As of today, according to the Insurance Supervision Service, only 17% of the population uses private health insurance, and this figure has remained virtually unchanged for many years.
Since state insurance covers many risks in Georgia, interest in private insurance from citizens remains very low, according to Nino KOBAKHIDZE, general director of the insurance company Global Benefits Georgia. "At the same time, according to the law, if a citizen uses private insurance services, he/she automatically loses access to the state health care program. Given that the government program is free, it is understandable that many do not see the need to buy private insurance packages", she explained.
In addition, another thing is lack of compulsory insurance. "Georgia is practically the only country in the world where there is no compulsory type of insurance. As for voluntary and private insurance, it has already reached its maximum, and will no longer grow without obligation. Accordingly, the figures have not changed for years, and there will be no growth until citizens are given the right to simultaneously use both private and state insurance", says Nino KOBAKHIDZE.
"Today it is overall unclear who has what rights. The best solution would be a combination of public and private insurance, as they differ significantly and will complement each other. This will lead to growing interest in private insurance", according to the head of the Insurance Association, Devi KHECHINASHVILI. He believes that the state must ensure full access to insurance services for all citizens of the country, without exception, and this has not been possible in Georgia for years.
* 1 EUR = GEL 3.5040 (December 31st, 2021)
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