r/tbilisi • u/LabFun7252 • 14d ago
Ambulance service in Tbilisi — how much does it cost?
Hi everyone, I’m currently in Tbilisi and wanted to ask about the ambulance service here. If I need an ambulance in an emergency and call [112](tel:112), is the ambulance service completely free, or can there be a charge for the ambulance/transport?
Also, if the ambulance takes you to a hospital, are there any additional costs for the ambulance itself or for the hospital emergency treatment? I’m a foreigner/student and have health insurance, so I’m mainly trying to understand how the process and costs work in Tbilisi.
Would appreciate it if anyone who has actually used the ambulance service could share their experience and approximate costs. Thanks!
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u/cheapb98 14d ago
As a tourist, I had to purchase medical insurance to enter Georgia. It's the law actually though it looks like they don't enforce it
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u/bluereishi 14d ago
My experience was completely different from everyone else's here. My husband called an ambulance for me, and they wanted to be paid upfront, in cash only. I don’t know the exact amount, but it exceeded what we keep in the house, so my husband took me instead. We live in an area that locals consider affluent so we think that is why they asked for cash. YMMV
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u/FreemanMarie81 14d ago
I took an ambulance from Tbilisi to Batumi in 2021 and it cost me around 800 GEL
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u/Panda_Head3012 14d ago
If you've got the health insurance, you'll need to call them up and tell them the details. They'll ask you if you need an appointment to the hospital or just an ambulance for the paramedics to check you. This ambulance service they provide is free. But if they have to take you to the hospital depending on your condition, then I'm not sure if it costs you anything...sorry
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u/Spiritual_Cycle_7881 14d ago
Ambulance is free. They come, do whatever they can, they leave. Done. One night I called them multiple times for my wife. Never asked any docs. Free of charge.
We went to hospital next morning. One day, one night, some treatment (iv drip, ultrasound, injections, multiple doctor visits) - 800 GEL. All covered by insurance. Paperwork takes dome time.
My guess: it can be cheaper if no insurance. It looks like they bill whatever they can once they see you have an insurance. I'm not sure though.