On May 8, 2025, the Government of Russia published Decree No. 631 dated 08.05.2025, approving new rules for providing medical care to foreign citizens residing in the territory of Russia (hereinafter referred to as the Rules).
According to the new Rules, in cases of sudden acute illnesses, exacerbations of chronic diseases, injuries, poisonings, and other life-threatening conditions, foreigners will receive emergency medical care free of charge. This assistance will be provided regardless of whether the patient has health insurance.
In all other cases—when providing scheduled or urgent care—medical services will be offered based on voluntary health insurance (VHI), mandatory health insurance (MHI), or under a separate paid services agreement.
If a foreign citizen is insured under the MHI system, they are entitled to free medical care within the scope established by law, unless otherwise specified in the new Rules.
The document also states that international treaties regulating the provision of medical care to foreign nationals take precedence: if the provisions of such treaties differ from Russian regulations, international law shall apply.
Overall, the content of the new Rules is nearly identical to the current regulations approved by Government Decree No. 186 of March 6, 2013. Compared to the previous version, the new Rules no longer include the clause requiring foreign citizens to provide written guarantees of payment or advance payment for scheduled medical services based on the estimated volume of services to be provided.
The new Rules will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will remain in force until September 1, 2031.
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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