Healthcare System Information for Expats Living in Russia
Russia’s government-sponsored medical system is funded by the Obligatory Medical Insurance (OMI) system, another name for which is OMS. Emergency healthcare services are provided at zero cost to everyone, including expats. As of 2022, around 7% of Russia’s GDP is spent on health, and out-of-pocket payments make up nearly 27.7% of the total current medical costs. Nevertheless, the right to avail non-emergency treatment and extensive healthcare services usually requires the person to enroll in the OMI system (available to Russian citizens and several foreign citizens) or the procurement of Voluntary Health Insurance (VHI). The quality of healthcare system for expats in Russia differs significantly across regions, with major towns with hospitals and clinics having better capabilities as compared to those in the rural sector. The average lifespan in Russia was about 72.5 years in 2022, with continuing urban–rural discrepancies and lasting effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting clinical results in different regions.
A large number of expats and foreign travelers depend on private clinics or international health insurance in Russia for superior quality of care and staff who are proficient in spoken English. The public healthcare system for expats in Russia may not be very enticing for most expats; however, in recent years, there has been a marked improvement in this sector. Ideally, you should opt for some expat insurance in Russia that provides evacuation services during an emergency.
The public healthcare system for local nationals in Russia is poorly managed, and the lack of adequate funds has only made the situation worse. Because of the inadequacy of medical equipment and poorly paid health professionals, most Russian citizens are deprived of basic healthcare facilities. Current evaluations maintain the focus on low-spirited public confidence in the Russian healthcare system for foreigners, mainly because of a lack of funds, inadequate staffing, and unbalanced regional access. A 2024 OSW report portrayed the sector experiencing a ‘perpetual crisis’ of growing disparity between Moscow and the rural areas. Official projections indicate a manpower deficit of ~26,500 doctors and ~60,000 mid-level medical personnel throughout the country, intensifying regional variations.
While Moscow can boast of a decent number of public healthcare facilities, numerous towns and villages across Russia hardly have any healthcare facilities at all. One can imagine the plight of people living in remote areas and the distance they have to travel to obtain medical care.
Important Note: Following sanctions, several prominent international insurers have cut down or limited their scope in Russia after 2022. Some regional insurance companies and international brokers continue to provide coverage, but it requires expats to confirm availability before arrival. From September 1, 2025, according to the new Russian rules, public and private providers must provide free emergency care to foreign citizens; whereas non-emergency care comes at a price or requires insurance.
How Medical Care Works for Foreign Residents in Russia
People who live and work in Russia are eligible to access the benefits provided by state health insurance. Out of the total amount of employee salaries in Russia, around 30% is contributed by employers in the form of social insurance taxes. A component of which goes into funding the Obligatory Medical Insurance (OMI) healthcare system. A percentage of this tax payment goes to the national healthcare fund. As an expat or foreign national, you may have to obtain voluntary medical insurance (VHI) during your stay in Russia. Usually, your employer will make the necessary arrangements and purchase this coverage for you.
It’s important to note that the most discounted insurance plans may not be very useful for you if your job contract doesn’t offer you comprehensive healthcare insurance. Note that in 2016, the reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Russia was cancelled. Most foreigners in Russia will be required to purchase medical coverage to get their visas. EHIC and GHIC cards do not carry any validity in Russia, and the UK’s reciprocal healthcare accord with Russia was terminated in 2016. All expats and visitors are required to procure international health insurance in Russia to acquire a visa. Repatriation and evacuation will not be covered by your EHIC.
Public Healthcare in Russia
Russia’s public healthcare system isn’t as innovative as it used to be. Lack of funds has further led to a drop in the standards that most expats expect from the system. Many public hospitals don’t have adequate supplies and equipment. Wait times are also very long in public hospitals within the country. Expats can find it difficult to speak with the hospital staff as not all of them may be able to speak English properly. Only Russian citizens and legal residents under the OMI system can avail public healthcare free of cost. Healthcare for expats in Russia is limited to free emergency care only, while all other treatments require legitimate OMI or private insurance.
Private Clinics and High-Quality Treatment Options
Russia’s private healthcare system is much better placed than public healthcare. If you live, especially in a larger city, you will be able to find many private facilities that have English-speaking staff and much better equipment. Private healthcare facilities also have much higher standards and shorter waiting times, though availing such services can be very expensive. This is why expats are advised to buy a comprehensive international insurance plan that includes an expat insurance Russia plan or they can get the same through their employer. Such a plan can cover most of the costly procedures at the private hospitals located closest to them. Besides individual and group cover, expats can also procure international health insurance Russia for their family members.
Necessary Insurance Paperwork for Expats
After you have finalized your place of work and stay in Russia, you have to move towards preparing the paperwork. You can get most of that prepared by your employer, who will also get you registered with the state healthcare in Russia. Alternatively, you can visit a local insurance provider yourself, though you may want to take someone who can speak Russian with you – again, a global health plan is recommended for expatriates. You will be required to produce documents like your residence permit, employment papers, and passport for healthcare registration.
Children of expats who are the legitimate residents of Russia can also be insured within the family’s OMI policy, but for this, they need to register with the local authorities and submit residence permits and birth certificates.
Best Private International Medical Insurance for Expats in Russia
Russian citizens, as well as expats, can benefit from the country’s free healthcare system. This system is funded through a social tax that is collected through small deductions made from the salaries of both employers and employees. Expats with an international health insurance Russia plan can obtain significantly broader, superior coverage and services at private facilities in the country. Moreover, such plans don’t just cover expats for healthcare in Russia, but also when they need to move to some other country for better medical assistance. As an expat, you can look forward to international healthcare plans that include expat insurance in Russia offered by leading companies like Allianz Care and Cigna Global. You should compare all the accessible plans before making the final choice.
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