Georgia Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Georgia — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Georgia has a largely privatized healthcare system with universal coverage for citizens. Private clinics in Tbilisi offer modern, affordable care. The country has become a popular digital nomad and medical tourism destination due to low costs and visa-free access.
System type: Universal public coverage + private hospitals; privatized system
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 112
Typical response time: 10-20 minutes in Tbilisi
Costs: $30-300+ at private hospitals
Emergency care is available to all. Evex Hospitals and MediClub Georgia are well-regarded private networks.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics; very affordable cash payment
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Typical cost: $15-40 private GP visit
Good in Tbilisi and Batumi; limited in rural mountain areas
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies (rural), Tetanus
Rabies present in rural areas and stray dogs. No major tropical disease risks. Tap water quality varies — bottled water recommended outside Tbilisi.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: no
Extremely generous visa policy — citizens of 95+ countries can stay up to 1 year without a visa. "Remotely from Georgia" program for digital nomads.
Documents to prepare:
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- No visa needed for most nationalities
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $15-40
Emergency care without insurance: $50-500+
Medication: Medications very affordable. Pharmacies widespread (PSP, GPC). Many medications available without prescription.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: Many 24h pharmacies in Tbilisi; 8am-10pm elsewhere
Over the counter: Very wide range — many medications sold without prescription
Controlled substances: Drug laws are strict despite relaxed appearance. Carry prescriptions for controlled medications.
Things that catch visitors out in Georgia
- Healthcare is remarkably affordable — private GP visit can cost as little as $15
- 1-year visa-free stay for most nationalities is incredibly generous
- Many pharmacies sell antibiotics and other medications without prescription
- Dental and cosmetic procedures are popular medical tourism services
- Mountain areas (Svaneti, Tusheti) have essentially no medical facilities
Practical tips for travellers
- Evex Hospitals and MediClub Georgia are the best private healthcare networks
- Many doctors speak Russian; English-speaking doctors available at international clinics
- Healthcare costs are a fraction of Western prices — dental work especially popular
- Mountain trekking areas have no medical facilities — carry a complete first-aid kit
- Travel insurance is cheap and highly recommended despite not being required
Have a travel question about Georgia?
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