The concept of travel insurance required for travel to Georgia after 2026 [Supplementary guide].

Why is travel insurance now required?

As of 1 January 2026, travel insurance will be required to be presented upon entry to Georgia. The background to this change in the system is a reorganisation of the approach to the burden of medical costs.

As a rule, the costs of medical treatment abroad must be borne by the person concerned. In Georgia, foreigners also incur reasonable costs when using medical facilities. The idea that it is important for the foreigner himself/herself to manage risks in case of illness or injury has led to the introduction of this system.

This system is positioned as a mechanism to ensure the safety and security of travellers and residents themselves. By checking insurance coverage at the time of entry to the country, the aim is to prevent problems related to the burden of medical costs.

Organisation of points that are 'mandatory' in the system.

It is important to summarise the points that are considered 'mandatory' in the system when entering Georgia after 1 January 2026.

First, they are required to have travel insurance. Entering the country without insurance may not be permitted under the system.

Secondly, the insurance must cover medical expenses. Travel insurance policies offer a wide range of cover, but it is important that it at least includes coverage for medical expenses.

They are then required to be ready to present proof of insurance at the point of entry into the country. Not only must you be enrolled, but you must also have documents and data ready to prove it.

These points are the basics that must be checked before the system begins to operate.

Basic principles for choosing travel insurance

When choosing travel insurance, it is important to keep a few basic ideas in mind.

The most important perspective is that of coverage. It is necessary to check to what extent coverage is provided in any given case, rather than just choosing a policy based on low premiums.

In particular, carefully check the medical expenses coverage. It is important to know the extent to which you are covered for treatment, hospitalisation and surgery. You should also check the maximum amount of compensation.

Some insurance products may also include coverage for non-medical expenses, such as rescue expenses, damage to personal belongings and liability. It is important to consider the coverage you need according to your travel style and length of stay.

You must be prepared to choose based on whether the content is truly useful in the event of an emergency, rather than on 'cheapness' alone.

Differences in thinking between short-term travel and long-term stays

When choosing travel insurance, your thinking may differ depending on the length of your stay.

For short trips of a few days to a few weeks, it is common to purchase insurance covering the entire duration of the trip. You will want to consider insurance products for short trips offered by travel agents and insurance companies. It is important to choose the right balance between coverage and premiums to suit your travel style.

On the other hand, if you plan to stay longer than a few months, you should consider insurance products designed for longer stays. The longer your stay, the more likely you are to receive medical care, so it is important to check your coverage more carefully.

For longer stays, the coverage required may also vary depending on your lifestyle and activities in the area. You must have the perspective to choose the right insurance policy based on the purpose of your stay and the activities you plan to undertake.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the best insurance depends on the style of stay. It is important to consider your own situation.

Points to be prepared in a form that can be presented at the point of entry into the country.

It is important not only to have travel insurance, but also to be prepared in a form that can be presented at the point of entry to the country.

First, prepare a certificate of insurance in English. If you have a certificate in Japanese only, there is a possibility that the contents will not be checked at immigration. In many cases, you can ask your insurance company to issue a certificate in English, so it is recommended that you check this in advance.

Secondly, it is also important to think about having both paper and data ready. As well as bringing paper certificates, it is also a good idea to save them in data format, such as PDF, so that they can be presented instantly on a smartphone or tablet.

It is particularly important to have it ready for immediate presentation on your smartphone. To ensure a smooth response at immigration, save the data of your insurance certificate in a folder that you can open immediately or send it to yourself by email.

In the unlikely event that a paper certificate is lost, data increases the likelihood that it can be dealt with. Being prepared in multiple formats is fundamental to risk management.

Common misconceptions and cautions

There are a number of misconceptions and often overlooked caveats when it comes to travel insurance.

The first question is whether 'credit card supplementary insurance' is sufficient. Many credit cards come with travel insurance, but the coverage and conditions of coverage vary widely from card to card. It is necessary to check details such as whether the amount of compensation is sufficient, whether it is automatic or supplementary, and how long the coverage period is. Whether the system requirements can be met by credit card supplementary insurance alone depends on the card.

The next step is to overlook the period of coverage. Always check whether the insurance coverage period covers the entire duration of your stay. This is especially important if you are staying for a longer period of time or if there is a possibility of extending your stay.

It is also important to understand that the system is not always checked at the point of entry. Even though the system has started, it is up to the operation whether all entrants will be checked every time they enter the country. However, as long as there is a possibility that they will be checked, you need to be prepared. You should avoid being unprepared on the grounds that you "might not be checked."

It is important to make sure that these misunderstandings and oversights are addressed in advance.

summary

The mandatory presentation of travel insurance starting 1 January 2026 is an important institutional change for those planning to travel to Georgia.

Travel insurance is important not only to 'fulfil entry requirements', but also to ensure your own safety and security. Having adequate insurance with appropriate coverage in case of illness or injury is a basic preparation as a traveller.

It is important to organise your thinking on how to choose insurance, how to check coverage and prepare in a way that you can present it, even before the scheme starts. To avoid last-minute panics, make your preparations as early as possible.

Please note that the details of the system and its operation may be subject to change in the future. For the latest information, be sure to check the official information from the Embassy of Japan in Georgia or the information from your insurance company.

This article is intended to give a general idea and the final decision must be based on official information and confirmation of the contract. To enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to Georgia, make sure you are well prepared.