Starting June 1, 2026, changes to Georgia’s Universal Healthcare Program have come into effect. Under the new rules, beneficiaries who have been continuously outside the country for six months or longer will have their registration in the planned outpatient care module suspended.
According to the government decree, citizens who return to Georgia will need to re-register in order to continue using outpatient services under the program. Registration can only be completed with the beneficiary’s consent, confirmed by a signature. For minors, consent must be provided by a legal representative.
The Ministry of Health has clarified that the measure is aimed at reducing unnecessary public spending and reforming the financing mechanism for outpatient clinics. Previously, clinics received fixed state payments even when registered patients were living abroad and not using healthcare services in Georgia.
Officials stress that the reform does not affect access to medical care. All Georgian citizens, including those currently living abroad, will continue to be eligible for universal healthcare services. The changes apply only to outpatient clinic funding and registration, while emergency and inpatient services remain unaffected. Upon returning to Georgia, citizens can re-register without restrictions and fully access their healthcare benefits.
