Medical insurance for foreign citizens in Russia

Important: VHI policy for foreigners in Russia. The rules have changed several times since 2015, so check the current legislation before you travel.
The medical insurance requirement for foreigners depends on the visa category and the purpose of the stay. A VHI policy is among the documents required for foreign workers and other long-stay categories, and it is strongly recommended for every visitor.

According to the legislation, the medical insurance policies for foreigners must be issued to each foreign citizen on the first day of his/her stay in the country.

In practice, a foreign citizen in one of the categories concerned is expected to obtain a voluntary medical insurance policy on the day of arrival in the country.

In other words, foreign workers must have a VHI policy, and ordinary visitors are advised to have one as well.

At the same time, the VHI for foreign citizens is issued for the whole period of the foreigner’s stay on the territory of the Russian Federation.

In this article we have tried to cover all issues related to medical insurance for foreign citizens, and to tell you what gives medical insurance for migrants, how to get the policy for a foreign citizen and where to get the VHI policy for foreign citizens.

You can use the navigation to navigate more easily through the page:

-Does a foreign citizen need insurance in Russia and is the VHI policy mandatory for foreign citizens?
-What is the medical insurance for foreign citizens?
-Penalty for foreigners without insurance in Russia
-What legislation governs the insurance of migrants?
-What documents are necessary to obtain a health insurance policy for a foreign citizen?
-How much does VHI medical insurance cost for foreign citizens?
-Where can a foreign citizen obtain the VHI health insurance policy?
-Who is subject to compulsory health insurance for foreign citizens?
-Who pays VHI for foreign citizens?
-What does medical insurance for foreigners in Russia look like: an example of VHI insurance policy

Does a foreign citizen need insurance in Russia and is a VHI policy mandatory for foreign citizens?

For many categories of foreigners, yes. An insurance policy is a mandatory document for them, and without it their stay in Russia may be considered illegal. Check which category applies to you.

Where the policy is required, it must be purchased on the first day of the stay in the country.

Insurance for migrant workers is mandatory; for a visitor staying a few days, check the current rules for your visa category.
What does the medical insurance for foreign citizens include?
First of all, a voluntary medical policy for foreign citizens, which is one of the mandatory documents, confirms the right of a foreign citizen to stay in the Russian Federation.

A medical insurance policy for foreign citizens allows them to apply to a medical institution in the Russian Federation and receive free medical assistance.
The amount of medical care provided depends directly on the foreign citizen’s insurance policy, including the amount specified therein for which the foreign citizen is insured.

Since 2016 the cost of health insurance for foreign citizens in Russia has slightly changed as new rules and restrictions on the minimum amount of health insurance for foreign citizens in Russia have been introduced.

Until recently, VHI for migrants with an insurance amount of up to 30,000 rubles could be purchased for 500 rubles.
However, as of May 1, 2016, the minimum insurance amount for foreign citizens has increased to 100,000 rubles, which means that a VHI policy for a foreigner has also become more expensive.

Penalty for foreigners without insurance in Russia

As of May 1, 2016, a fine for lack of a foreigners’ policy was introduced.

That is, if the documents of a foreigner are checked and discovered :
That there is no health insurance policy for foreign nationals
or the amount of health insurance for foreigners is less than 100,000 rubles,
This will be considered an administrative offence and a fine of 2,000 to 7,000 rubles (depending on the region) will be imposed for not having a valid insurance policy for foreign citizens in the Russian Federation.

This may in turn result in the imposition of a ban on entry to the territory of the Russian Federation in the event that a foreign citizen commits two or more administrative offences under Article 18.8 of the CAO of the Russian Federation for one year.
What legislation governs the insurance of migrants?
If you are looking for the federal law that regulates the insurance of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation, you should refer to page 5 of Article 27 of Federal Law No. 114 dated August 15, 1996 “On the Procedure of Entry and Exit from the Russian Federation”.

This law describes the VHI for migrants as follows:

A foreign citizen or a stateless person is not allowed to enter Russia if he/she has not presented a health insurance policy valid on the territory of the Russian Federation - until he/she presents it, with the exception (on the basis of reciprocity) of employees of diplomatic missions and consular institutions of foreign states, employees of international organizations, family members of such persons and other categories of foreign citizens.

What documents are required to obtain a VHI policy for a foreign citizen?

Registration of a medical insurance policy for a foreign citizen requires a minimum set of documents.

In order to obtain a VHI policy for foreigners, you will only need to

A copy of the passport or other identity document
copy of the migration map
How much does the VHI medical insurance policy cost for foreign citizens?
Until recently, the cost of health insurance for foreign citizens was minimal, and it was possible to take out an insurance for a foreign citizen for only 500 rubles. At the same time, the sum insured did not exceed 30,000 rubles.

However, in less than a month, the price of insurance for foreigners will increase considerably, as the minimum amount of insurance for foreigners in Russia will be raised to 100,000 rubles.

You can get the exact cost of the VHI policy for foreigners from insurance agents who provide health insurance for foreign workers and organize VHI for foreigners.

Where can I get the health insurance policy for a foreign citizen?

In order to be insured, a foreign citizen must, upon arrival, contact one of the companies where health insurance for foreigners can be obtained.
Insurance for foreign citizens in the Russian Federation is a fairly widespread service, which is provided by many insurers in all regions of the country. There is a wide range of choices. You don’t have to worry, you will have no problem finding insurers.

Who is covered by compulsory health insurance for foreign citizens?

Insurance for foreigners in Russia is necessary for every foreign citizen entering the Russian Federation, regardless of his or her status, future plans and length of stay in the country.

Therefore, do not forget :

-VHI Policy for Migrant Workers
-VHI policy for foreign students in Russia,
-VHI for children of foreign citizens
-Insurance for foreign tourists

Who pays the VHI for foreign nationals?
A medical insurance policy for foreign nationals is necessary when they enter Russia, so it is logical that the costs of insurance for foreign nationals should be borne by the foreigners themselves.

However, the health insurance policy for foreign citizens can be taken out by a foreign citizen upon arrival in Russia, and the employer can pay for the health insurance policy for foreign citizens, if such an agreement exists, as some employers pay for voluntary health insurance of foreign employees at their own expense.

What health insurance for foreigners in Russia looks like: an example of VMI insurance policy for foreign citizens

The VHI insurance policy for foreign citizens is as follows:

An example of VHI policy for migrants - voluntary insurance for foreign citizens in the Russian Federation

If you found the information on the health policy for foreigners useful, please note this post. Or, share with social networks how to get the medical policy for foreign nationals for health insurance. If you are settling in Russia, you may also want to read our practical guide on renting an apartment in Moscow and our article on studying in Russia as a foreigner.

What does medical insurance for foreigners in Russia cover?

Medical insurance for foreigners typically covers emergency medical care, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and ambulance services. The exact coverage depends on the specific policy purchased, with more comprehensive plans available at higher premiums.

How much does medical insurance cost for foreigners in Russia?

The cost of medical insurance varies depending on coverage level, duration of stay, and the insurance company. Basic policies meeting minimum legal requirements are relatively affordable, while comprehensive coverage with broader medical services costs more.

What happens if a foreigner does not have medical insurance in Russia?

A foreigner without valid medical insurance in Russia may face legal consequences including fines and potential issues with visa renewal or residency permits. Medical insurance is a mandatory document for legal stay on Russian territory.

What changes have been made to foreign medical insurance laws in Russia?

Recent legislative changes have made VHI policies mandatory for all foreigners from their first day in Russia, expanded the minimum coverage requirements, and tightened enforcement. These changes aim to ensure all foreign visitors have access to healthcare during their stay.

For a broader view beyond individual insurance policies, read our healthcare system in Russia explained for expat couples, covering hospitals, emergencies, and medication for families settling in Russia long term.