Do you need insurance for a trip to Abkhazia

Russian citizens enter Abkhazia without a visa, including with an internal passport: many travel by car or bus through the checkpoint on the Psou River. Insurance is not checked at the border and is not required for entry.

What matters is something else: the OMS policy (Russian compulsory health insurance) is valid only in Russia and does not work in Abkhazia. So if you fall ill or are injured, you will have to pay for treatment yourself — or rely on a travel insurance policy. Medical infrastructure in the republic is modest: there are hospitals in Sukhum, Gagra and Pitsunda, but equipment and the choice of specialists are limited. After a serious injury the patient is usually transported to Russia, and that costs money too.

Which sum to choose

For a holiday in Abkhazia the minimum sum offered by insurers — USD 30,000 — is enough. The key point is that the plan includes medical transportation: in Abkhazia that may be the most expensive part of the assistance. For a long trip with children or if you have chronic conditions, you can choose USD 50,000.

Risks typical of Abkhazia

  • Mountain roads. Trips to Lake Ritsa, the New Athos Cave and waterfalls follow winding roads. If you drive your own car, consider the accident option and the travel by private car option.
  • Jeep trips, rafting, horse riding. Popular excursions, but under insurance terms they count as active sports. Without the option an injury during such activities is usually not covered.
  • The sea and pebble beaches. Cuts, bruises and injuries from diving into the water are common reasons for seeking help.
  • Wine and chacha. Most plans do not cover incidents while intoxicated. If you plan tastings, look at the “Alcohol intoxication” option.
  • Heat and intestinal infections. The summer sun is strong, and a change of water and food often upsets children’s stomachs. These are standard insured events.

If mobile coverage is patchy on your trip, save the assistance number and policy number on your phone and on paper in advance.

How to buy insurance to Abkhazia in a few minutes

On polisre.ru there is no need to fill in a request and wait for a call. The calculator above the text compares prices from 16 insurance companies via Polis Re’s partner, the Cherehapa service. The policy is issued by the insurer you choose and sent straight to your e-mail.

  1. Set the dates, the number of travellers and their ages.
  2. Choose the sum insured and, if necessary, add active sports, accident cover, alcohol intoxication, travel by private car.
  3. Pick a plan by comparing price, deductible and assistance company.
  4. Enter your first and last name in Latin letters as in your international passport (if you do not have one, use standard transliteration), then pay by card.
  5. Receive the policy by e-mail and save the assistance phone number in your contacts.

What to do if something happens in Abkhazia

Your first step is a call to the assistance company whose phone number is shown in the policy. The assistance company will choose a clinic, approve the treatment and pay for it directly. If someone’s life is at risk, call the local ambulance at once and notify the assistance company as soon as you can.

  1. Call or message the assistance company (many accept requests via messengers); give the policy number, your full name, your location and what happened.
  2. Go to the clinic named by the assistance company and take your passport and policy with you.
  3. If you had to pay yourself, keep the doctor’s report, invoice, receipts and prescriptions: after you return, attach them to your claim to the insurance company.

Step-by-step guidance is available in the “Insured event” section.

Nearby destinations

If your route covers several countries, see the other pages too: insurance to Georgia, insurance to Turkey, insurance to Armenia, insurance to Belarus. The full list of destinations, annual policies and tips on choosing cover are on the travel insurance page.