Emergency Numbers & Access
Emergency care is legally available to everyone regardless of citizenship. However, follow-up treatment requires payment or insurance. Ambulances in Moscow are modern; in rural areas they can be very basic.
Response time: 10-40 minutes in cities, 60+ minutes in rural areas
Cost: Public ER free for emergencies, but foreign visitors may be billed $100-1,000+
Healthcare System
Russia operates a mandatory medical insurance (OMS) system providing free basic care to citizens. Visitors have NO access to free public healthcare and must use private clinics or pay out-of-pocket at state hospitals. Major cities like Moscow and St Petersburg have modern private clinics with English-speaking staff, but outside these cities English is extremely rare in medical settings. Quality varies dramatically between Moscow/SPb and regional areas.
Designed for: Russian citizens and residents with OMS insurance
GP Access & Costs
Private clinics only for visitors — no access to polyclinics without OMS registration. EMC, GMS Clinic, and Medsi are top choices in Moscow.
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics; public polyclinics not accessible to tourists
GP Visit
$60-150 private GP consultation
Private GP
$60-150
ER Without Insurance
$100-1,000+ depending on treatment
Medication
Pharmacies (apteka) are widespread and many medications available OTC that would require prescription elsewhere. Very affordable prices.
Health insurance is required for visa
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Many 24/7 pharmacies in cities; rural areas limited
OTC: Wide range available OTC including antibiotics and some prescription drugs
Controlled substances: Russia has extremely strict drug laws. Carry prescriptions in Russian translation. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine) are banned.
Practical Tips
- Use EMC (European Medical Centre) or GMS Clinic in Moscow — they have English-speaking staff
- Download Yandex.Translate for medical communication — Google Translate works poorly for medical Russian
- Carry prescription translations in Russian — pharmacists rarely speak English
- Medical evacuation insurance is essential for travel beyond Moscow/St Petersburg
- Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination recommended if visiting forests May-September
Who can get care in Russia?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Russia treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Private clinics only for visitors — no access to polyclinics without OMS registration. EMC, GMS Clinic, and Medsi are top choices in Moscow. Typical cost: $60-150 private GP consultation Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics; public polyclinics not accessible to tourists
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Proof of medical insurance is required for entry or for a visa to Russia.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance with $30,000+ coverage (mandatory for visa)
- Passport with valid visa
- Insurance certificate in Russian or English
Local contacts in Russia
Emergency services
103 (ambulance) / 112 (general emergency)
Emergency care is legally available to everyone regardless of citizenship. However, follow-up treatment requires payment or insurance. Ambulances in Moscow are modern; in rural areas they can be very basic.
Pharmacies
Many 24/7 pharmacies in cities; rural areas limited
Wide range available OTC including antibiotics and some prescription drugs
What is the emergency number in Russia?
103 (ambulance) or 112 (general emergency) in Russia. Emergency care is legally available to everyone regardless of citizenship. However, follow-up treatment requires payment or insurance. Ambulances in Moscow are modern; in rural areas they can be very basic.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Russia?
$60-150 private GP consultation Private consultations: $60-150.
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Sources: Russian Ministry of Health, WHO Russia, CDC Travelers Health 2024, EMC Moscow
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
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