Health insurance and medicine

Medical care is one of the main issues for migrants in Russia. Without a compulsory or voluntary health insurance policy, you cannot visit a polyclinic for free, call an ambulance, or be hospitalized. At the same time, emergency care is provided to everyone — regardless of documents.

This article explains what types of medical insurance exist, how to obtain voluntary and compulsory insurance, what to do in emergencies, and how not to lose money on treatment.

Important: since 2023, all foreign citizens working in Russia (including EAEU citizens) must have a voluntary health insurance policy. Without it — a fine for the employer and risk for you.

Types of medical care

Emergency medical care

Emergency care is provided to everyone — regardless of citizenship, policy, or legality. This is guaranteed by Federal Law No. 323-FZ.

What emergency care includes:

• Ambulance — call 103;
• Urgent conditions — injuries, poisoning, heart attacks, strokes;
• Exacerbations of chronic diseases;
• Pregnancy and childbirth — regardless of documents;
• Accidents at work.

If you do not have a policy — in case of emergency hospitalization, you will be admitted. But after discharge they may issue a bill for treatment. To avoid this — get a policy in advance.

Voluntary Health Insurance (VHI/DMS) — for working migrants

Voluntary Health Insurance is a policy that every migrant working under a patent must have.

What VHI covers

• Primary medical care — therapist, pediatrician;
• Specialized care — surgeon, neurologist, ophthalmologist;
• Diagnostics — tests, ultrasound, X-ray, ECG;
• Dentistry — basic;
• Hospitalization — as indicated;
• Ambulance — within the policy;
• Preventive check-ups — once a year.

VHI cost

Where to get VHI

• At an insurance company — in person or online;
• Through the employer — if they pay for the policy;
• Through the MFC — if obtaining it with a patent;
• Online — through aggregators.

Important: when processing a patent, VHI is mandatory. Without a policy, the patent will not be issued.

Documents required for VHI

• Passport + notarized translation;
• Migration card;
• Patent (if available);
• Tax ID (optional);
• SNILS (optional).

Compulsory Health Insurance (OMS) — for certain categories

Compulsory Health Insurance is a policy that grants the right to free medical care in state polyclinics and hospitals.

Who can obtain OMS:

• Russian citizens;
• Foreigners with a Residence Permit;
• Foreigners with a TRP;
• EAEU citizens (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) — if working under an employment contract;
• Refugees and asylum seekers.

Migrants working under a patent are NOT entitled to OMS. Only VHI.

How to obtain OMS

1. Check the ground — TRP, Residence Permit, EAEU citizenship;
2. Obtain SNILS — through the MFC or Pension Fund;
3. Submit an application to an insurance medical organization;
4. Receive the policy — within 30 days.

Term: processing up to 1 month. Cost: free.

What to do when visiting a polyclinic

If you have VHI

1. Find a clinic in the insurance company’s list;
2. Call and make an appointment;
3. Bring your VHI policy and passport;
4. The doctor will see you without payment — expenses are covered by the insurance company.

If you do not have a policy

1. In an emergency — call 103 or go to the hospital’s admission department;
2. For planned treatment — contact a paid clinic or get VHI in advance;
3. If refused emergency care — complain to Roszdravnadzor and the prosecutor’s office.

Cost of treatment without a policy

VHI pays for itself even with 1–2 visits per year.

Children of migrants and medicine

Children of migrants are entitled to medical care:

• Emergency care — for all children, free;
• OMS — if parents have TRP, Residence Permit or EAEU citizenship;
• VHI — if parents work under a patent;
• Vaccinations — according to the national calendar, free;
• Preventive check-ups — at schools and kindergartens.

Childbirth — free in any maternity hospital, regardless of documents. Under Federal Law No. 323-FZ, childbirth assistance is emergency care.

FAQ

Is VHI mandatory for a migrant?

Yes. Since 2023 — mandatory for everyone working under a patent. Without a policy, the patent will not be issued.

How much does VHI cost?

From 3,500 ₽ per year for basic, from 6,000 ₽ for standard, from 12,000 ₽ with hospitalization.

Can a migrant obtain OMS?

Yes — with a TRP, Residence Permit or EAEU citizenship (if working under an employment contract).

What to do in an emergency?

Call 103 — the ambulance will arrive free of charge. At the hospital, you will be admitted regardless of your policy.

Is care provided without documents?

Yes. Emergency care — for everyone, regardless of citizenship and legality.

Can I give birth in Russia for free?

Yes. Childbirth assistance is emergency care, provided free of charge to all women.

Summary: what to do

1. Get VHI — if working under a patent;
2. Check your right to OMS — if you have TRP, Residence Permit, EAEU;
3. Keep the policy and documents;
4. In an emergency — call 103;
5. For planned treatment — go to a clinic from the VHI list;
6. If refused — complain to Roszdravnadzor;
7. For children — medical care is available, vaccinations are free;
8. Childbirth — free, regardless of documents.

If you have problems with medical care — they refuse admission, sick leave is not paid, you need help obtaining VHI — consult a migration lawyer. Initial consultation is free.