Facts checked against official sources on 28 October 2026. Where no official rule exists, we say so. Rules change — confirm with your university, employer or the authority linked in each section.
«A 2,000 ₽ policy formally meets the visa and university requirement. It usually covers only emergency care and repatriation. With an ordinary illness you will go to a paid clinic at your own expense. Before buying, check whether the plan includes outpatient care.»
— Vlad Lario
Who must have a policy
Entry without a medical insurance policy is not allowed unless an international agreement says otherwise (Law 114-FZ, art. 27) — this concerns visa holders such as students and tourists. Workers: the employment contract must include a DMS policy or the employer’s contract with a clinic (Law 115-FZ, art. 13 p. 10). A DMS policy is part of the patent application package (art. 13.3 p. 2).
Official sources: Consular Department (MFA) · SPbU · insurance for foreign students · Federal Law 115-FZ (Garant)
Where to buy
Through your university, which has its own accredited insurers, or directly from SOGAZ, RESO-Garantia, Ingosstrakh, Sovcombank Insurance, VSK or Energogarant.
Official sources: HSE University · insurance · SOGAZ · student insurance · RESO-Garantia · DMS-Students · Sovcombank Insurance · foreign students · Ingosstrakh · DMS
What a student policy covers
Example, RESO “DMS-Students”: emergency care, one hospital stay of up to 15 days, ambulance, emergency dentistry and repatriation of remains up to 300,000 ₽; cancer and other listed exclusions are not covered. Example, SOGAZ: 24/7 online consultations, outpatient clinic cover of 100,000–500,000 ₽, planned dentistry up to 50,000 ₽ (depending on the plan), the 086/u certificate and vaccinations.
Official sources: RESO-Garantia · DMS-Students · SOGAZ · student insurance
Prices in 2026–27
HSE University, one-year policy for its own students in 2026–27: Lexgarant 4,000–7,000 ₽; Energogarant 4,200–6,900 ₽; VSK 4,000–7,000 ₽; Euroins 6,000–15,000 ₽. These are prices for HSE students only. For comparison, an individual Ingosstrakh DMS policy starts at 43,050 ₽ (basic, outpatient clinic).
Official sources: HSE University · insurance · Ingosstrakh · DMS
Can I use insurance from home?
A foreign insurer’s policy is accepted only if that insurer has a contract with a licensed Russian insurer or an assistance company in Russia (MFA Consular Department). Universities may still require a Russian DMS policy — ask yours.
Official sources: Consular Department (MFA)
State insurance (OMS) for foreigners
OMS is available to holders of a residence permit (VNZh) or temporary residence permit (RVP), refugees, EAEU workers (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) and staff of EAEU bodies. The policy lasts until the end of the calendar year (not beyond the permit) and is renewed with your insurer. Students and tourists without RVP or VNZh are not entitled to OMS.
Official sources: Moscow OMS Fund · foreigners · St Petersburg OMS Fund
Common questions from foreign students
Can I use my insurance from home?
Only if the insurer has a contract with a Russian insurance or assistance company.
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Written by Vlad Lario
Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.
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