15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Georgia
Last updated on May 11, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Georgia is generally comparable to the US. Georgia has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Emergency services are generally reliable and efficient, and ambulances can 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:
"Healthcare services in Georgia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Georgia is generally good, with a wide range of services available. Expats in Georgia can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition, there are a number of private healthcare providers in Georgia that offer a range of services, including specialist care. Expats in Georgia can also access private healthcare services, although they may need to pay for these services out of pocket," wrote an expat living in Georgia Rep.
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. Additionally, Georgia has a number of medical insurance plans available to its citizens, allowing them to access quality healthcare services," said one expat.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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," said an expat in Georgia Rep.
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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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 then dispatch an ambulance to your location. Emergency services in Georgia are provided by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and are staffed by trained professionals who are ready to respond to any emergency," said one expat living in Georgia Rep.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"The cities of Atlanta, Decatur, Augusta, and Savannah have the most populated medical specialists in the state of Georgia. In addition, smaller cities such as Macon, Columbus, Dalton, Marietta and Alpharetta are quickly becoming hubs for high-caliber specialists in many different fields. Whatever type of medical specialist a person is looking for, they are likely to find what they need in one of these Georgia cities," commented one expat living in Georgia Rep.
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," remarked one expat living in Georgia Rep.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Georgia?
"Georgia has a good quality of medical facilities and medical care, with a variety of well-tailored options to choose from. Several significant medical centers are present in the country, such as Georgia's National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health, and numerous private clinics. Georgia continually strives to stay up to date on medical advancements, and it is standard practice for doctors in the country to stay current on the latest technologies and treatments. Georgia's doctors and medical professionals are also exceptionally highly skilled, offering excellent quality medical care to their patients," said an expat in Georgia Rep.
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," mentioned one expat in Georgia Rep.
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," said one expat living in Georgia Rep.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Georgia?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Georgia about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"Make sure you engage with the maternity care services early in your pregnancy, so that you can have the chance to meet your midwife or doctor and ask any questions you have about the birthing process and procedures in Georgia. It's also important to familiarise yourself with the birthing options in the country, such as midwife-led birthing and hospital births, to ensure that you are making the best decision for you and your baby. During the process, make sure to communicate any concerns you have with the medical staff, and don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion if necessary. Finally, be sure to stay well-informed about the postnatal follow-up care in Georgia, so that you can make sure your baby gets the utmost care and support it needs," explained one expat living in Georgia Rep.
Are healthcare services good in Georgia?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Georgia. They wrote:
"In Georgia, healthcare services are provided through a variety of settings, including private physician practices and hospitals. Healthcare facilities in Georgia work together to provide comprehensive and high-quality care, offering services that cover primary healthcare, mental health, maternal and child health, oral health, and other specialized services. Patients are able to receive diagnostic and educational services, as well as long-term and rehabilitative care. In addition, many outpatient and pharmacy services are available across the state to provide preventative care and treatment for chronic conditions. Furthermore, Georgia has an extensive network of health insurance providers, which provide access to healthcare for individuals and families," explained one expat.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Georgia Rep Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Georgia Rep
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Georgia Rep
- Best Places to Live in Georgia Rep
- Guide to Real Estate in Georgia Rep
- Pros & Cons of Living in Georgia Rep
- Cost of Living in Georgia Rep
- Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia
- How to Rent a Home in Georgia
- How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Georgia
- Getting a Driver's License in Georgia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia Rep 2024