Travel health for Georgia.

What actually happens to travelers here.

The system.

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: ★★★☆☆ Good

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.

Georgia is a growing medical tourism destination, particularly for dental work, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatments at very affordable prices.

Where to actually go.

Finding what you need.

Access: Easy

Hours: Pharmacies (აფთიაქი) 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.

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.

Available over the counter

• ibuprofen
• paracetamol
• antibiotics (widely available OTC)
• cold remedies
• stomach medication
• antihistamines
• basic first aid supplies

Useful pharmacy phrases

• თავის ტკივილის წამალი მჭირდება
• მუცელი მტკივა
• ალერგია მაქვს...
• სად არის უახლოესი აფთიაქი?
• ექიმი მჭირდება

Common OTC medications by local brand

• 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.

What you can't bring in.

Carry a doctor's letter in English for all controlled medications. Georgia has strict drug laws — ensure all medications are clearly documented and in original packaging.

Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD · Tramadol · Xanax · Opioids

If something breaks.

Availability: Good dental care in Tbilisi at very affordable prices. Georgia is emerging as a dental tourism hub.

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.

What you actually need.

🛡️ Recommended

Average cost: $15-35/week

Healthcare is very affordable but insurance is recommended for private hospital access and medical evacuation if needed, especially for mountain regions (Svaneti, Kazbegi).

Filing a claim

Private clinics provide receipts and medical documentation in English on request. Healthcare costs are low — some travelers pay out-of-pocket. Keep all documentation for insurance claims.

→ See our carrier-by-carrier guide for 15 US insurers

What it costs out of pocket.

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.

When local won't cut it.

Primary destination: Istanbul

Secondary destination: Vienna or Dubai

Typical cost band: $25,000-80,000

Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS

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.

What to get done before you fly.

Recommended

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies (for rural or adventure travel)

No mandatory vaccinations. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.

The Bali belly prevention guide.

Tap water: Use caution — 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

Georgian cuisine is excellent and generally safe. Khinkali, khachapuri, and grilled meats are well-cooked. Wine culture is strong — drink from reputable sources. Street food markets are popular and generally safe.

In crisis abroad.

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.

International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.

Getting around with mobility needs.

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.

Tbilisi's Old Town has steep cobblestone streets. Newer areas like Vake and Saburtalo are more accessible. Contact accommodations in advance about accessibility needs.

Entry rules + local status.

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.

Georgia travel health, answered.

What we checked.

• US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
• CDC Travelers' Health
• US Embassy Tbilisi
• Georgian Ministry of Health
• WHO International Travel and Health