Health Insurance in Tbilisi: A Complete Expat’s Guide with IRAO
Tbilisi is becoming one of the most popular destinations for expats and digital nomads. The city offers a warm atmosphere, friendly people, and a cost of living that feels very comfortable for many newcomers. But one thing that every expat needs to plan carefully is healthcare. Even though daily life in Georgia can feel simple and accessible, unexpected medical situations can be stressful and expensive without the right protection. This is why securing a plan for health insurance, Tbilisi’s expat and other cities’ digital nomad community knows well, should be a top priority for anyone relocating here.
Foreigners living in Georgia sometimes expect that the public healthcare system will automatically include them. However, this is not the case. Georgia’s Universal Health Coverage program mainly supports citizens and people in special categories. Expats and digital nomads usually do not receive the same benefits, especially when it comes to planned or specialist care. Because of this, having private insurance becomes essential, not optional.
This blog explains everything you need to know before choosing a policy. Whether you plan to stay for a few months or several years, understanding your options will help you make a safe and informed decision. You will learn how the local system works and why choosing the right provider can make a big difference in your daily life as an expat.
Georgia: healthcare system for foreigners – Public vs. Private
The first thing many expats want to understand is how the healthcare system in Georgia works for foreigners. Emergency care is available for everyone. If you call the national emergency number, 112, the ambulance service is free. But emergency care is only one part of healthcare. When it comes to regular doctor visits, planned treatments or specialist appointments, expats often discover that they must pay the full cost themselves unless they have private insurance. This system can surprise newcomers who expect broader access.
Georgia’s Universal Health Coverage program provides support mainly for citizens and people from vulnerable groups. Foreigners who live here long term, even those with a residence card, usually cannot rely on this public support for everyday medical needs. This means that preventive care and diagnostic services can become expensive if paid out of pocket. Many expats choose private clinics because they offer faster service, modern equipment and English-speaking staff, but these services naturally come with higher fees.
Private healthcare in Tbilisi is considered high quality and many expats are very satisfied with the level of care. Still, the best way to access this care affordably is with a private insurance policy. A good plan helps you avoid unexpected medical bills and gives you access to partner clinics where you can receive treatment without paying upfront. This is why understanding the differences between public and private systems is an important first step in your health insurance journey.
Local vs. International Health Insurance: The Key Decision
When choosing insurance in Georgia, many expats start by comparing local private plans with international health insurance options. Local plans, especially those offered by IRAO, are built specifically for people living in Georgia and are designed around real needs in Tbilisi. IRAO’s plans are usually far more affordable than global alternatives and many expats appreciate the convenience of direct billing at partner clinics. With IRAO, you can receive medical care without paying upfront and the claims process is simple and fast. Communication is clear, support is available in English and the coverage fits the daily healthcare realities of living in Tbilisi.
Local plans, however, are focused on care within Georgia. If someone travels very frequently or needs worldwide protection, an international plan might seem attractive. But even in these cases, many expats still prefer IRAO for their day-to-day life because the company’s strong clinic network, easy processes and affordable pricing give them practical value they can’t get from expensive global options. For long-term residents who mainly use the Tbilisi healthcare system, IRAO’s combination of cost, convenience and reliable service is difficult to match.
International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is the global alternative. These plans offer worldwide coverage and high limits and sometimes include medical evacuation or repatriation. But they are often extremely expensive and usually work on a reimbursement basis, meaning you must pay large amounts upfront. For most expats who live and receive treatment primarily in Georgia, choosing IRAO provides the best balance of price, comfort and quality care. It gives you strong protection where you need it most, right here in Tbilisi, without the unnecessary cost of global plans that you may never use.
Tbilisi: Health Policy – Cost and Essential Details
Understanding what a policy includes is one of the most important steps before choosing health insurance for expats in Georgia. Inpatient coverage, which includes hospitalization, is a key benefit. This is usually the most expensive part of medical care, so having a strong limit here is very important. Most expats feel safer when their plan provides enough support for major medical needs. You should check how the limit works, what conditions are included and if the policy offers direct billing at partner hospitals.
Outpatient coverage is another essential part of your policy. This includes family doctor visits, specialist consultations, diagnostics and tests. These services are often used more frequently and can become expensive if paid without insurance. When reading the policy, check whether there is a co-payment, reimbursement rate, or limit for outpatient services. Diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, MRI, and CT scans are especially important for those who want regular preventive care.
Another factor to consider is the coverage for medication, dental care and partner clinic networks. Medication reimbursement can vary widely, so it’s helpful to know the percentage you can expect. Dental care is usually limited to basic or emergency treatment in most local plans. The clinic network is very important, too. Choosing a provider like IRAO, which has a strong network of partner clinics for direct billing, can make your healthcare experience much easier. When using non-network clinics, you may need to pay first and ask for reimbursement later, which is less convenient.
Local Health Insurance: Georgia – What Expats Should Know Before Deciding
Once you understand the basic coverage elements and the advantages of private insurance in Tbilisi, the next step is choosing the right local plan for your specific needs. Local health insurance in Georgia, particularly plans offered by providers like IRAO, is designed with expats in mind, taking into account the practical realities of living and working in the country. Unlike international plans, these policies focus on the healthcare services you are most likely to use, which can make them more affordable, easier to navigate and immediately useful for day-to-day life.
One key aspect to consider is how well the plan aligns with your lifestyle and health priorities. For example, if you regularly visit specialists, need routine diagnostics, or want easy access to English-speaking doctors, a local plan with a robust network of partner clinics will save you both time and money.
Another important factor is cost transparency. Local health insurance in Georgia are structured to offer clear pricing and predictable coverage limits, making it easier for expats to budget for their healthcare. Many plans include options for outpatient and inpatient care, medication coverage and basic dental services. By focusing on services that are most relevant to your life in Tbilisi, local plans allow you to get comprehensive protection without paying for unnecessary global coverage.
Health Insurance in Tbilisi: Secure Your Coverage with Confidence
Finding the right health insurance in Tbilisi is essential for any expat. A good plan provides peace of mind, reliable coverage and access to partner clinics. IRAO offers clear, supportive and cost-effective options. Protect your health today, contact us for a personalized plan or compare options online.