Persons entering under another legal status, such as holders of a valid Georgian residence permit, are generally not entering as tourists, so this requirement does not apply to them.
At the border
When you enter Georgia, border officers may ask you to show proof that you have the required insurance. They may also check that the policy meets the minimum requirements.
If you cannot present a valid policy, you may be refused entry.
To avoid delays, keep your insurance easily accessible, either as a printed copy or on your phone, and make sure it is valid for your entire stay in Georgia.
Healthcare once you live in Georgia
If you are planning to live in Georgia, it is helpful to understand how the healthcare system works. For an overview, see health in Georgia; For practical information on finding doctors, visiting clinics, buying medicines and using the 112 emergency service, see healthcare in Georgia.
Georgia has a Universal Healthcare Program, but it is designed primarily for Georgian citizens. Foreign nationals who obtain a Georgian residence permit can register for the programme, but the level of coverage is usually limited. Free or heavily subsidised healthcare is mainly available to certain groups, such as low-income residents, pensioners and large families. Most foreign residents do not qualify for these categories.
Persons who have been granted refugee, humanitarian or stateless status in Georgia are covered on the same terms as Georgian citizens.
Private health insurance
Because public healthcare provides only limited benefits for most foreign residents, many choose to take out private health insurance.
Georgia has a well-developed private healthcare sector, with modern clinics available in Tbilisi, Batumi and other major cities. Health insurance is also generally more affordable than in many European countries.
Paying for healthcare yourself
If you do not have health insurance, you will generally need to pay the full cost of medical treatment yourself.
Routine healthcare in Georgia is often more affordable than in many Western European or North American countries, but emergency treatment, surgery or a prolonged hospital stay can still be expensive. Having appropriate health insurance helps protect you from unexpected medical costs and is now also a mandatory requirement for tourists entering Georgia.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance to enter Georgia in 2026?
Yes. Under Government Decree No 602, in force from 1 January 2026, a tourist entering Georgia must hold a valid health and accident insurance policy for the full period from entry to departure (up to a maximum of one year).
How much insurance coverage is required?
The policy's sum insured must be at least GEL 30,000. The decree sets this single minimum limit; it does not set separate sub-limits for outpatient or inpatient care.
Who is exempt from the requirement?
Decree No 602 does not apply to holders of a diplomatic or special visa; holders of a diplomatic, official, service or special passport; accredited staff of diplomatic missions, consular offices and international organisations and their accredited family members; persons whose entry is covered by Georgia's international treaties or agreements; and drivers engaged in international road freight and passenger transport.
In what form must I show the policy?
The policy can be presented in either paper or electronic form, in Georgian or English, and may be issued by a Georgian or a foreign insurance company. The Patrol Police may check for it at the border crossing point.
What must the insurance document contain?
Under Decree No 602 the policy must identify the insured person and the insurer, state Georgia as the coverage territory, list the insured risks, give the coverage amount (limit), show the start and end dates of cover, and state the premium and payment terms.
Can I be refused entry without insurance?
Yes. The requirement applies regardless of nationality or entry method — air, land or sea. Border authorities may verify compliance at the crossing point, and entry can be refused if a valid policy is not presented.
Can foreigners use Georgia's Universal Healthcare Program?
Foreigners with a residence permit can register, but free services are generally limited to vulnerable categories such as low-income residents, pensioners and large families. Most foreign residents use private insurance instead. People with recognised stateless, refugee or humanitarian status are covered on the same terms as citizens.