Travel Insurance and Advice for Visitors to Russia
At one time, Russia was a world leader in international healthcare. Unfortunately, since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, funding has declined, and services have become substandard. The World Health Organization no longer publishes a live ranking of national healthcare systems. In the WHO’s one-time 2000 assessment, Russia ranked 130th out of 191 countries for overall health system performance.
Today, Russia still faces challenges in funding, access, and health outcomes compared to many high-income countries. However, key indicators, such as health spending and certain outcomes, have improved over time.
We recommend planning carefully and ensuring you have the necessary resources to address any emergencies that may arise during your travels.
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Visitors’ Insurance Coverage in Russia for Travelers
For those traveling to Russia for holidays, work, or educational purposes, a high-quality travel insurance plan is a necessity.
You want to ensure you have coverage for emergency medical expenses, trip interruption, medical evacuations, and other related expenses. Some plans also cover trip cancellation, which reimburses you if you are unable to travel due to covered reasons.
Note: As of May 2024, our travel insurance products are not available for purchase for travel to Russia due to the ongoing conflicts in that region.
Safety Tips for Visitors to Russia
Although Russia is a developed country, visitors and foreigners should avoid drinking tap water, as it may contain contaminants that can cause diseases due to inadequate sanitation.
Regular bathing with the water is not a cause for concern, but you should use bottled water for drinking and for brushing your teeth.
The water can be particularly high-risk in St. Petersburg, where the pipes are very old. In the event of an incident while traveling or living there, it’s essential to ensure you have international medical insurance.
Visitors are also advised not to drink unlabeled vodka. Russia is known for its love of vodka, but bootleg vodka can cause serious harm and even death.
It may contain shoe polish, sawdust, paint thinners, or other dangerous ingredients. Ensure you only drink vodka purchased from a store that is sealed and labeled properly.
In Russia, especially in the major cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, passports should be kept on your person in a secure, hidden place (such as a money belt).
It is essential to have your passport with you when interacting with the police, as not having it may lead to harassment, fines, or arrest.
If you need emergency assistance while traveling in Russia, call the single emergency hotline at 112. You will be connected to an emergency call center that will field requests for medical or police assistance.
Vaccines Required and Necessary Medicines when Traveling to Russia
All travelers to Russia should be up to date on routine vaccines, such as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, and flu.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for current information. Travelers are encouraged to get the Hepatitis A vaccine due to the high risk of contracting the disease through contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B is recommended if you plan on getting a tattoo or piercing while traveling in Russia. Many vaccine clinics offer the hepatitis A and B vaccines together in a single shot. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for individuals who plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors in remote areas.
Finally, travelers spending time outdoors or with animals should also get an updated rabies vaccine.
Discuss with your doctor any other potential issues you may encounter, such as motion sickness and jet lag. On long flights, be sure to walk around the cabin and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
It is also important for visitors to be aware that HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in Russia. Many Russian citizens are not educated when it comes to sexual health, so it’s vital to be proactively protected and educated yourself.
Top Hospitals in Russia
When to Visit Russia
Due to warmer temperatures, the main tourist season in Russia typically occurs in July and August. This is also the time of “White Nights,” in which the sun doesn’t fully set in some areas of the country.
However, crowded cities can become uncomfortably hot during these months. Winter is the off-season, which means better bargains, better service, and fewer crowds.
In March and April, as the snow melts, the roads become slushy and dangerous. In May and June, Moscow and St. Petersburg host festivals to welcome the warmer weather, including the Ballet Award Festival, the Chekhov International Theater Festival, and the Sobinov Memorial Festival of Music.
Airfare is generally cheaper during November, March, and late August than at other times of the year because the weather is uncertain during those months.
Weather Conditions
Contrary to what you might believe, Russia is not just full of ice and snow. The climate is actually quite agreeable in spring, early summer, and fall.
However, Russia gets quite cold from November to February, and winter can bring large amounts of snowfall. During the winter months, it is recommended that you carry a heavy winter coat, gloves, a hat, a scarf, and other winter gear to stay warm.
Falling snow and enormous icicles can be deadly, so avoid walking directly under building overhangs. Slip-and-fall accidents are quite common due to icy conditions, so wear sturdy boots with good traction.
Always plan ahead and check the weather report to avoid any weather-related injuries during your stay.
Stay Safe While Traveling Around Russia
Russian drivers are known for their extremely high speeds. In cities, it is essential to note that pedestrians do not have the right of way. Heavy traffic may cause drivers to drive on the curb or sidewalk to avoid delay.
When traveling by train, be vigilant of your surroundings, as other travelers might see you as an easy target. If other passengers ask you to drink and dine with them, be sure to stay sober and keep a watchful eye on your possessions, as train hoaxes can target tourists and expatriates.
Russia is a fun and interesting place to visit, and with a little precaution, planning, and trip insurance protection, travelers can have a worry-free trip of a lifetime.
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning nine time zones across Eurasia. Due to its vast size, the country is home to a diverse range of landscapes and ethnic groups.
The country is renowned for its vast natural resources and is one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers. These reasons, among many others, draw tourists, missionary groups, volunteers, and expatriates alike to visit Russia for both long and short periods.
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Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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