Those moving or traveling to Georgia will undoubtedly have many questions regarding how the Georgia healthcare system works, as well as whether private health insurance in Georgia is necessary. This guide provides information about Georgia, its healthcare system, and further outlines the key health insurance options available in the country. Read on to learn more, or click below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Georgia

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

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Allianz Care Health Insurance

• World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
• Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
• Quick and Efficient Claims Process
• Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $5,000,000

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About Georgia 

Georgia is located between Europe and Asia, East of the Black Sea. Georgia borders Turkey and Armenia to the South and Azerbaijan to the East. The country has a land area of 69,700 square kilometers. Georgia declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country contains three independent republics namely Abkhazia, Adjara, and South Ossetia. In 2008, Russia and Georgia went to war over South Ossetia. It declared independence from Georgia and was recognized by Russia, although only a few other countries followed suit. 

Georgia healthcare system

Georgia is one of the poorest countries of the former Soviet Union. According to official statistics, about 31% of the population lives below the poverty line. People who live in rural areas, where unemployment is high, are much more likely to be poor and have little or no access to basic healthcare services. In theory, healthcare in Georgia is free for those people living below the poverty line, but in reality, patients often have to pay for medical services, especially for medicines. 

Since gaining independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia inherited from the Soviet Union an extensive, highly centralized, state-operated healthcare system, which the Georgian Government struggled to maintain. In the 1990s, the Georgian Government introduced mandatory social health insurance; however, it has been abandoned and replaced by private health insurance plans as the main system for the financing of health services in Georgia for individuals. 

Since 2013, there has been a radical shift in health financing policy as a new government embraced the move towards universal health coverage in Georgia. The new universal healthcare program extended publicly financed entitlement to healthcare to the entire population. The nature of the program is noncontributory, and the benefits package covers a range of primary and secondary care services and limited essential drugs. However, healthcare is not subsidized, or free to expatriates or travelers in the country, and therefore taking out a comprehensive travel insurance plan or private health insurance in Georgia is recommended.  

For emergency care, hospitals normally treat patients first and then subsequently invoice the patients. Officially, patients are required to pay their bills before discharge. Individual hospitals are responsible for their own budgets. For visitors and expatriates, it is recommended that international health insurance be taken out prior to your visit so that you will be covered in the case of an emergency, as the nearest center of medical excellence may be outside of Georgia.

Private health insurance for expats in Georgia 

If you are looking for peace of mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness for yourself and your family while traveling to Georgia, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance or an expat medical insurance plan will be the optimal solution for you. This will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation in the event of a serious illness or accident.

Pacific Prime is a one-stop insurance brokerage service provider for you when traveling to Georgia. We offer a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, including benefits such as dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, specialist consultations, and many others. Contact our professional advisers today to enjoy impartial advice on health insurance, free quote, and claims assistance internationally.