All Russian and the former USSR consular departments will require expatriates to have valid health insurance covering the dates of the proposed trip,or contract period if working or living in Russia. If you already have travel or health insurance, you will need to confirm that it covers the Russian Federation. You may also have to fill in an Insurance Card, noting the number and validity of your insurance policy.

Expatriates who relocate to Russia often find the healthcare system in the country extremely confusing, complicated and sub-standard to what they are used to. The services offered are limited and typically only able to provide emergency stabilizing care, except in major cities such as Moscow, St Petersburg, and Vladivostok. There is good news however, since 2000 there has been a push for the establishment of a competent, comprehensive, private healthcare system in Russia.

The private healthcare system in Russia is able to provide high quality service and treatment options and the doctors are Western-trained. However, the services are much more expensive than at institutions that are a part of, or were a part of, the public healthcare infrastructure. It is also usually necessary to pay for treatment up-front so having a good quality medical insurance that can reimburse you promptly or make the payment on your behalf is often vital.

We would recommend the Global Health Elite policies offered by the UK-based company William Russell. They offer 4 levels of cover as shown in the chart below, and it is important to note that Emergency Medical Evacuation is available on all plans if you are unable to receive adequate treatment in your location:

For more information, please contact our specialist team.