15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Georgia
Last updated on Feb 22, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Georgia is generally comparable to the US, with many of the same medical facilities and treatments available. Emergency services are generally reliable and accessible, with ambulances able to be called by dialing 911.
How are healthcare services Georgia?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Georgia, they replied:
"Georgia offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, and mental health services. The state is home to many excellent hospitals and medical facilities, including Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Augusta University Medical Center in Augusta, and Navicent Health in Macon. These hospitals offer a variety of services, from emergency care to cancer treatment. Additionally, Georgia has numerous community health centers that provide primary care services to underserved populations. These centers are located throughout the state, with many located in rural areas. Georgia also has a number of specialty care centers, such as the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, which specializes in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation," remarked one expat in Georgia.
What are medical services in Georgia like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Georgia, they replied:
"In Georgia, medical services are widely available and of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers providing a range of services. Georgia also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, cardiology centers, and fertility clinics. The country also has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. In addition, Georgia has a number of private medical facilities, offering a range of services at competitive prices," wrote one expat.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Georgia?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Georgia can be expensive. The cost of healthcare services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs, can be high. Health insurance premiums can also be costly, and many people in Georgia are unable to afford the coverage they need. Additionally, the cost of health insurance can vary significantly depending on the type of plan and the provider," wrote an expat living in Georgia.
What are emergency services like in Georgia?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Georgia wrote:
"In Georgia, emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 from any phone. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will dispatch an ambulance to your location. Emergency services in Georgia are provided by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH)," wrote one expat.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Georgia has a wide variety of areas and cities with excellent medical specialists. The greater Atlanta area and Savannah have large, comprehensive medical facilities with a wide selection of specialists. Other highly populated areas such as Macon, Columbus and Augusta also have excellent medical resources. Coastal areas such as Brunswick and Seaside boast high-quality medical specialists, too. For North Georgia, the cities of Athens, Gainesville and Dalton are home to some of the state's best medical professionals," said one expat.
Are common prescription medications available in Georgia?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Georgia. Pharmacies in the state are able to fill prescriptions for medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications can be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Additionally, many pharmacies in Georgia offer over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, and vitamins," mentioned one expat in Georgia.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Georgia?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Georgia are generally of a high quality. Georgia has a large network of well-equipped hospitals and clinics staffed by highly skilled doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. The country also offers a wide range of specialist care, including advanced treatments such as cancer and cardiac care. In addition, Georgia has a comprehensive national healthcare system which is available to all citizens and includes free access to primary and preventive care, as well as access to financial assistance for specialist care. Overall, the quality of medical care in Georgia is quite high, making it an ideal destination for people seeking medical treatment," said an expat in Georgia.
As a foreigner living in Georgia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Georgia, you will have access to public healthcare. Georgia has a universal healthcare system, which provides free healthcare to all citizens and registered residents. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but overall the public healthcare system is considered to be of good quality. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is supplemented by private health insurance," wrote one expat.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Georgia if they have access to public healthcare in Georgia. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Georgia during the pandemic have been mostly positive. The healthcare providers I have interacted with have been very professional and knowledgeable, and they have taken the necessary precautions to ensure my safety. I have been able to access the care I need, and the wait times for appointments have been reasonable. I have also been able to access telehealth services, which has been very helpful in avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor's office. Overall, I am very satisfied with the care I have received from the local healthcare system in Georgia during the pandemic," mentioned one expat in Georgia.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.