KYRGYZSTAN: Kyrgyzstan proposes mandatory travel insurance

29 July 2026 — Marina MAGNAVAL
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan has proposed a resolution "On establishment of rules for imputed liability insurance for tourist entities", kaktus.media reports.

The resolution, published for public comment, states that the amendments were developed to create a sustainable regulatory environment for the insurance sector and improve the quality of tourism services in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The parties in imputed liability insurance for tourist entities are insurers, policyholders, and beneficiaries. And the insured amount must be at least KGS 3 million (~EUR 30,000), and for extreme tourism, at least KGS 5 million (~EUR 50,000).

As stated in the supporting document, Kyrgyzstan's tourism sector is a priority sector of the economy, attracting a high proportion of foreign and domestic tourists, including those visiting remote mountainous regions. The development of extreme, mountaineering, and ecotourism is associated with increased risks to human life and health.

"Legislative establishment of mechanisms to protect life and health of citizens not only ensures reliable social support for tourists but also lays a long-term foundation for the development of a civilized, investment-attractive, and sustainable tourism industry", the document states.

According to the National Statistical Committee, the turnover of travel agency services increased from KGS 5.92 billion to KGS 7.56 billion, demonstrating a significant increase in the volume of tourism services sold and increased business activity among tourism market participants. This trend indicates an expansion of entrepreneurial activity in the tourism sector, a growing number of market participants, and an increased investment attractiveness of the industry. Gross added value generated in tourism increased from KGS 57.6 billion to KGS 74.3 billion.

The proposed limits of insured amount provide full coverage for high-risk expenses, including evacuation and search and rescue operations, without creating an excessive financial burden on mass, cultural, and educational tourism providers, the source writes.

Interest in travel insurance in Kyrgyzstan continues to grow. In the first quarter of 2026, the number of policies issued increased 1.5 times y-o-y, reaching 28,000 units.

Insurance companies generated over KGS 42 million in premiums from January to March, 1.6 times more y-o-y. The total insured amount under existing contracts as of April 1 was over KGS 32 billion. During the reporting period, 498 insurance claims were processed, and total payment reached KGS 14.5 million.

Positive trends were also observed last year. According to the National Statistical Committee of the Republic, 104,900 travel insurance contracts were concluded in 2025, accounting for 3.1% of the total insurance market. Last year, 1,469 claims were paid for a total of KGS 21.5 million.

*EUR 1 = KGS 99.87



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