Mandatory Health Insurance in Georgia 2026: What Foreigners Need to Know
From 1 January 2026, every foreign national entering Georgia must hold a valid health and accident insurance policy. This applies to everyone — regardless of whether your country has visa-free access to Georgia.
Most content about this has focused on short-term tourists. This guide is written for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and long-term residents — the people actually living and working in Georgia who need to understand what this means in practice.
What the Law Actually Requires
The requirement is set out in Government Regulation No. 602, implementing Article 12 of Georgia's Law on Tourism. From January 2026, this applies to every foreign national entering Georgia, including those on visa-free entry.
Your policy must meet all of the following:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage amount | Minimum 30,000 GEL (approx. USD 11,000 / EUR 10,000) |
| Coverage type | Both health/medical AND accident — both must be included |
| Coverage period | Must cover your entire stay including arrival and departure dates |
| Geographic coverage | Must explicitly list Georgia as a covered territory |
| Language | Policy document must be in English or Georgian |
| Format | Digital or printed — both accepted at the border |
| Issuer | Georgian or foreign insurance company — both accepted |
Who Is Exempt
The following are exempt from the insurance requirement:
If you live in Georgia on visa-free entry without a residence permit, you are not exempt. You are still entering as a tourist each time you cross the border. Carry compliant insurance at every border crossing until you hold a Georgian residence permit. Once you have residence status, this requirement no longer applies to you.
Which Policies Actually Qualify
Not every health insurance policy automatically qualifies. This is where most people get confused.
| Policy Type | Does It Qualify? |
|---|---|
| Standard travel insurance (meeting GEL 30,000 minimum) | Yes — if policy covers Georgia and states the coverage amount clearly |
| International health insurance (Cigna, AXA, Allianz) | Usually yes — verify the coverage amount is stated clearly on the document |
| Georgian local health insurance plans | Usually yes — confirm document clearly states coverage amount |
| EU/UK national health insurance (EHIC, NHS) | No — not accepted, as these do not provide documented private coverage |
| Employer corporate health plan | Possibly — you need a certificate showing Georgia is covered and minimum amount is met |
| SafetyWing, World Nomads, similar nomad plans | Yes — if coverage meets the GEL 30,000 minimum and document is in English |
Border officers look for three things at a glance: (1) Georgia listed as a covered territory, (2) minimum GEL 30,000 in coverage stated clearly, (3) your dates of stay are covered. If your document makes all three obvious, you will have no issues. If you would need to explain your policy to a border officer, get a dedicated certificate from your provider instead.
The Fines — and What Actually Happens
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| No insurance at border | GEL 300 fine (approx. USD 110) — or refused entry |
| Fine unpaid within 30 days | Fine increases to GEL 900 |
| Repeat violations | Risk of deportation and future entry ban |
In practice, enforcement in early 2026 has been inconsistent — some crossings check thoroughly, others barely look. However, the legal obligation exists regardless of how strictly it is currently enforced. The risk of being refused entry or fined is real, and the cost of a compliant policy is low enough that non-compliance makes no financial sense.
For Entrepreneurs and Long-Term Residents
This requirement has particular relevance for foreign entrepreneurs in Georgia. If you are running a Georgian Individual Entrepreneur or LLC and living here on visa-free entry, you need compliant insurance every time you leave and re-enter the country.
The practical implications:
The most straightforward path: obtain a Georgian Labour Residence Permit through your company. Once you hold residence status, the insurance entry requirement disappears entirely. This is one of several practical advantages of formalising your residency in Georgia beyond just the tax benefits.
Which Providers Are Commonly Used
| Provider | Notes |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing (Nomad Insurance) | Popular with digital nomads. Monthly subscription. Meets Georgia requirements. English document. |
| World Nomads | Designed for long-term travellers. Georgia-compliant. Higher coverage options available. |
| Irao (Georgian provider) | Local Georgian insurer, pre-approved by border authorities. From approx. GEL 2 per day. |
| Allianz / AXA / Cigna Global | Corporate-grade international plans. Good for entrepreneurs needing broader coverage. |
| Airport purchase | Available at Tbilisi and Batumi airports. Higher prices, limited options. Not recommended. |
This is not an endorsement of any provider. Verify that any policy meets the current requirements before purchasing.
Questions We Get Asked a Lot
Click any question to expand.
Do I need insurance if I already have a Georgian IE and bank account?
Having a Georgian business registration or bank account does not affect your insurance requirement. The rule applies at the border and is based on your immigration status. If you do not hold a Georgian residence permit, you need compliant insurance on every entry.
My existing health insurance covers Georgia — is that enough?
It depends on what your policy document shows. Border officers need to see Georgia listed, a coverage amount of at least GEL 30,000, and your dates of coverage — all on a document in English or Georgian. If your policy PDF makes all three clear without explanation, it should be accepted. If not, request a dedicated certificate from your provider.
Does this apply to transit through Tbilisi airport?
The regulation applies to tourists entering Georgia — passing through immigration control. If you are airside-transit only and not entering the country, it technically does not apply. If you pass through passport control for any reason, the requirement applies.
Can I buy an annual policy to cover the whole year?
Yes — and this is the most practical approach for long-term residents and frequent border crossers. An annual policy that covers your full period of stay means you buy once and carry the document every time you cross the border. Far more practical than purchasing short-term policies for each entry.
Once I get a Georgian residence permit, do I still need insurance to enter?
No. Georgian residence permit holders are exempt from the tourist insurance requirement. This is one of the practical benefits of formalising your residency through your Georgian company — it removes this compliance burden entirely.
