Medical assistance in Georgia: system and insurance

Georgia: healthcare issues

Georgia is a country that has undergone significant healthcare reform. Although there are still issues with accessibility and quality of medical services in some areas, the situation is much better in major cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.

Universal healthcare program

In 2013, Georgia launched the Universal Health Care Program (UHCP), which aims to protecting vulnerable populations. This includes the elderly, children under 5, people with disabilities, and low-income people. disabilities, and people with low incomes. However, for people with high income, access to the program may be limited.

Health insurance

Thanks to the voluntary health insurance program provided by private insurance companies, citizens can receive quality medical care for a certain fee. Foreigners can also access medical assistance, although primarily on a paid basis.

Flexible healthcare system

Thus, there is a flexible healthcare system in Georgia that provides access to medical services for various groups of the population based on their status and needs.

Obtaining medical care for foreigners in Georgia

Overcoming cultural and language barriers is only half the battle in obtaining quality medical care in Georgia. Foreigners living in this region face their own unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare in this country.

Options for receiving medical assistance

In Georgia, there are two options for receiving medical care: the first is calling a doctor to your home, and the second is visiting a clinic depending on the severity of the illness. Many foreigners living in Georgia once overlooked the importance of obtaining health insurance, and only later did they realize how crucial it is. Now they share their stories about how they had to pay huge amounts for medical care that could have been reduced if they had purchased insurance in advance.

How much does it cost without insurance?

Without insurance, clinical services can cost from 50 to 100 GEL (18-36 EUR), specialist consultation - from 50 to 100 GEL (18-36 EUR), and a hospital visit with a fracture certificate can cost up to 150-250 GEL (54-90 EUR), inpatient treatment - from 1000 GEL (365-90 EUR). cost up to 150-250 GEL (54-90 EUR), hospital treatment - from 1000 GEL (365 EUR). During the pandemic period. foreigners had the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19 free of charge, as did locals.

Language aspects

An important aspect for foreigners living in Georgia is the language issue. Most doctors in Georgia speak Russian, as many of them studied or interned in Russia. Knowledge of English can also be helpful, especially in medical institutions. Knowing Georgian will also help establish a closer connection between the patient and the doctor.

Getting recommendations

In Georgia, it is customary to consult a specialist based on recommendations, especially if there is no urgent need. Often, friends or social media users can provide valuable advice on which doctor to see. There are no network laboratories in Georgia like Invitro and CMD in Russia. For tests, it is better to go to a clinic, whether public or private. For children, there is a service called Baby Express, which offers home assistance.

Home health care services

The medical staff will come to you on the day of the call, take a blood sample for analysis, examine the child, and provide initial recommendations.

Health insurance in Georgia

In Georgia, private healthcare is well-developed, including insurance companies that offer various health insurance packages for foreigners. It is very important to choose the right package for yourself and your family by reviewing the offers from insurers.

Major insurance companies

Among the significant insurance companies in Georgia, GPI Holding, Imedi L, Ardi, TBC Insurance, IRAO, and Unison stand out. Each of them offers different insurance options with varying levels of service. For example, the basic package at GPI Holding costs 240 lari per year but does not include dental care.

Unison policies

Many foreigners prefer insurance policies from Unison due to their flexible plans and user-friendly website in Russian. The standard package at Unison costs 420 lari per year and includes emergency assistance, hospitalization, preventive check-ups, and other services.

Insurance terms

Insurance companies set different conditions for foreigners, ranging from waiting times for the start of the to waiting periods for certain medical services, including pregnancy, chronic illnesses and surgeries. illnesses and surgeries.

Partners of insurance companies

Each insurance company has its clinical partners that it collaborates with. By turning to these clinics, one can expect broader coverage from the insurance company compared to the services available at other medical institutions.

Family doctor and insurance

A family doctor in Georgia, usually a therapist, monitors your health and refers you to specialists when necessary. Insurance companies may also reimburse part of the costs for medications depending on the level of the chosen insurance package.

As a result, we can say that the health care system in Georgia continues to develop and improve. improvement, although there are still some problems in the accessibility and quality of medical care. The introduction of the The introduction of the Universal Health Care Program was a significant step in providing health care to vulnerable groups of the population. In addition, private insurance companies offer a wide range of health insurance services, which makes it easier for people to receive quality health care. quality health care more affordable. The need for foreigners to purchase an insurance policy was also emphasized, providing them with the opportunity to obtain quality medical care. is also emphasized, ensuring that they are able to seek medical care with minimal financial costs. It is important to remember that the language skills and qualifications of medical personnel play a key role when seeking medical care. medical care. Overall, health care in Georgia is a dynamic and diverse system where Everyone can find a suitable option for receiving quality and timely medical care.