Healthcare in Tbilisi

How healthcare in Tbilisi works for foreigners

Healthcare is the first thing you have to rebuild from scratch when you relocate. In Tbilisi, the system works differently from Russia or Ukraine: public hospitals exist, but in practice they are not for you if you do not have a residence permit. The sooner you understand this, the fewer unpleasant surprises await. Below is a practical picture with no unnecessary theory: where to get treatment, how much it costs, which insurance works, and how to find a Russian-speaking doctor in Tbilisi.

Public vs. private healthcare: what’s actually accessible

Georgia operates a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme — basic state-funded coverage. For foreigners without a residence permit, however, it opens only one option: free emergency care. Routine treatment, diagnostics, and specialist visits are paid out of pocket or covered by private insurance.

Public hospitals formally accept everyone, but the infrastructure and service are on par with a Soviet-era clinic, with the added difficulty of a language barrier. Georgian staff generally do not speak Russian, and English is hit-or-miss.

Private clinics are the de facto medical standard for Tbilisi’s Russian-speaking community. They offer modern equipment, reliable service, and — crucially — a Russian-speaking doctor in Tbilisi can be found in virtually any major network.

Key clinics in Tbilisi: where to go

Three networks consistently recommended by the Russian-speaking community:

• Evex — the largest network, covering most districts; inpatient facilities and a wide range of diagnostics are available. Russian-speaking doctors are present across most specialities.
• Aversi — well known for its pharmacy chain (the most extensive in the country), plus clinics with an in-house laboratory. Convenient for quick lab tests.
• GPC (Georgian-American Health) — oriented toward international patients; staff frequently speak English and Russian; service level is above average.

A GP consultation at a private clinic costs 40–80 GEL; a specialist runs 60–120 GEL. Diagnostics (ultrasound, lab tests, MRI) are billed separately. An MRI at a private clinic is roughly 200–400 GEL, depending on the area scanned and the clinic.

Insider insight: appointments at Evex and Aversi can be booked via app or website, but if you need a Russian-speaking doctor, confirm in advance — not all slots marked «rus» appear online. A quick call to reception or a check in an expat Telegram community takes five minutes and saves a wasted visit.

Health insurance in Tbilisi: how to choose and how much it costs

For most Russian speakers without a residence permit, the practical choice is local health insurance in Tbilisi from Georgian insurers. There are two main players:

• Aldagi — one of the market leaders, covering outpatient care, inpatient treatment, and emergency services.
• Imedi L — comparable products with somewhat more flexible packages for individuals.

A basic policy starts at 80 GEL per month. Extended coverage — including hospitalization, high-cost diagnostics, and dental — runs 150–250 GEL/month and above.

Prices in the table are market reference points: government fees and third-party rates at the time of publication. These are not SVOY prices — our service fees are provided on request and in the ’Services’ section.

An important nuance about insurance that rarely gets mentioned: Georgian insurers issue a policy on the spot, without a lengthy wait, but often ask for a local phone number and address. A policy can still be issued without a residence permit — this is standard practice, but you will need to visit the office in person.

Dental care, pharmacies, and emergency services

**Dental care in Tbilisi is a chapter of its own: prices are noticeably lower than in Europe and comparable to Russia before 2022. A filling runs 30–80 GEL, an implant 600–1,200 GEL depending on the clinic and brand. Russian-speaking dentists are available at most private practices.

**Aversi and GPC Pharmacy are the most widespread chains. Many Russian medications are available here either under their original name or as generic equivalents. Prescription drugs in Georgia are dispensed more strictly than in Russia — some items you were used to getting freely will require a local doctor’s prescription.

Ambulance — call 112 (a Russian-speaking operator is not guaranteed, but a crew will be dispatched). Arrival and initial care in a genuine emergency are free under UHC.

Common mistakes

1. Counting on public healthcare without a residence permit. A routine appointment at a public hospital for an uninsured foreigner quickly turns into queues and a language deadlock. A private clinic is not a luxury — it is the basic standard.

2. Putting off insurance ’for later.’ An insured event won’t wait. A hospital stay without coverage costs from 500 GEL per day. It makes sense to arrange insurance within the very first week of arrival.

3. Trusting an international policy without checking the details. SafetyWing and similar products are not always accepted directly by Georgian clinics — you may have to pay out of pocket and claim reimbursement later. Clarify the payment process in advance.

4. Not asking whether a Russian-speaking doctor is available when booking. The doctor at the clinic may turn out to be Georgian or Armenian with no Russian. One call or message to reception settles this before the appointment, not during.

5. Bringing a large supply of prescription medications without checking their status in Georgia. Some Russian prescription drugs have a different legal status in Georgia — certain ones cannot be brought in without documentation, others are simply not registered here. It is best to check in advance and get a prescription from a local doctor.

6. Skipping dental care simply because you don’t know the prices. Many people wait for a chance to ’go home’ and delay treatment for months. Prices in Tbilisi are competitive, Russian-speaking dentists are available — there is no reason to put it off.

Who should choose what

If you’re in Tbilisi for the long term — a basic Aldagi or Imedi L policy covers most everyday needs. Families and those with chronic conditions should look at extended packages from the start. For scheduled specialist visits — Evex, Aversi, GPC, with a prior check for a Russian-speaking doctor. For emergencies — 112; everything else is sorted on the spot. Healthcare in Tbilisi for Russian speakers is a manageable story, as long as you approach it systematically in the first days after arriving.