Travel Insurance for Georgia From India

Yes, for Indian travellers visiting Georgia, travel insurance is compulsory. Georgian law requires all international visitors to possess valid travel and health insurance for the entire duration of their stay.

Proof of travel insurance is a mandatory requirement during your visa application (or for visa-free entry) and may be requested again by border control officials. The insurance policy must provide coverage for Medical emergencies, hospitalisation, repatriation and evacuation.

Georgia has relatively relaxed visa regulations; meeting these Georgia travel insurance requirements is essential for a smooth and trouble-free trip.

Medical Coverage

Your Georgia travel policy will cover you in these medical cases:

• Hospitalisation: If you get sick or injured, you can choose between medical bill reimbursement or cashless treatment at network hospitals, where ACKO pays the hospital directly. For hospitalisation over 24 hours, you'll receive a daily payout of up to $100,000 (up to 10 days), plus medical expense reimbursement.
• Doctor Consultation: If you fall sick or get injured while travelling, ACKO reimburses the doctor consultation fees, lab tests, or any other medical treatments you undergo during your trip to Georgia.
• Death Due to an Accident: In case of an unfortunate accident leading to death during your trip, ACKO will pay up to $15,000 to your immediate relative or nominee.
• Total/Partial Disability: If you sustain a permanent or partial disability due to an accident during your Georgia trip, ACKO will pay up to $15,000 as compensation.
• Physiotherapy: ACKO will reimburse up to $100,000 for physiotherapy sessions required solely because of any accident or injury that occurs during your travel.
• Emergency Evacuation: If, due to a medical emergency or catastrophic situation in Georgia, you need air, water, or surface transportation, ACKO will reimburse your evacuation costs up to $100,000.
• Travel Expenses of an Immediate Relative: If you are hospitalised for more than 48 hours during your travel period, ACKO will reimburse up to $5,000 for two-way economy class tickets for your immediate relative to visit you.
• Repatriation of Mortal Remains: In case of death due to illness or injury during travel, ACKO will cover up to $100,000 for expenses related to transporting mortal remains back to your home city.
• Emergency Trip Extension: If you are hospitalised and need to extend your stay, ACKO will reimburse up to $750 to cover hotel charges (up to 7 days) and rescheduling flight expenses (one-time).
• Travel Expenses in Case of Emergency Return of Minor Child: If you are hospitalised for more than 48 hours, ACKO will reimburse up to $5,000  for a direct economy class ticket to return your minor children safely to your city of residence.

Trip Coverage

The following travel-related circumstances are covered for you to receive financial assistance under your ACKO travel insurance for Georgia.
 

Flight delay or missed: ACKO covers flight delay and missed connecting flights:

• If your flight gets delayed by more than 6 hours upon arrival, we will pay $75 to cover your discomfort
• If you miss your connecting flight due to a delay of more than 6 hours on your original flight, we will pay up to $150  to cover your next booking (excluding refunds from the flight operator).

Trip rescheduling: We will cover the additional flight expenses of up to $750 if you reschedule your flight due to:

• Hospitalisation of any of the travellers for 48 hours or more,
• Death of an immediate relative (within 20 days of your take off date),
• Any natural catastrophe

Trip cancellation: We will cover the cost of your flight cancellation charges of up to $750 if you cancel your flight due to:

• Hospitalisation of any of the travellers for 48 hours or more,
• If your trip gets cancelled because you test for Covid-19 and are quarantined (the trip start date falls within the quarantine period specified by the government), we will cover the expense of your flight tickets.
• Death of an immediate relative (within 20 days of your take off date),
• Any natural catastrophe

Baggage & Other Covers

Your Georgia travel policy applies to these baggage and legal cases:

• Delay of checked-in baggage: If your baggage is delayed for more than 3 hours, we will pay up to  $150 to cover your discomfort.
• Total loss of checked-in baggage: If your airline confirms complete loss of your checked-in baggage, we will pay up to $500 to compensate for your loss.
• Damage to checked-in baggage: If your airline confirms damage to your checked-in baggage, we will pay up to $50 to compensate for your discomfort.
• Financial emergency cash: If you lose your wallet, we can collect a specified amount (as per your policy) from your friends/ relatives in India and deliver it locally to you (wherever you are travelling) to help you get by in a foreign land.
• Loss of Passport: If you lose your passport, we will cover the expenses incurred, up to $300, to obtain a replacement passport or emergency travel document. 


• Home cover: In case there was any theft at your place while you were on a trip, we will reimburse the actual loss amount (excluding cash or any valuables) up to ₹100,000.
• Legal liability: We will reimburse any actual legal liability up to $50,000, including costs incurred on litigation and bail bond by you to pay damages to a third party arising out of the third party’s death, injury or property being damaged during the travel period- just let us know within 7 days from the date of the incident to avail this benefit.

• Adventure sports injury: If you’re planning activities like skydiving, desert dune bashing, or scuba diving, this add-on covers medical treatment expenses due to injuries sustained during those activities. It is an extension of the accidental hospitalisation benefit.
• Booking denial: In rare cases where you’re denied boarding on a confirmed flight or hotel check-in despite valid bookings, ACKO reimburses your re-booking expenses (up to the $500), provided you rebook for the same dates and city.

Best Time to Visit:
 

1. From May to October, experience the electronic music festival at Tbilisi Summer Set
2. From November to February to ski in Gudauri

Places to Visit in Georgia

Here are the top places to visit in Georgia, with a quick highlight of what each destination is famous for:
 

1. Uplistsikhe: This is known as the cave city, dating back to the early Iron Age.
2. Tbilisi: The capital city known for its charming Old Town, sulfur baths, Narikala Fortress, Peace Bridge, nightlife, and unique blend of modern and traditional culture.
3. Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): It is known as the birthplace of wine. The 8,000-year-old wine-making technique is listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
4. Batumi: It is located on the coast of the Black Sea and experiences a lively atmosphere.
5. Svaneti (Mestia & Ushguli): A UNESCO region known for medieval stone towers, alpine villages, glaciers, and some of the best trekking routes in Georgia.
6. Kakheti (Wine Region): Georgia’s premier wine region boasts vineyards, the Historic town of Sighnaghi, traditional wine cellars, and wine-tasting tours.
7. Borjomi: Famous for its mineral springs, lush national park, cable cars, forest trails, and relaxing mountain atmosphere.
8. Mtskheta: Georgia’s ancient capital with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
9. Vardzia: A breathtaking 12th-century cave monastery carved into a mountainside, offering history, architecture, and adventure.
10. Kutaisi: One of the world’s oldest cities with Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave, and Sataplia nature reserve.
11. David Gareja: A semi-desert area with ancient cave monasteries, unique landscapes, and hiking opportunities.

Safety and local awareness in Georgia

Georgia is generally safe, with low crime rates, but caution is still advised. Petty crime occurs in crowds. Due to ongoing political tensions, it is advisable to avoid the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia entirely. Exercise high caution in Tbilisi due to potential demonstrations.
 

1. Low crime: Georgia is frequently ranked as one of the safest states, particularly regarding violent crime.
2. Petty crime: Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
3. Demonstrations: Exercise caution in Tbilisi due to the risk of demonstrations and potential clashes. 
4. Abkhazia and South Ossetia: Do not travel to these occupied regions due to risks including crime, military activity, detention, terrorism, civil unrest, and landmines. 
5. Regional risks: Be mindful of regional political tensions, especially in areas near the borders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
6. Normal precautions: Take standard security precautions, similar to those in many other countries.

Language and communication in Georgia

• Official language: The official and unique language is Georgian.
• Other languages: Many people speak Russian, a remnant of the Soviet era. English is widely spoken in major cities like Tbilisi, and many younger people speak it.
• Useful phrases: Learning a few basic Georgian phrases, like "Madloba" (Thank you), is appreciated by locals

Customs and other regulations in Georgia
 

1. Prohibited items: Do not attempt to bring weapons, ammunition, flammable liquids, drugs, toxic or radioactive substances, or certain high-frequency radio devices into the country.
2. Currency: While not a customs regulation, carry Georgian Lari or exchange major currencies like USD or Euro to get the best rates for the local currency.

Step 1: Visit the Georgia E-Visa Portal and select your nationality.
Step 2: Choose the visa type (usually tourist e-visa for short trips).
Step 3: Fill out the online application form with travel and passport details.
Step 4: Upload required documents such as passport scan, photo, and travel itinerary.
Step 5: Pay the visa fee online using an accepted payment method.
Step 6: Submit the application and note the reference number.
Step 7: Receive the approved e-visa by email and print a copy for travel.