Georgia is known for its astonishing mountainous landscape and natural beauty, as well as its diverse cultural history and unique heritage. Though regions of Georgia have picked up the Ottoman/Persian influence in the past, in border zones, a great deal of Georgia was included in the Russian dominion since the beginning of the 19th century (especially eastern Georgian kingdoms in 1801), and subsequently merged into the Soviet Union from 1921 to 1991This has led to a wide variety of architectural styles, as well as influences on social policy. For newcomers, securing reliable Georgia expat insurance is one of the most important steps to ensure safe relocation and access to quality healthcare.
After it gained its independence from the Soviet Union, Georgia has gone through a great deal of political unrest and hostilities. Shortly after its independence, Georgia experienced several internal conflicts and dissident battles in the initial part of the 1990s (specifically stretching till 1993 in several regions), including fighting in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, instead of a single civil war stretching to 1995. Tensions grew in 2008 when separatists in Georgia started a conflict that erupted into the Russo-Georgian war. Following the large-scale conflicts, Georgia has started amendments and investments in infrastructure, health, transport, and governance. Across the past few decades, Georgia has proved to be an increasingly attractive place for expats and visitors, typically in Tbilisi and Batumi. Consequently, health insurance for expats in Georgia has gained more relevance.
Healthcare in Georgia
While discrepancies continue, the Georgia healthcare system has improved significantly. A large number of hospitals in the city areas now offer Western-standard services, though availability in rural and remote areas may still be far behind. In Tbilisi and big towns, healthcare infrastructure, specialized service, and private hospitals are relatively better equipped; in rural areas with low population density, facilities are often more elementary, and specialist services or equipment may be rare. It is important to take into account acquiring an international health insurance that also covers Georgia expat insurance, if you desire to relocate to Georgia, specifically until you procure local entitlement or want access to top-notch private hospitals and medical transport services.
Georgia sustains approximately 15,000 hospital beds (2023, GeoStat) and had nearly 24,000 certified physicians in that same year. In spite of these resources, specialized services and equipment continue to be understated in rural and remote zones. In 2021, Georgia’s hospital bed density was 5.6 beds per 1,000 persons, higher than most at par nations, even though efficacy continues to be a challenge, with the percentage of occupants often as low as 55%.
Across the past few years, Georgia’s healthcare outlay has more than doubled to USD 1.2 billion, indicating ~7 % of GDP in recent years. This reflects both rising healthcare demand and the growing necessity of Georgia expat insurance to bridge gaps between public services and private healthcare access.
Insurance for Expatriates in Georgia
If you are visiting Georgia or are living there as a resident, you must be astute to compare international insurance plans and make sure that they cover hospitals in Georgia, along with outpatient and inpatient services, in addition to evacuation and repatriation. Georgia’s tourism and worldwide exposure are increasing: in 2024, the country received 5.1 million international visitors, up ~9% more than the previous year, with over half of all visits (51.9 %) for recreation and entertainment purposes. This expanding visitor base helps sustain the demand for international health insurance Georgia options. Many expats rely on Georgia expat insurance packages that include international coverage to protect themselves during unexpected medical emergencies.
Here is a list of different types of insurance coverage you will want if you are planning to become an expatriate in Georgia:
- International Health Insurance Georgia
- Expat Life and Disability Insurance
- Evacuation Coverage
- Group Expat Insurance Plans
If you require a quote for Georgia expat insurance, contact Expat Financial today for a quote and to discuss your health insurance for expats in Georgia requirements.
