How Is GPI Holding Raising the Bar with Mandatory Travel Insurance for Tourists?

The Georgian government has enacted a law requiring all international tourists to possess valid travel health insurance upon entry, effective January 1, 2026. This shift aligns with international tourism standards and addresses a key challenge for the nation’s healthcare system. GPI Holding, a Vienna Insurance Group member and a leader in this field, is strategically positioned to meet this demand.

Head of GPI’s Sales Channels Department, Irina Natsvlishvili, emphasizes that this requirement extends beyond a simple visa condition; it’s about providing accessible care within a system where international providers often lack local presence. GPI focuses on addressing ‘real needs,’ contributing to a more sustainable tourism model encompassing emergency dental care and medical evacuation. Natsvlishvili highlights a decade-long history of offering this product, noting that prior to the 2026 reform, uninsured travel risks were largely borne by visitors or the state, with over half of tourists entering Georgia lacking medical coverage.

The tourism sector, a vital economic driver, welcomes this legislation, which has prompted GPI to scale operations. This new law allows GPI to assume full financial responsibility for the medical risks of more travelers. GPI’s strategy centers on combining local expertise with digital accessibility, overcoming the ‘guarantee of payment’ friction often encountered with global insurance providers.

Their established contracts with Georgian medical networks ensure immediate admission to clinics, avoiding the administrative delays typical of foreign-issued policies. GPI boasts a leading position among Georgian competitors, offering coverage across Georgia’s diverse terrain, including the Caucasus mountains and Black Sea coast, with a policy limit of ₾100,000 ($37,000). Recognizing the needs of ‘last-minute’ travelers, GPI utilizes a ‘digital-first’ infrastructure through its mygpi.ge platform, enabling instant policy purchase.

The 2026 legislation’s acceptance of both printed and electronic insurance formats further streamlines the process. GPI Holding views this mandatory travel insurance requirement as a permanent expansion of its mission, leveraging its established network and flexible services to cater to growing demand. The company’s success is already evident, with over 40% of tourists placing their trust in GPI Holding for travel insurance.

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