Healthcare in Tbilisi
A specialist visit, blood panel, and imaging in Tbilisi can cost less than a single GP copay in the US. Private clinics are modern, doctors often speak English, and you can self-refer to any specialist without a GP referral. Many expats here skip insurance entirely and pay cash.
The system at a glance
Georgia has a small but modern private healthcare sector. Out-of-pocket costs are so low that many expats and digital nomads pay cash for everything, including specialist visits and imaging.
MediClub Georgia and Healthhaus Clinic are the most expat-friendly options, with English throughout. Evex Medical Corporation is the largest network. Todua Clinic is well-regarded for diagnostics and cardiology.
For blood work, Synevo and Megalab have walk-in branches across the city. A basic CBC runs about $3–5.
Navigating care
How to get an appointment
Walk in. Common and accepted. Wait times are usually short — 15 to 45 minutes at most private clinics.
WhatsApp works. MediClub and Healthhaus both take appointment requests via WhatsApp. Phone works too.
Skip the GP. Georgians routinely self-refer to specialists. You can book a cardiologist or dermatologist directly, no referral needed. Keeps costs down and speeds things up.
Costs
What things cost
Approximate 2026 prices at private facilities, in USD. Georgia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for medical care.
| GP consultation | $15–30 |
| Specialist consultation | $25–60 |
| ER assessment | $50–150 |
| Blood panel (hospital) | $10–25 Scope-dependent |
| Blood panel (Synevo lab) | $3–15 Walk-in, same-day |
| X-ray | $15–30 |
| MRI scan | $100–250 |
| Dental cleaning | $30–60 |
| Dental crown (porcelain) | $150–350 |
Out-of-pocket costs are so low that many expats skip insurance and pay cash. Insurance is mainly used for emergencies.
Pharmacies
Aversi is the dominant chain — green logo, hundreds of branches across Tbilisi. PSP Pharmacy and GPC are also common. Many medications that need prescriptions in Western countries are sold OTC, including some antibiotics and muscle relaxants. Bring the generic drug name — packaging is often in Georgian or Russian. Aversi and PSP both operate 24-hour branches in central Tbilisi. Google Maps reliably shows what's open.
Health tips
Common visitor health risks in Tbilisi
Traffic and pedestrians
The #1 actual health risk. Drivers are aggressive, crossings are not safe. Cross defensively.
Air quality (Dec–Feb)
PM2.5 spikes in winter from vehicle emissions and heating. Monitor air quality on IQAir.
Tap water
Safe in Tbilisi; do bottled water elsewhere. Older buildings with Soviet-era pipes may need a filter
Rich food adjustment
Georgian cuisine is heavy on butter, cheese, and bread. Digestive adjustment takes a week or two.
Emergency
Emergency number: 112
Police, fire, ambulance. Georgian-speaking — English inconsistent.
English at private clinics
Georgian and Russian elsewhere. Younger doctors more likely to speak English.
Frequently asked questions
Do Tbilisi clinics accept international insurance?
Most expect cash payment. SafetyWing and Cigna Global reimburse after you pay. Some local insurers like Aldagi offer cheap plans with copays at private hospitals.
Is EHIC or GHIC valid in Georgia?
No. Georgia has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with EU countries. Travel insurance is recommended but optional given low costs.
What is the emergency number in Tbilisi?
112 for police, fire, and ambulance. Dispatchers speak Georgian — English availability is inconsistent.