Nobody plans to get sick on holiday, but it helps to know in advance how healthcare works in a country. Georgia has plenty of pharmacies and modern private clinics, and emergency services share a single number. Here's where to turn, what it might cost and how to prepare.

Emergencies: 112

Georgia's single emergency number is 112, used for ambulance, police and fire services. Operators can usually communicate in English, and in tourist areas sometimes in other languages too.

When calling, give:

  • what happened;
  • the exact address or landmarks (in the mountains, the trail name and nearest village);
  • your phone number.

A local SIM card makes it easier to get through and receive a call back.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are everywhere in Georgia, especially the big chains. Many in Tbilisi and Batumi are open 24 hours.

  • Basic medicines — painkillers, fever reducers, cold and stomach remedies, plasters — are sold without a prescription.
  • Some medicines (for example many antibiotics, strong painkillers and psychotropic drugs) are prescription-only.
  • Pharmacists in larger pharmacies often speak English and can suggest equivalents.
  • Know your medicine by its active ingredient — brand names may differ.

Tip: if you take regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip plus a prescription or doctor's letter (ideally in English).

Clinics and hospitals

Private clinics

Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi have modern private clinics and medical centres with a range of specialists. Many treat foreigners and some staff speak English. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually possible.

Public hospitals

These operate nationwide, including regional centres. Equipment varies: better in big cities, more basic in remote areas.

Costs

Tourists pay for treatment. A simple consultation at a private clinic is relatively inexpensive by European standards, but hospitalisation, surgery and mountain evacuation can be very expensive — which is why insurance matters.

Insurance

Travel medical insurance is a must. Check current entry requirements, but even where it isn't required, insurance is your financial protection.

Make sure your policy covers:

  • outpatient treatment and hospitalisation;
  • evacuation, including by helicopter from the mountains;
  • adventure activities — trekking, skiing, rafting, paragliding — if you plan them;
  • medicines;
  • medical repatriation.

If something happens, call the assistance line first using the number on your policy — they'll tell you which clinic to use.

Water

Many people in Tbilisi drink tap water, and it's generally of good quality. If you have a sensitive stomach or are in a remote area, bottled water is the safer bet. Mountain spring water is usually clean, but ask locals.

Georgian mineral waters — Borjomi, Nabeghlavi, Sairme — are sold everywhere and help with an upset stomach or after a feast.

Food and your stomach

Georgian food is rich and filling, and feasts can involve plenty of wine and chacha. Common tourist complaints are heaviness and stomach upsets in the first days.

  • Don't overeat on day one.
  • Drink plenty of water and mineral water.
  • Pack digestive aids and activated charcoal or similar.

Dog bites

Stray dogs live in cities and the mountains, and large shepherd dogs guard flocks in the highlands. Most aren't aggressive, but:

  • don't approach flocks or dogs with puppies;
  • after a bite or scratch, see a doctor immediately — you may need rabies vaccination;
  • wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.

Mountains and altitude

Many tourist spots are high: Gergeti is about 2,170 m, Gudauri about 2,200 m, Ushguli about 2,100 m, and treks towards Kazbek go above 3,000 m.

  • Altitude sickness can occur above 2,500–3,000 m: headache, nausea and weakness. Ascend gradually, drink water and avoid alcohol.
  • The sun is stronger at altitude — bring SPF 50, sunglasses and a hat.
  • Weather changes fast — pack warm and waterproof layers.

For serious hikes, register with the tourist safety system (ask at tourist information centres or border police posts in border areas).

Summer heat

Summer temperatures in Tbilisi and Kakheti can exceed 35 °C. Drink plenty, avoid the midday sun and wear a hat.

First-aid kit

  • fever reducer and painkiller;
  • cold and sore throat remedies;
  • antihistamine (allergies, insect bites);
  • stomach remedies: absorbent, anti-diarrhoea tablets, digestive enzymes;
  • oral rehydration salts;
  • plasters, bandage and antiseptic;
  • sunscreen and after-sun;
  • insect repellent;
  • your regular medicines, with spares;
  • motion-sickness tablets for mountain switchbacks.

Useful words

  • Pharmacy — აფთიაქი (aptiaki).
  • Hospital — საავადმყოფო (saavadmkopo).
  • Doctor — ექიმი (ekimi).
  • Ambulance — სასწრაფო (sastsrapo).
  • Help — დამეხმარეთ (damekhmaret).

In short

In Georgia it's easy to find a pharmacy or private clinic, and emergency help is on 112. Get insurance that covers evacuation and adventure activities, bring a basic first-aid kit and your own medicines, and be careful with sun, altitude and dogs. Then, even if something goes wrong, you'll get help quickly and be back on the road.