Russia (RU)

The world's largest country, spanning Europe and Asia, with deep cultural institutions, large cities, strong public transport, complex bureaucracy, sanctions-affected banking, strict migration registration, and a demanding but sometimes affordable expat experience.

Capital: Moscow

Region: Europe

Language: Russian

Currency: RUB (₽)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 38)

Emergency: 112

Healthcare in Russia

Russia has a mixed system: public OMS for eligible insured residents and extensive private care in major cities. Foreigners usually need VHI unless their status/employment gives OMS access.

Major Moscow/Saint Petersburg private clinics can be strong; regional quality varies widely.

Public healthcare: Compulsory Medical Insurance

Обязательное медицинское страхование (ОМС)

Eligibility:Russian citizens and eligible foreign residents/workers depending status; visitors generally are not covered.

Monthly cost:Funded through employer/state contributions rather than individual monthly premiums for eligible people.

What's included:

primary care
emergency care
specialist referral
hospital treatment
maternity care for eligible insured persons

Not included (or co-pay required):

many private clinics
premium dental
fast specialist access
medical evacuation
some imported medicines

Co-payments:OMS care is generally free at point of use for covered services; informal/paid upgrades exist.

How to enrol:Employer/status-based eligibility, SNILS and OMS insurer registration where applicable.

Waiting period:Depends on status and registration.

Private healthcare: Voluntary Medical Insurance

Who can use it:Visitors, expats, employees and families can buy VHI; employers often provide corporate policies.

When it makes sense:Essential for newcomers, non-OMS foreigners, English-speaking clinics, dental, faster specialists and evacuation planning.

Monthly cost:Basic annual policies from roughly RUB 10,000-60,000; premium corporate/family plans much higher.

Major providers:

SogazIngosstrakhRESOAlfaStrakhovanieRenaissance Insuranceclinic direct plans

Accessing care

GP system

Public polyclinics are registration-based; private clinics allow direct paid appointments.

Specialist referral

OMS typically needs referral pathways; private clinics often allow direct booking.

Emergency care

Call 103 or 112. Emergency stabilisation is provided, but follow-up/payment depends on status and insurance.

Out of hours

Ambulance, hospital emergency departments and private urgent-care clinics in large cities.

Prescriptions

Many medicines require Russian prescriptions; imported medicines may be unavailable due sanctions/supply.

Dental

Public basic dentistry exists for eligible residents; most expats use private dental clinics.

Mental health

Public psychiatry exists but has stigma and language barriers; private therapy is common for expats.

Maternity

Public maternity through OMS for eligible people; private maternity packages are available in major cities.

Expat-specific advice

First steps on arrival:

Buy VHI before arrival
Identify an English-speaking clinic
Keep translated medical records
Check medication legality/import limits
Save 103/112 and insurer hotline offline

Finding English-speaking doctors:Available in major private clinics and international medical centres; scarce regionally.

International insurance:Check whether your insurer can pay Russian clinics directly under sanctions; reimbursement may be easier than direct billing.

Emergency card info:Carry passport, policy, allergies, blood type, Russian address and emergency contact in Russian.

EHIC notes:European EHIC/GHIC does not provide EU-style access in Russia.

Pharmacies (Аптека)

Hours:Many pharmacies operate late; 24-hour pharmacies exist in major cities.

After-hours / emergency:Use 2GIS/Yandex Maps for 24-hour pharmacies.

Prescription rules:Prescription enforcement varies but is tightening; bring originals and translations.

Available over-the-counter:

cold remedies
painkillers
antihistamines
digestive remedies
basic first aid

Typical costs

GP visit (with insurance)	Often covered by VHI network
GP visit (private pay)	RUB 3,000-8,000
Specialist visit	RUB 4,000-15,000+
Emergency visit	Emergency stabilisation then status/insurance billing
MRI scan	RUB 8,000-30,000+
Prescription average	RUB 300-3,000+ depending medicine
Dental check-up	RUB 2,000-8,000
Baby delivery	Private packages can be RUB 150,000-800,000+

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