Russian State Duma tightens law: compulsory health insurance policy for migrants to become available after 5 years of legal work

The State Duma of Russia has adopted amendmentsto the legislation establishing a new procedure for issuing Compulsory Health Insurance (CHI) policies to labor migrants.

According to the new law, foreign citizens will be able to gain access to Russia's free healthcare system only after five years of official employment in the country. This rule does not apply to emergency cases where assistance is provided immediately.

Thus, to obtain a health insurance policy, migrants will now need to work legally in Russia for at least 5 years. This is a key change in the rules for foreign workers wishing to obtain a CHI policy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can a migrant get a CHI policy in 2025?
   According to the new law, to obtain a CHI policy, a migrant must have at least 5 years of legal work experience in Russia. After that, they gain the right to apply for a policy and use free healthcare services.

2. How long does a migrant need to work to access free healthcare?
   To access free healthcare (except for emergency cases), a foreign citizen needs to have worked officially in Russia for 5 years.

3. What are the changes to CHI for migrants in 2025?
   The main change is the introduction of a residency requirement: 5 years of legal work experience to obtain a CHI policy. The law was adopted by the State Duma on the initiative of Vyacheslav Volodin.

4. What should a migrant do without a CHI policy?
   In emergency cases (life-threatening situations), assistance is provided free of charge and without a policy. For planned treatment, it is necessary to either have a Voluntary Health Insurance (VHI) policy or pay for services out-of-pocket. A CHI policy can be obtained after 5 years of legal work.

5. Will the new rules affect migrants who are already working?
   Yes, the new rules are universal. The work experience required for obtaining a CHI policy will be counted from the moment the law comes into effect. Previously accumulated experience may be counted if it was official.

6. What medical care is available to migrants without a policy?
   Without a CHI policy, migrants are only entitled to emergency medical care. All planned and specialized care requires either a CHI policy (after 5 years of service) or a VHI policy.

7. Who is eligible for a CHI policy in Russia?
   The right to a CHI policy is held by citizens of Russia, as well as permanently residing foreigners. Labor migrants (temporarily residing) will now receive this right only after working for 5 years.

For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.

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