๐ฅ Healthcare Overview
System: Mixed public-private system. Universal Healthcare Programme covers basic services for Georgian citizens. Tourists pay out-of-pocket. Private healthcare is growing rapidly.
Quality: โ โ โ โโ (3/5)
Private hospitals in Tbilisi offer good modern care. Healthcare quality drops significantly outside the capital. Many Georgian doctors trained in Europe speak English. Private facilities recommended for tourists.
๐ก Medical Tourism
Georgia is a growing medical tourism destination, particularly for dental work, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatments at very affordable prices.
๐จ Hospitals & Clinics Near Tourist Areas
Recommended facilities for travelers โ English-speaking staff available at most listed locations.
Todua Clinic (MediClubGeorgia) ๐ฃ๏ธ English spoken
๐ Near: Central Tbilisi (Vake district)
๐ +995 32 225 1991
Leading private clinic. Modern equipment. English-speaking doctors.
Evex Medical Corporation (Tbilisi) ๐ฃ๏ธ English spoken
๐ Near: Tbilisi
๐ +995 32 255 0055
Largest private healthcare group in Georgia. Multiple locations.
National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) / Tbilisi Central Hospital ๐ฃ๏ธ English spoken
๐ Near: Central Tbilisi
๐ +995 32 239 8946
Major public hospital. Emergency department 24/7.
๐ Pharmacy Guide
Access: easy
Hours: Pharmacies (แแคแแแแฅแ) open daily 8am-10pm. Many 24/7 pharmacies in Tbilisi, including GPC and PSP chains.
Prescription rules: Georgia has relaxed prescription requirements. Many medications including antibiotics are available OTC. Some controlled substances require a prescription.
Available Over-the-Counter
- ibuprofen
- paracetamol
- antibiotics (widely available OTC)
- cold remedies
- stomach medication
- antihistamines
- basic first aid supplies
๐ฃ๏ธ Useful Pharmacy Phrases
๐ก Handy phrases at the pharmacy
- I need medicine for a headache: แแแแแก แขแแแแแแแก แฌแแแแแ แแญแแ แแแแ (Tavis t'k'ivilis ts'amali mch'irdeba)
- I have a stomachache: แแฃแชแแแ แแขแแแแ (Mutseli mt'k'iva)
- I'm allergic to...: แแแแ แแแ แแแฅแแก... (Alergia makvs...)
- Where is the nearest pharmacy?: แกแแ แแ แแก แฃแแฎแแแแกแ แแคแแแแฅแ? (Sad aris uakhloesi apt'iaqi?)
- I need a doctor: แแฅแแแ แแญแแ แแแแ (Eqimi mch'irdeba)
๐ก Tips
Pharmacies are very common in Georgia. GPC (Green Pharmacy Chain) and PSP are major chains. Many medications available OTC including antibiotics. Prices are very low. Pharmacists may speak limited English.
๐ช Pharmacy Chains You’ll See
Most pharmacies in this country are independent rather than chain-branded. Look for the universal pharmacy markers: a green cross sign in most of Europe and Latin America, a red ‘A’ (Apotheke) in German-speaking countries, or local-language signage like apteka, lรฉkárna, or farmacia.
๐ Common OTC Medications by Local Brand
Knowing the local brand name makes asking for common over-the-counter medications much easier.
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol generic or Panadol
Generic 'paracetamol' is the most common name in pharmacies. - ibuprofen → Ibuprom or Nurofen
Both are widely available. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or Loperamid
Available OTC at any pharmacy.
๐ Medications & Restrictions
Carry a doctor's letter in English for all controlled medications. Georgia has strict drug laws โ ensure all medications are clearly documented and in original packaging.
Controlled / Restricted Substances
๐ซ Watch out for these
- โ ๏ธ Opioid medications โ Strictly controlled. Georgia has very strict anti-drug laws.
- โ ๏ธ Benzodiazepines โ Require prescription. Bring documentation.
- โ ๏ธ Cannabis/CBD products โ Personal use decriminalized but possession/cultivation remains illegal. Do not bring cannabis products.
- โ ๏ธ Tramadol and similar analgesics โ Controlled substance. Must have documentation.
๐ฆท Dental Care
Availability: Good dental care in Tbilisi at very affordable prices. Georgia is emerging as a dental tourism hub.
Typical cost range: GEL 30-80 ($10-30) for consultation; GEL 80-300 ($30-110) for fillings; GEL 100-400 ($35-150) for extractions
Many modern dental clinics in Tbilisi. Some cater specifically to medical tourists. Quality is improving rapidly.
๐ฆท Dental emergency?
Private dental clinics in Tbilisi offer emergency appointments. Several clinics near the tourist center are open evenings and weekends.
๐ก๏ธ Travel Insurance
โ ๏ธ Strongly recommended
Average cost: $15-35/week
๐ก Tip
Healthcare is very affordable but insurance is recommended for private hospital access and medical evacuation if needed, especially for mountain regions (Svaneti, Kazbegi).
๐ How to File an Insurance Claim
Private clinics provide receipts and medical documentation in English on request. Healthcare costs are low โ some travelers pay out-of-pocket. Keep all documentation for insurance claims.
๐ต Typical Out-of-Pocket Costs
Estimated cash prices (USD):
- Doctor visit (private clinic): $10-30
- ER visit (no admission): $40-150
- Overnight hospital stay: $60-250
- Ambulance call-out: $20-80
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
๐ Medical Evacuation
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Istanbul is the closest major medical hub. Vienna handles complex cases for Caucasus travelers.
Primary destination: Istanbul
Secondary destination: Vienna or Dubai
Typical cost band: $25,000-80,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS โ compare current quotes and policy terms before relying on any single provider.
๐ Vaccinations
Recommended
- ๐ก Hepatitis A
- ๐ก Hepatitis B
- ๐ก Rabies (for rural or adventure travel)
No mandatory vaccinations. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
๐ฐ Water & Food Safety
โ ๏ธ Use caution โ bottled water recommended in some areas
Tap water in Tbilisi is generally safe. Water quality varies in other cities and rural areas. Bottled water is cheap and widely available. Many natural springs in the countryside are safe.
Food Safety Tips
Georgian cuisine is excellent and generally safe. Khinkali, khachapuri, and grilled meats are well-cooked. Wine culture is strong โ drink from reputable sources. Street food markets are popular and generally safe.
๐ง Mental Health Resources
๐ Crisis Line: 112 for emergency services
International crisis support: findahelpline.com โ worldwide directory of crisis lines
English-speaking therapists: Available in Tbilisi through private practice. Expect GEL 100-200 ($35-75) per session.
Mental health services are limited but growing. English-speaking therapists available in Tbilisi. Online therapy platforms serve English speakers.
โฟ Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is limited. Tbilisi is hilly with uneven sidewalks. Newer buildings are somewhat accessible but older areas have significant barriers.
Hospital accessibility: Private hospitals are generally accessible. Public hospitals have limited accessibility.
Accessible transport: Tbilisi metro has limited accessibility. Taxis are the most practical option. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles require advance booking.
๐ก Accessibility tips
Tbilisi's Old Town has steep cobblestone streets. Newer areas like Vake and Saburtalo are more accessible. Contact accommodations in advance about accessibility needs.
๐ซ COVID & Respiratory Illness
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask requirements.
Testing availability: Tests available at clinics and hospitals in Tbilisi.
Georgia has lifted all COVID restrictions.
๐จ Emergency Contacts
๐ Emergency: 112 (universal), 113 (ambulance)
๐ Sources & References
Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Tbilisi
- Georgian Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health
โ ๏ธ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.