How does the healthcare system work in Georgia?

What is the quality of healthcare in Georgia?

• In 1991, Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union. The country developed a good, centralized health care system, but failed to maintain it. Many changes took place, but since 2013, the country has a universal health care system - Universal Health Coverage Programme (UHCP). This system relies heavily on private institutions.
• More than 85% of health care facilities in the country are private. The rest is public.
• The health care system is developing, but is still very poor. In Tbilisi, you can find medical centers with higher standards.
• There are many pharmacies in Georgia, some of which are open 24/7. The country is quite strict about medicines, so if you bring medicines with you, check carefully whether the medicines are allowed into the country.
• If you do not speak Georgian or Russian, the language barrier can be a big problem.
• It is advisable to ask other expatriates for advice on the best doctors in Georgia and to go abroad for more serious medical care such as surgery.

How does the public healthcare system work in Georgia?

• The UHCP mainly covers primary and secondary care and essential medicines. Only emergency care and visits to the GP are fully covered, the rest must be paid for by the patient for at least 70%. Unfortunately, many people are still unable to afford this.
• Vulnerable groups and people with disabilities receive 100% coverage, but only for part of the care.
• The public system mainly uses private institutions.
• Healthcare is not free or subsidised for foreigners. Expats therefore generally take out private insurance, just like 10% of the local population.
• The quality of care often leaves much to be desired, especially outside Tbilisi. There are long waiting times and the quality of care strongly depends on your doctor and the clinic you visit. It is recommended to consider repatriation or medical evacuation in the event of serious illness.

How does the private healthcare system work in Georgia?

• For foreigners, the costs of private healthcare are quite high: ranging from more than 100 USD for a basic check-up to 300 USD for a cavity filling.
• Just like public healthcare, private healthcare is generally not of good quality (with a few exceptions in Tbilisi). It is recommended to go abroad for more serious medical treatments and possibly also to request a second opinion from another doctor/in your home country.
• Georgia is therefore a country where you definitely want to be covered by a good private international insurance that covers medical evacuation and repatriation.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Georgia?

• The GP is used a lot in Georgia. You can register with a private clinic, or just go for a visit to the doctor.
• The costs for the GP can be quite high as an expat.

How is the dentist arranged in Georgia?

• Perhaps surprisingly, Georgia is known for good dental care and attracts a fair amount of medical tourism in this area every year.
• The facilities are modern and the training of dentists is comparable to that in other European countries.
• The prices are generally lower than in other European countries and the quality of the treatments is quite good.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Georgia?

• Georgia has a fairly high infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate, which reflects the substandard healthcare system.
• Under the public system, which foreigners are unfortunately not entitled to, residents receive four free screenings during their pregnancy.
• Emigrants who become pregnant in Georgia are best advised to choose the private institutions in Tbilisi. Maternity packages are sometimes available here. Make sure you have good insurance because the costs can quickly add up.
• It is wise to discuss their pregnancy experiences with other expats and to consider spending your pregnancy and birth abroad.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Georgia?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Georgia?

• Georgia is generally a safe country with low crime and friendly people. Pickpocketing and scams can occur in tourist areas.
• Georgia also experiences political tensions, especially in certain regions such as South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
• Occasionally, small earthquakes occur in the country, sometimes resulting in avalanches and landslides.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Georgia?

• Tap water in Tbilisi is generally safe to drink, but in rural areas it is recommended to use bottled water.
• Although Georgian cuisine is delicious, food hygiene can be an issue in some local eateries. Food poisoning occasionally occurs.
• In winter, air pollution in Tbilisi can be higher due to the use of coal and old cars.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Georgia?

• Traffic in Georgia is quite chaotic and dangerous. Drivers often do not adhere to traffic rules and drive aggressively. The main roads in and around Tbilisi are well maintained, but in the countryside there are many unpaved roads, especially in mountainous areas.
• Tbilisi has a metro and bus network, but in the rest of the country minibuses (marshrutkas) are the main mode of transport. These often run without a fixed timetable and are not always safe.
• In winter, the roads in the Caucasus can be slippery and difficult to pass due to snow and ice.
• It is often recommended to hire a driver.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Georgia?

• Is the trip to Georgia and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Georgia if you are going to live there for a while?

• Not only is it mandatory to have insurance, if you want to get a visa for Georgia, it is also essential if you want to be well covered for medical emergencies. A good, international insurance will ensure that you are covered for medical evacuation and repatriation, which is necessary in a country like this.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.