In Russia, public and private medical institutions must provide services free of charge to foreigners if they have insurance or if the patient's life is in danger. This procedure will come into force on September 1, 2025, according to a Russian government decree dated May 8, Fergana.ru reports.
It is specified that free emergency assistance is provided to foreign citizens in Russia in case of sudden acute illnesses, conditions, and exacerbation of chronic diseases that pose a threat to the patient’s life.
In addition, according to the approved rules, visitors who are insured persons in accordance with the law "On Compulsory Medical Insurance in the Russian Federation" have the right to free services. In this case, services will be provided upon the occurrence of an insured event specified in the policy.
Also, ambulance teams will provide free assistance to foreigners in case of illness, accidents, injuries, poisoning and other conditions requiring urgent medical intervention. But this requirement applies only to medical organizations of the state and municipal systems.
The rules stipulate that emergency care (except for ambulances) is provided to foreign citizens in accordance with an agreement on the provision of paid services or on the basis of a voluntary health insurance policy.
It should be noted that the rules for providing medical care to foreigners on the territory of Russia will be in effect until September 1, 2031.