Mandatory Health Insurance for Visitors to Georgia: What Travelers and Drivers Need to Know for 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, all foreign citizens entering Georgia are required to have valid health and accident insurance.

For travelers renting a car and exploring Georgia independently, this is more than a formality - it's a key part of planning a safe and stress-free journey. Here's everything you need to know.

Key requirements

• Minimum coverage limit: at least GEL 30,000 (Georgian lari) - approximately €10,000 ($11,000).
• Mandatory coverage: the policy must cover both health and accident risks. The ideal coverage by our estimate: around €5,000 for emergency doctor visits and medicine, and around €10,000 for hospital stays and surgeries.
• Duration: the insurance must be valid for your entire stay in Georgia.
• Proof: border officials at airports, land borders and seaports may ask to see your insurance documents. Digital policies shown on a smartphone are accepted.
• Applicability: the rule applies to all foreign visitors, including children and infants.

Fines and penalties

If you fail to show valid insurance coverage for your time in Georgia, you may face the following consequences:

• Standard fine: 300 GEL (around $110) for a first violation.
• Late payment: if the fine isn't paid within 30 days, it can increase to 900 GEL.
• Deportation risk: repeated violations may see you deported and refused re-entry to Georgia.

Why this insurance matters

Until now, Georgia has not demanded that foreign visitors carry health insurance. While this made entry simple, it also created real challenges for the country's healthcare system.

Under Georgian law, medical institutions must provide emergency and accident-related care to everyone, including tourists - regardless of whether or not they can pay. Over time, this has put a financial burden on clinics, which often had no way to recover costs when uninsured visitors required treatment.

From a traveler's perspective, the risks are just as real. Medical emergencies, traffic accidents, or unexpected hospital stays can end up extremely expensive without the right insurance coverage - especially if you're driving long distances or exploring the country's mountainous regions.

Mandatory insurance is designed to protect both visitors and local healthcare providers, ensuring that emergency care is available without financial uncertainty on either side.

Where to buy your insurance policy

1. Insurance purchased abroad

Visitors are allowed to enter Georgia with insurance bought in their home country, with verification carried out at the border. The policy should be in English and/or Georgian.

Buying from a home insurer is perfectly acceptable to the Georgian authorities as long as it meets the requirements above. Local insurers have raised concerns, however, that verifying foreign policies could be complicated and time-consuming, slowing down border crossings - and that it might be harder to ensure the coverage meets Georgian legal requirements.

2. Insurance purchased in Georgia

Our recommended option is to get your insurance from a Georgian insurer - just as you do with vehicle insurance when you visit the country and rent a car.

A local policy simplifies any claims you end up having with Georgian hospitals and clinics. For travelers, local insurance will likely mean faster assistance, clearer communication, and easier coordination if medical care is needed.

Insurance options already available in Georgia

Georgia already has several reputable insurers offering health and accident coverage designed for tourists, business travelers, and long-stay visitors. Exact daily or weekly prices depend on the dates and coverage you choose - remember to check the specific policy details for limits and conditions before you buy!

Buying on arrival

You can also buy insurance on arrival at the Georgian border, though this will take time and extra money - up to 30% more than a policy bought online beforehand!

What this means for car renters

If you're renting a car in Georgia, having valid health and accident insurance is particularly important. Long drives, unfamiliar roads, and mountain routes all increase the importance of being properly covered.

As Georgia brings in this new tourist entry requirement, travelers should keep their ears open for updated and clarified rules and enforcement procedures. In the meantime, arranging insurance in advance - ideally from a Georgian provider - can help you enjoy a smoother entry, easier access to healthcare, and peace of mind throughout your trip.

At WeRent, we strongly recommend factoring health insurance into your travel planning, just as you would vehicle insurance. It's a simple step that can make a big difference if the unexpected happens - and it is now the law in Georgia to do so! Safe travels, and enjoy the road ahead as you explore this incredible country!

Useful info

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, call 112 - Georgia's unified emergency number for medical, police, and fire services. They have operators who speak good English.

Georgia's major cities have excellent modern private hospitals and clinics:

• Tbilisi is home to the popular American Medical Centers (AMC) and MediClub Georgia, among many others
• Batumi has the Batumi International Hospital and Regional Referral Hospital
• Kutaisi has its own Referral Hospital for surgeries and specialized treatment, and the Medical Center of Western Georgia

Note that most hospitals expect immediate payment, unless your insurer arranges direct billing through their emergency assistance or support center.

Frequently asked questions