Communications Director of insurance company GPI Holding, Tinatin Stambolishvili declares, that the insurance sector is ready to offer COVID-insurance to the tourists. As Stambolishvili notes, insurance companies already have a similar experience with foreign tourists.
As for the cost, Stambolishvili declares that the price will be affordable and it will neither increase the cost of the tour nor affect the tourist budget.
"The issue of compulsory COVID-insurance was set on the agenda at the beginning of the pandemic before the traffic was closed. But, it soon lost its meaning because the countries were shut down. Today the reality is different and all industries must support the development of tourism and we are ready to participate in it. One of the most important is COVID-insurance for outbound tourists. If a foreigner gets infected here, it must not become a burden for the state. In this case, the private insurance mechanism is one of the most effective mechanisms. We are ready to resume intensive consultations on this issue and we are ready to discuss this issue with the state, ”said Tinatin Stambolishvili.
According to her, the issuance of COVID-insurance must be simple and affordable as possible.
At the same time, Stambolishvili says that the insurance sector, together with tour operators, will develop a mechanism that will be based on their own business interests.
As for the model, as a representative of the insurance company says, COVID-insurance is unlikely to need a legislative amendment and it may be regulated by a government decree.
"Tourists must be able to get COVID-insurance at all borders. Purchasing a policy should be a simple procedure. We will try to make the service superior. It will be interesting to see what it costs to the state to treat one COVID-infected patient. I hope we will find a common language with the state on this issue," Stambolishvili said.
