Insurance in Georgia is one of those things most expats ignore until something goes wrong. A fender bender, a burst pipe in your apartment, a medical emergency that turns out to cost real money — that's usually when people start Googling.
The good news: Georgia's insurance market is surprisingly developed, affordable compared to Western countries, and accessible to foreigners. The bad news: nobody explains it clearly in English, the products vary wildly in quality, and "I'll just wing it" is the default expat strategy until it isn't.
This guide covers everything you actually need to know — health, car, property, and travel insurance — with real prices, honest assessments of what's worth buying, and specific company recommendations.
Do You Actually Need Insurance in Georgia?
Short answer: yes, but how much depends on your situation.
Georgia has no mandatory health insurance requirement for residents. You can legally live here for years without any coverage. Healthcare is cheap enough that many expats just pay out of pocket — a GP visit costs 30–80 GEL ($11–30), blood work runs 50–150 GEL, and even an ER visit might be 200–500 GEL.
But here's the thing: that's the routine stuff. A hospitalization can easily hit 5,000–15,000 GEL ($1,800–5,500). Surgery? 10,000–40,000 GEL. A serious car accident requiring intensive care could run 50,000+ GEL. That's where the math changes.
New for 2026: Tourist Insurance Requirement
Starting January 1, 2026, all tourists entering Georgia must provide proof of health and accident insurance with minimum 30,000 GEL coverage for their entire stay. This applies to tourists — if you have a residence permit, you're exempt. But if you're on the 365-day visa-free stay, you technically fall under this rule. Enforcement at borders has been inconsistent so far, but it's the law.
Health Insurance: Your Options
Georgia's healthcare system runs on a two-track model. Citizens get basic coverage through the Universal Healthcare Program (UHCP), introduced in 2013. Foreigners get... nothing. You're on your own, which means either paying cash or buying private insurance.
The one exception: if you have a Georgian residence permit AND qualify as "socially vulnerable" (income under 40,000 GEL/year), you can technically access the public system. Most expats don't qualify, and the public system has significant limitations anyway.
So your real options break down into three categories:
Option 1: Local Georgian Insurance (Best for Most Expats)
This is what the vast majority of long-term expats should get. Georgian insurance companies sell the same plans to foreigners as to citizens — no residence permit required. Prices are shockingly low by Western standards.
| Plan Level | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 40–60 GEL | 500–720 GEL (~$180–260) | Emergency + hospitalization, limited outpatient |
| Standard | 60–90 GEL | 720–1,100 GEL (~$260–400) | Above + specialist visits, diagnostics, partial meds |
| Premium | 100–150 GEL | 1,200–1,800 GEL (~$440–660) | Comprehensive: specialists, dental, meds 50–80% |
The Sweet Spot
Most expats find the standard tier (60–90 GEL/month) gives the best balance. You get hospitalization coverage for the scary stuff, plus enough outpatient coverage to make routine visits worthwhile. The basic tier is fine if you just want catastrophe protection.
Option 2: International Expat Insurance (IPMI)
If you travel frequently, are older (50+), have pre-existing conditions, or want the security of evacuation coverage, international plans are worth considering. They cost dramatically more — $3,000–7,000/year — but give you global coverage, higher limits, and English-language support.
Common providers: Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Foyer Global Health, Pacific Prime. These make sense for digital nomads who hop countries, retirees who want medevac options, or anyone who'd want to fly home for serious treatment rather than trust a Georgian hospital.
Option 3: Travel Insurance (Short-Term Only)
If you're staying less than 3 months, travel insurance is fine. SafetyWing, World Nomads, or Allianz travel policies all work. But if you're actually living here, travel insurance will eventually deny claims once they realize you're not a tourist. Don't game this.
Specific Plans Worth Looking At
Rather than just telling you "compare companies," here are actual named products that long-term expats have used and recommended. Prices are approximate as of early 2026 — always get a fresh quote.
Irao "Pulse" — Budget Pick
Starting from ~35 GEL/month. Covers emergency hospitalization up to 15,000 GEL, basic outpatient (limited visits), and one annual check-up. No dental. Monthly payment accepted (most budget plans demand quarterly). Best for healthy young expats who just want catastrophe coverage.
Ardi "Welcomer" — Best for Newcomers
Designed specifically for foreigners new to Georgia. ~50–70 GEL/month. Hospitalization up to 15,000 GEL with zero deductible, outpatient visits covered at 70–80%, basic dental, and English-speaking support line. Onboarding process is streamlined — passport and phone number is all you need.
GPI "Exclusive" — Premium Local
GPI's top-tier product. ~100–150 GEL/month depending on age. Hospitalization up to 50,000 GEL, specialists covered at 80%, diagnostics at 80%, dental (basic + some prosthetics), medications at 50%. Largest hospital network in Georgia. Backed by Vienna Insurance Group.
TBC Insurance — Digital-First
If you bank with TBC, their insurance integrates with the TBC app. Plans from ~50 GEL/month. Smooth claims process, decent network, and the ability to manage everything digitally. Not the cheapest, but the most convenient if you're already in the TBC ecosystem.
Get Multiple Quotes
Prices vary significantly by age. A 30-year-old might pay 50 GEL/month for a plan that costs an identical 45-year-old 90 GEL/month. Always get quotes from at least 2–3 companies. Most have online calculators on their websites, or you can call and get a quote in 10 minutes.
The Major Local Insurers (Compared)
Georgia has 5–6 dominant insurance companies. They all offer similar products, but with meaningful differences in service quality, network size, and foreigner-friendliness.
| Company | Strengths | Best For | English Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPI Holding | Largest network, Vienna Insurance Group backing, "Exclusive" premium line | Expats wanting comprehensive coverage | Good |
| Aldagi | Property insurance leader (40%+ market), 30+ years experience | Property owners, apartment insurance | Good |
| Imedi L | Health insurance specialist, flexible plans, strong corporate packages | Health-only coverage | Moderate |
| TBC Insurance | Digital-first (linked to TBC Bank), modern app, affordable travel plans | TBC Bank customers, tech-savvy expats | Good |
| Ardi | "Welcomer" program for newcomers, zero deductible options, ~15,000 GEL limit | New arrivals wanting easy setup | Good |
| Irao (VIG) | Flexible payment (monthly OK), "Pulse" budget line, car insurance specialist | Budget-conscious, car owners | Moderate |
What You'll Need to Apply
For local insurance: passport, local phone number, sometimes a Georgian bank account for monthly payments. No residence permit needed. Some companies (like Unison) let you buy online in minutes. Others require an in-person visit. Contracts are in Georgian, but major companies have English-speaking staff.
What Local Plans Actually Cover (And Don't)
Georgian insurance plans sound great on paper, but the details matter. Here's what to watch for:
| Service | Typical Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency care | 100% | All plans cover this fully |
| Hospitalization & surgery | 70–100% | Main reason to have insurance at all |
| GP visits | Usually free | Most plans include unlimited GP visits |
| Specialist visits | 50–80% | Cardiologist, dermatologist, etc. — partial coverage |
| Lab tests & diagnostics | 50–80% | Blood work, MRI, ultrasound — varies by plan |
| Medications | 20–50% | Partial reimbursement only — this adds up |
| Dental | 50–70% basic, 10–50% major | Fillings/cleaning covered; implants barely |
| Preventive check-up | 1/year free | Blood tests, ECG, urinalysis — use this |
| Pre-existing conditions | ❌ Excluded | Almost all plans exclude these entirely |
| Medical evacuation | ❌ Not included | Need international plan for this |
Watch the Waiting Periods
Most plans have a 14-day waiting period before illness coverage kicks in (to prevent people from buying insurance only when they're already sick). Some companies won't cover planned surgeries for 6–12 months after purchase. Emergency care starts immediately.
Maternity & Pregnancy Coverage
If you're planning to have a baby in Georgia — or already expecting — insurance gets complicated. This is one of the biggest gaps in the standard advice, and it catches expat couples off guard.
The reality: most standard Georgian health insurance plans either exclude pregnancy entirely or have severe limitations. Here's what you're actually dealing with:
| Coverage Type | Typical Local Plan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine prenatal care | ❌ Usually excluded | Ultrasounds, blood tests, OB visits — pay out of pocket |
| Normal delivery | ❌ Usually excluded | Pregnancy is not "illness" in most policy terms |
| C-section (planned) | ❌ Excluded | Treated as planned surgery — waiting period applies |
| Emergency complications | ✅ Usually covered | Emergency hospitalization clause kicks in |
| Newborn care | ❌ Not automatic | Baby needs separate policy after birth |
Your Options for Maternity Coverage
Option 1: Pay Out of Pocket
This is what most expats in Georgia actually do. Prenatal care costs roughly 1,500–3,000 GEL ($550–1,100) total over 9 months. A normal hospital delivery costs 2,000–5,000 GEL ($730–1,830) at a good private hospital. C-section: 4,000–8,000 GEL ($1,460–2,920). Total package deals (prenatal + delivery) at places like ReproART, Zhordania, or National Center for Mother and Child can run 5,000–10,000 GEL all-in. Expensive by Georgian standards, very cheap by Western ones.
Option 2: Maternity Add-On Plans
Some insurers (GPI, Imedi L) offer maternity riders you can add to a standard plan. The catch: there's almost always a 9–12 month waiting period before maternity benefits activate. You need to buy this before getting pregnant. Coverage limits are typically 5,000–10,000 GEL for delivery, with prenatal partially covered.
Option 3: International Plan with Maternity
Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and similar IPMI plans offer maternity coverage, but with 10–12 month waiting periods and significantly higher premiums ($5,000–8,000/year). Makes sense if you'd want to deliver internationally or need evacuation options. Overkill for most people delivering in Tbilisi.
Option 4: Government Support
Georgian citizens get 4 free prenatal visits and a state subsidy for delivery (around 500–600 GEL). If you have Georgian residency and your spouse is Georgian, the Georgian citizen spouse may qualify. This doesn't cover the full cost but reduces it. Check current rules with your hospital.
The Practical Approach
For most expat couples in Georgia: keep your standard health insurance for everything else, and budget 5,000–10,000 GEL cash for the pregnancy and delivery. Georgian private maternity hospitals are genuinely good — modern facilities, competent doctors, and a fraction of what you'd pay in the US or EU. The money you save by not buying an expensive international maternity plan more than covers the out-of-pocket costs. See our healthcare guide for recommended hospitals and clinics.
Car Insurance: MTPL and CASCO
If you own or drive a car in Georgia, you need to understand two types of insurance: MTPL (mandatory in certain cases) and CASCO (voluntary but often worth it).
MTPL — Motor Third-Party Liability
MTPL covers damage you cause to other people — their car, their property, their medical bills. It does not cover your own vehicle.
| Situation | MTPL Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-registered car entering Georgia | ✅ Yes — mandatory | Must have before crossing the border |
| Georgian-registered car (private use) | Not mandatory (yet) | No universal MTPL requirement for domestic cars |
| Rental car | Included in rental | Basic liability always included by rental companies |
Here's the reality that surprises most Western expats: Georgia doesn't require MTPL for domestically registered vehicles. Unlike the EU, where third-party liability is mandatory everywhere, Georgian-registered cars can legally drive without any insurance at all. Many Georgians do exactly this.
This means if an uninsured Georgian driver hits you and it's their fault, you're stuck dealing with them personally for compensation. This is one of the strongest arguments for getting CASCO on your own car.
CASCO — Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance
CASCO is voluntary insurance that covers your own car. Theft, accidents (regardless of fault), natural disasters, vandalism, fire — it's essentially full coverage.
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Car value | Higher value = higher premium (typically 3–7% of car's value annually) |
| Car age | Older cars are cheaper to insure but harder to find parts for |
| Driver age & experience | Under 25 or new license = higher premiums |
| Parking situation | Garage vs. street parking affects theft risk assessment |
| Deductible choice | Higher deductible = lower premium (standard: 200–500 GEL) |
For a mid-range car worth 30,000–50,000 GEL ($11,000–18,000), expect CASCO to cost roughly 1,000–3,000 GEL ($370–1,100) per year. Considering how people drive in Tbilisi, that's probably worth it.
The Tbilisi Driving Reality
Georgia has some of the most aggressive driving in the region. Lane discipline is optional, right-of-way is negotiated by horn volume, and parking damage is a near-certainty in Old Town. If your car is worth more than $5,000, CASCO pays for itself the first time someone side-swipes you in a narrow Vake street.
Property Insurance
Whether you're renting or buying, property insurance exists in Georgia and is surprisingly affordable. Most expats don't bother, which is a mistake if you own an apartment — especially given Tbilisi's aging building stock, occasional flooding, and the odd earthquake risk.
For Renters
Contents insurance covers your belongings against theft, fire, and water damage. Not common among expats, but useful if you have expensive electronics or equipment. Typically 100–300 GEL/year.
For Property Owners
Structural + contents coverage. Protects against fire, flooding, earthquake, and third-party liability (if your pipe bursts and floods the apartment below). Aldagi leads this market with 40%+ share. Costs vary by property value — typically 200–800 GEL/year.
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic property | Fire, explosion, natural disasters | 150–400 GEL/year |
| Comprehensive property | Above + water damage, theft, vandalism, glass breakage | 300–800 GEL/year |
| Rental income protection | Lost rental income if property is uninhabitable after insured event | Add-on, varies |
| Third-party liability | Damage your property causes to neighbors (pipe burst, etc.) | Usually included in comprehensive |
The Pipe Problem
Tbilisi's Soviet-era buildings have aging plumbing. Pipe bursts and water leaks are common, and if your apartment floods the one below, you're liable for their damages. Third-party liability coverage is cheap insurance against a potentially expensive neighbor dispute.
How Much to Budget: The Expat Insurance Stack
Budget-Conscious Expat (No Car)
Full Coverage Expat (Car + Property)
Even at the "full coverage" level, you're paying less per year than many Americans pay per month. Georgia's insurance market is genuinely affordable.
The Hybrid Strategy (What Smart Expats Do)
The most cost-effective approach for long-term expats isn't going all-local or all-international. It's combining both:
Local Plan for Day-to-Day
Get a standard Georgian health plan (60–90 GEL/month) for routine visits, diagnostics, and hospitalization within Georgia. This handles 95% of your healthcare needs.
Emergency Fund for the Rest
Keep $5,000–10,000 set aside for medical evacuation or treatment abroad if needed. This self-insurance approach is often cheaper than paying $5,000/year for an IPMI plan you may never use.
If you travel frequently outside Georgia, add a separate travel insurance policy for trips. This is much cheaper than maintaining year-round international coverage.
How to Actually Buy Insurance in Georgia
| Step | What to Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Research | Visit websites of GPI, Aldagi, TBC, Ardi, Irao. Compare packages online. | 1 hour |
| 2. Get quotes | Call or visit 2–3 companies. Give your age, needs, and ask for a personalized quote. | 1–2 days |
| 3. Review terms | Read the policy (in Georgian — ask for an English summary or bring a Georgian friend). | 30 min |
| 4. Sign & pay | Pay first + last month, or full year upfront (some offer monthly). Need passport + phone. | Same day |
| 5. Use it | Coverage starts after waiting period (14 days for illness, immediately for emergencies). | 14 days |
Payment Tip
Many companies require first + last month upfront and then monthly payments. If you miss a payment, the policy suspends until you pay — and the pre-paid last month doesn't cover the missed installment. Some companies offer a discount (5–10%) for paying the full year upfront. If you can afford it, annual payment is simpler and cheaper.
Filing a Claim: What to Expect
Georgia's insurance claim process is less bureaucratic than most Western countries, but it has its quirks.
Health Claims
Most partner hospitals bill the insurer directly — you just show your policy card. For non-network providers, you pay upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement (usually takes 5–15 business days).
Car & Property Claims
Call your insurer immediately. For car accidents, also call 112 (police) for an accident report — you'll need this for any claim. Property claims require photos and sometimes a police report for theft. Processing typically takes 1–4 weeks.
Life Insurance & Other Products
Health, car, and property cover the essentials, but Georgian insurers also offer several other products worth knowing about.
Life Insurance
Available from GPI, Aldagi, and TBC. Term life policies are cheap — a healthy 35-year-old can get 50,000–100,000 GEL of coverage for 200–500 GEL/year. Useful if you have dependents in Georgia. Some policies also include critical illness riders (cancer, heart attack, stroke) for an additional premium.
International life insurance from companies like Zurich or MetLife is also available if you want a USD-denominated policy with global portability. These cost more but don't tie your coverage to Georgia.
Travel Insurance (Outbound)
If you live in Georgia and travel abroad, most local insurers sell travel insurance for your trips. TBC Insurance and GPI both offer per-trip and annual multi-trip policies. An annual multi-trip policy costs roughly 100–200 GEL and covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage while you're outside Georgia. Good value if you travel more than twice a year.
Pet Insurance
Not widely available in Georgia as a standalone product. Some property insurance policies cover liability for pet damage (your dog bites someone), but dedicated pet health insurance like what exists in the US or UK doesn't really exist here. Vet costs are low enough (50–200 GEL for routine visits, 500–2,000 GEL for surgery) that most expats self-insure their pets.
Insurance and Taxes
If you're operating as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE), you should know how insurance interacts with your tax situation.
For IEs (1% Tax)
Individual Entrepreneurs on the 1% simplified tax regime cannot deduct expenses — including insurance premiums — from their taxable revenue. The 1% applies to gross revenue regardless of expenses. Insurance is still worth buying; it just doesn't reduce your tax bill.
For LLCs & Employees
If you run an LLC, health insurance provided to employees (including yourself as a director) is a deductible business expense. Many Georgian companies use group insurance plans for this reason. Ask your accountant about structuring insurance through the business — it can be tax-efficient.
The 2026 Tourist Insurance Requirement (Detailed)
Since January 1, 2026, Georgia requires all foreign nationals entering the country to have health and accident insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL (~$11,000). Here's what you need to know in practice. If you want the border-entry version without the rest of this insurance guide, read our dedicated Georgia travel insurance requirement guide.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who does it apply to? | All foreign nationals entering Georgia without a residence permit |
| Minimum coverage? | 30,000 GEL (~$11,000 / ~€10,000) for health and accident |
| Duration? | Must cover your entire planned stay |
| Exempt? | Residence permit holders, Georgian citizens, diplomats |
| Enforcement? | Inconsistent as of early 2026 — border agents may or may not check |
| Where to buy? | Any travel insurance meeting the minimum. Ardi, GPI, and TBC all sell compliant policies online. International policies (SafetyWing, Allianz, World Nomads) also qualify if they meet the coverage threshold. |
| Cost? | From ~1 GEL/day for basic compliant policies from Georgian insurers |
365-Day Visa-Free Residents: Gray Area
If you're from an EU country, the US, or another visa-free nation and living in Georgia on the 365-day visa-free entry — technically, you're not a "tourist" but you also don't have a residence permit. The law applies to all foreign nationals without a residence permit, so you technically need insurance. In practice, nobody's been turned away at the border for this. But having a local health plan satisfies the requirement and protects you anyway. Get one regardless of whether it's enforced.
Common Mistakes Expats Make
❌ Skipping Insurance Entirely
"Healthcare is cheap in Georgia" is true for routine stuff. It's not true for emergencies, surgeries, or extended hospitalization. The cost of a basic plan (~$20/month) is nothing compared to a surprise 15,000 GEL hospital bill.
❌ Using Travel Insurance Long-Term
Travel insurance is for travelers. If you live in Georgia and try to claim on a travel policy, the insurer can (and will) deny it once they determine you're a resident, not a tourist. Get a real local plan.
❌ Not Reading Exclusions
Pre-existing conditions are excluded by nearly every Georgian insurer. If you have a chronic condition, you need to either declare it upfront (some companies will cover it with a higher premium) or plan to self-fund that specific care.
❌ Overpaying for International Plans
A $5,000/year IPMI plan makes sense if you travel constantly or have complex medical needs. For most expats who stay in Georgia 90%+ of the time, a $300/year local plan + emergency fund provides better value.
❌ No Car Insurance
Since Georgia doesn't mandate MTPL for domestic cars, many uninsured drivers are on the road. If one hits you and you don't have CASCO, you're chasing an individual for compensation through Georgian courts. Good luck with that.
❌ Ignoring Property Insurance
If you own an apartment, water damage from old pipes or an earthquake isn't hypothetical — it happens. For 200–500 GEL/year, property insurance is a no-brainer. It's especially critical if you rent out your apartment to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a residence permit to buy insurance?
No. Most Georgian insurance companies sell to foreigners with just a passport. No residence permit, work permit, or local registration needed. Some even insure tourists.
Is health insurance mandatory in Georgia?
Not for residents. For tourists entering Georgia (since January 2026), yes — proof of health/accident insurance with 30,000 GEL minimum coverage is required. If you have a residence permit, this doesn't apply to you.
Can I use my European EHIC/health card in Georgia?
No. Georgia is not in the EU/EEA, so European Health Insurance Cards don't work here. You need separate coverage.
What's the best insurance company for expats?
GPI Holding and TBC Insurance get the most positive feedback from English-speaking expats. Ardi's "Welcomer" program is specifically designed for newcomers. There's no single "best" — compare quotes from at least 2–3 companies.
Does Georgian car insurance cover driving in other countries?
Generally no. Georgian CASCO policies typically cover Georgia only. If you're driving to Turkey, Armenia, or Azerbaijan, you'll need separate border insurance for those countries. Check your specific policy terms.
Does insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth?
Standard plans usually exclude pregnancy. Some insurers offer maternity add-ons with a 9–12 month waiting period — you must buy these before getting pregnant. Most expats pay out of pocket for maternity (5,000–10,000 GEL total including delivery). See the maternity section for details.
Can I deduct insurance premiums from my IE taxes?
No. Individual Entrepreneurs on the 1% simplified regime pay tax on gross revenue — expenses aren't deductible. If you operate through an LLC, health insurance for employees (including director) is deductible.
Do I need the 2026 tourist insurance if I'm on a visa-free stay?
Technically yes — the requirement applies to all foreign nationals without a residence permit. Enforcement has been inconsistent at borders. A local health plan satisfies the requirement and protects you regardless.
Written by The Georgia Expats Team
We've navigated Georgian insurance as expats ourselves — from figuring out which local plan is worth the money to dealing with claims after a fender bender on Rustaveli. This guide reflects years of firsthand experience and conversations with long-term expats across Tbilisi.
Last updated: February 2026.
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