Citizens of other countries can apply for a VHI policy in Russia under special programs for foreigners. Let's figure out who needs insurance on the territory of the Russian Federation, how to get it and what will happen if this is not done.
Voluntary medical insurance in Russia
The system of compulsory medical insurance (OMI) in the Russian Federation is intended mainly for Russians: citizens of other states cannot use free medicine. The only exceptions are refugees, holders of a residence permit or temporary residence permit, highly qualified specialists and members of their families, as well as citizens of the Republic of Belarus. All other foreigners will be able to receive medical care either through voluntary insurance or for a fee.
VMI for foreigners works in the same way as paid medical insurance for Russians. Typically, the company provides access to a medical console, a telephone line that determines if a client's case is covered by insurance and directs him to the appropriate medical facility. The full list of services provided depends on the insurer. For example, the EUROINS insurance program includes outpatient care, 24-hour trauma, emergency hospitalization and emergency hospital treatment, and dental care for acute pain. In addition, according to VMI, you can get sick leave or get a prescription for medicines.
Which of the foreigners must take out VHI
All foreigners who are not included in the list of exceptions above are required to take out medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the Russian Federation. The purpose of entry into the country – work, business, tourism or family visit – does not matter, the policy is mandatory for everyone.
Here are the situations in which a foreigner will need VHI:
- When entering the territory of the Russian Federation. You must order a policy before crossing the border or on the first day of your stay in the country, after this period the absence of insurance is already considered a violation of migration rules.
- When obtaining a work permit.
- When applying for a patent .
- During employment (you can do without a medical policy only if the employer has entered into an agreement with a medical organization for the provision of services to a foreigner whom he accepts in the state).
- To receive medical care in case of illness or injury.
- Get a sick leave certificate or buy prescription drugs.
How to apply for VHI for a foreign worker
To apply for insurance, a foreigner will need the following documents:
- passport or other identity card of the country of citizenship;
- notarized translation of the identity card into Russian;
- migration card;
- temporary or permanent registration on the territory of the Russian Federation (if you cannot register before the policy is issued, a stamp in your passport will do).
From the end of 2021, VHI can be issued not only in paper form, but also in electronic form. This means that you do not need to go to the office to sign the contract and receive the policy. For example, at the EUROINS insurance company, you can buy insurance online in 5 minutes or apply for it by phone, the policy will be sent to your email immediately after payment.
Example of the VHI registration form for migrants from the euro-ins.ru website — after filling out and online payment, the policy is sent to e-mail
The policy order is processed in a few easy steps:
- 1. Select a program and make sure that the insured employee complies with its rules: he does not have Russian citizenship, the age meets the requirements of the insurer, there are no current acute injuries or illnesses – they will not be covered. Usually, foreigners with disabilities are not provided with standard insurance, a separate program will be offered for them (depending on the insurance company).
- 2. Indicate personal data and the term of insurance. This is done online, by phone or at a branch.
- 3. Send an insurance claim.
- 4. Attach documents requested by the company.
- 5. Get a policy.
Features of insurance for migrant workers
- The minimum insurance amount is 100 thousand rubles.
- The employee needs valid insurance for the entire term of the contract with the employer. If the employment contract is open-ended, you just need to keep track of the expiration dates of the policies and renew them in time.
- The policy of a foreign worker may come into force from the day when the work permit, patent or employment contract comes into force. This condition must be discussed when drawing up an agreement with the insurer
- Insurance must be valid throughout the country or at least apply to the subject of the Russian Federation in which the foreigner plans to work. If the location changes, and the policy is issued for only one region, you will have to contact the insurance company and expand the geography of coverage.
What is the danger of not having insurance for a foreigner
As we have already said, all foreigners entering the territory of the Russian Federation, including tourists, are required to obtain medical insurance. The absence of a policy is fraught not only with difficulties with medical care in case of illness or accident, but also with problems with the law. For staying in Russia without medical insurance, a foreigner can be fined from 2 to 7 thousand rubles, deported from the country and even banned from entering the Russian Federation for 5 years.
For a labor migrant, violation of the procedure for issuing insurance or its absence is even more dangerous. Firstly, the policy must be valid while the foreigner is working under an employment contract. If at some point in the contract an employee does not have insurance, they can be suspended from work or even fired. Secondly, a foreign employee must not only buy a policy, but also issue it for a certain sum insured; failure to comply with this requirement can also be fined.
Please note that a foreigner who has issued VHI but lost the original policy may also be held liable and did not file a claim for loss. This is a good reason to take out insurance online and have an electronic version at hand. You can print it for the employer or submit it to the migration authorities at any time.
This material was prepared by OOO RSO EUROINS. License of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation SL No. 3954, SI No. 3954, OS No. 3954–03. Advertising.