HEALTH CARE IN RUSSIA

Health care is one of the most important and at the same time scaremongering issue for all expats coming to Russia. This is because most of foreigners do not trust any new doctors except their personal family ones. Intermark Relocation can not underestimate the importance of this subject for all newcomers, and therefore is willing to share some insight into the world of medical care in Russia.

It really is almost imperative for any expat moving to Russia to get private international medical insurance with evacuation cover to be on the safe side. Russian healthcare, while very advanced at specialist level, is severely under-funded, therefore it may cause different kinds of problems for unprepared expats.

However, all newcomers should be aware of the variety of medical centers existing in Russia:

• State clinics
• Private clinics
• International medical centers
  

Almost all expats prefer going to international medical centers as they are well run and organized with high levels of medical care and spoken English. Despite some specifics, that’s surely the way to go!

Most popular international medical centres in Moscow are the following:

• European Medical Centre (EMC)
• American Medical Centre (AMC)
• IntermedCenter American Clinic
• International SOS Clinic
• GMS Clinic

Dentists:

• American Dental Center
• European Dental Center
• French Dental Center
• German Dental Care
• US Dental Care
  

EMC, in particular, is very useful for those who have children. There is a pediatrician or general practitioner there 6 days a week. Without this, it would be a very long and torturous journey into the city, should your child get sick. However, having said this, the doctors frequently send you to one of the city’s EMC clinics for further tests.

The majority of expats get Private Health Insurance paid for by the company - but not in all cases. Moreover, some Health Plans are very different from others, for example, the Insurance company will only pay from a certain amount, or you could have Full Cover, which is, of course, more expensive. Many expats take additional private health insurance due to the highly variable nature of Russian health facilities.

The private medical clinics in Moscow are on a par with European and American standards. These clinics are generally very expensive so it is highly recommended that you take out private medical insurance to cover your medical expenses in Moscow. Most of these plans will also include evacuation cover for emergencies or life-threatening situations. Russian pharmacies generally only stock Russian medicines and those on chronic medication (like diabetics) should bring a stock of medication with them to last until the next trip home.

Russian pharmacies are known as apteka, identified by a large green cross above the door. Many medications that require a prescription back home are available over the counter. Actually, most medicines are available without a prescription and are cheaper than in a lot of other countries.

Finally, to make the situation with medical care in Moscow more evident, we present expats’ opinions who share their personal experience after visiting different kinds of clinics: 

“I have friends who have had operations or emergencies in Moscow and they have been treated by the international clinics in the city and they have been satisfied. I know others who would rather not risk it and travel back to their country or elsewhere to be treated”.

“Dental care is extremely expensive however it is in a lot of countries now. I would advise that you have a check up in your home country before moving to Moscow so if you need work doing you can assess where it will be cheaper!  Having said that, the dentists are skilled and, in my experience, do a good job.  I still don’t like going though!”

“I have friends who have given birth in Moscow and, although it was a different experience from what they had been used to, it was not a bad experience considering language and cultural differences.  It is worth considering that if you wish to give birth in your own country then you will have to fly quite a few weeks before your due date (and have a medical certificate saying you are fit for flying) and then you will need to travel back with a newborn. Additionally, you will need to plan for your husband to be at the birth which may also be problematic!”

Intermark Relocation Team is always willing to assist you and provide any additional information. Please, contact:

immigrations@intermarkrelocation.ru

Irina Yakimenko
Executive Director Immigration & Relocation Services

i.yakimenko@intermarkrelocation.ru

Maria Obodovskaya
Senior Immigration Adviser

m.obodovskaya@intermarkrelocation.ru

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