Learn about Healthcare & Medical Insurance Options for Expats in Georgia
Georgia is located between Asia and Europe to the east of the Black Sea. Countries like Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan share their borders with Georgia. It gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Following its independence, Georgia shifted from the Soviet “Semashko” model to an era of division and market-based reforms; the Georgia healthcare system went through significant market-based reforms and private sector growth, specifically between 2007 and 2012, following which the 2013 Universal Health Coverage program reinstated state purchasing for a core package, and in 2013 the government launched a state-supported Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program, acquired by the Social Service Agency (SSA) to bring entitlements within reach of the majority of the population.
As an expat moving to Georgia, you may be a bit skeptical about how the Georgia healthcare system for expats functions. This is where international health insurance Georgia can help you out throughout your stay in the country. Even though Georgia’s healthcare system has evolved and improved in the last couple of years, opting for an expat health insurance Georgia can give you peace of mind as a first-time expat. There is no doubt that the Georgian government is working hard to bridge the gap between Georgian and European healthcare standards.
More health information about Georgia is available at WHO.
Overview of Healthcare in Georgia
Georgia’s 2013 Universal Health Coverage reforms brought entitlement to a defined package of publicly financed services within the reach of almost 90% of residents; nevertheless, out-of-pocket remittances continue to be steep (approximately 40% of the entire health spending in the latest WHO/World Bank data), and a large number of households continue to encounter financial challenges to medicines and outpatient care. The Georgia healthcare system is not on par with other European countries. On the positive side, Tbilisi and a few other major cities have medical centers of a high standard compared to other cities. So, during your stay in Georgia, you may have to go to larger cities in case of an emergency or a specialized treatment. This is why you should consider health insurance Georgia for foreigners essential to cover costs and supplement public services.
How Expats Access Healthcare?
Since 2013, Georgia’s UHC program under the Georgia healthcare system has made a defined package of government-supported services accessible to almost all resident citizens and several foreigners with legal residency. This program offers various benefits, including primary and secondary care services and some essential medicines. Expats do not get an automatic eligibility to the complete UHC subsidy; eligibility varies with legal residency status, registration, and paperwork; visitors and a large number of foreigners who are temporarily staying there typically need private or international insurance. Those who are travelers or are unregistered often need to rely on international health insurance Georgia or expat health insurance Georgia. So, purchasing an international health insurance plan before you move to this country is advisable.
Public Healthcare
The state funds the Georgia healthcare system. Citizens have access to medical care in the private system of medical facilities. The introduction of the universal health care program in 2013 was aimed to provide government-sponsored healthcare facilities to the Georgian population and boosting the health care facilities. The Social Service Agency (SSA) plays the role of the state purchaser and inks contracts with public and private providers of health insurance Georgia for foreigners to supply the UHC package.
Private Healthcare
Some economically disadvantaged families may receive income-based subsidies or specific aid under public programs of the Georgia healthcare system, but there is no universal scheme that offers completely government-sponsored private-insurance coverage for all people under the poverty threshold. However, all other individuals must get insurance coverage on their own accord. Out-of-pocket payments continue to form a large component of the entire health expenditure (around 40% in 2022), via state funds via the UHC (SSA) is the main source for essential services; high OOP expenditure still restricts access to medicines and outpatient care for poorer households. Choosing international health insurance Georgia ensures coverage for hospital stays, outpatient services, and even medical evacuation if needed.
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency care is an integral part of the Georgia healthcare system. Call 112 for ambulance, fire, and police in Georgia; 112 is also accessible via SMS and video-call services for those with hearing problems; however, only those who are already registered can access these services on the official 112 website or by using the 112 mobile app.
Medicines and Pharmacies
You can easily buy medicines in cities, but the availability of specific brands can differ; if you intend to carry a generous quantity of controlled medicines from outside Georgia, consult the Georgian embassy/consulate and keep prescriptions and paperwork for customs.
Best Private International Medical Insurance Plans for Expats
Private or international health insurance is highly advised for travelers and a lot of expats, typically when eligibility or registration is awaited, and it is important to check the latest policies for inpatient coverage, outpatient networks in Georgia, along with the medical-evacuation/repatriation options, especially in cases of accident or serious medical condition.
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