The introduction of mandatory insurance for tourists entering Georgia will significantly reduce the financial strain on clinics, according to Maia Makharashvili, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Healthcare Association.
Currently, medical institutions often face challenges when foreign patients without insurance or the ability to pay require emergency care. “By law, the clinic is obliged to provide emergency medical services to any patient, regardless of citizenship or ability to pay. If the patient is insolvent, the clinic has no leverage to collect payment,” Makharashvili explained to BMG.
She noted that treatment costs can be substantial, particularly in severe cases such as polytrauma, which can reach GEL 50,000 per case. While outpatient emergency services are typically less expensive, uncompensated care still represents a serious financial loss for clinics. Mandatory insurance would ensure that patients are reimbursed by insurance companies, alleviating these burdens.
Starting January 1, 2026, all foreign visitors to Georgia will be required to have health and accident insurance upon entry. The requirement is set under the Law on Tourism, with the government tasked to define the specific insurance scheme and conditions via a resolution.
