Mandatory Health Insurance for Migrants

Mandatory health insurance (OMS) is a system that allows access to free medical care. In Russia, both citizens and foreign nationals with a health insurance policy can receive treatment and undergo examinations under OMS.

Medical assistance is provided in state and private institutions that are part of the OMS system.

Who Must Have a Policy

Anyone coming to Russia for work or planning to stay long-term must have a mandatory health insurance policy. This includes individuals with a temporary residence permit, residence permit, work patent, or work visa. Even students must have a policy to access medical care. Without it, registration may be denied, fines issued, or deportation initiated. It is also impossible to obtain a work permit, arrange temporary or permanent residence, or even get medical assistance at a clinic without a policy.

Fines for not having an OMS policy:

for legal entities – up to 500,000 ₽ for employing someone without OMS;
for individuals – up to 7,000 ₽, deportation, and entry ban.

What the Policy Covers

The OMS policy grants access to free medical care in Russia. For example, it includes the following services:

initial doctor consultations at clinics;
free preventive health check-ups;
emergency care in case of illness or injury;
treatment and diagnostic procedures in hospitals participating in the insurance system.

Medical care is provided only at institutions included in the program. These may be both state and private clinics that receive government reimbursement for providing certain types of care under OMS. Private clinics are often involved to deliver high-tech treatments and care for serious conditions.

What OMS Does Not Cover

The mandatory health insurance policy does not include the following services:

Medical assistance outside of Russia (the policy is only valid within the Russian Federation).
Services not related to basic treatment:
- cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery (unless medically necessary);
- installation of dental implants and hearing aids (unless covered by OMS regulations);
- alternative treatment methods.
Additional comfort (enhanced hospital rooms, paid childbirth services, and similar options).

Note that exclusions may vary by region. The list of medical services covered by OMS is regularly updated, so it’s important to check details with your insurance provider. Certain procedures, such as implant installation, may be provided under OMS but only with confirmed medical indications.

How to Obtain a Policy

To apply for mandatory health insurance, you need a passport, migration card, and documents confirming your right to live or work in Russia. The insurance policy is issued at authorized centers or insurance companies, often with the option to apply online. You can submit the documents personally, through a representative by power of attorney, or via the “Gosuslugi” portal.

For a child to receive OMS, their residence status in Russia must be formalized: they must have a residence permit, temporary residence permit, or refugee status.

To obtain a policy for a child, the following documents must be submitted to the insurance company:

the child’s birth certificate or another identity document recognized under Russian law or international agreements;
the child’s temporary residence permit or residence permit in Russia;
identity document of the child’s legal representative;
document confirming legal representation;
SNILS of the legal representative (if available);
OMS policy of the legal representative (if available);
SNILS of the child (if available).

Until the policy is issued, the child can only receive paid medical services or services under a voluntary health insurance policy. If the child is a citizen of the Russian Federation, the OMS policy is issued according to the general procedure (citizenship must be confirmed).

Regardless of the method of application, once the documents are submitted, the OMS policy is issued within 45 working days. During this period, a temporary certificate is provided.

Since December 1, 2022, the mandatory health insurance policy has become digital and is represented as a barcode.

Validity Period of the OMS Policy

The validity of the OMS policy for foreign citizens in Russia depends on their legal status and basis for issuance. Usually, the policy is issued for a period linked to the validity of residence or work documents.

Validity terms of the OMS policy:

for temporarily staying individuals – usually issued for up to 3 months (with possible extension if grounds remain);
for those with a temporary residence permit or residence permit – issued for the duration of these documents;
for labor migrants – issued by the employer for the duration of the employment contract.

Why Mandatory Health Insurance Is Important

Health insurance protects both individuals and the state budget. Without insurance, you may be denied hospital care, and the government would face higher expenses for emergency medical treatment.

Obtaining mandatory health insurance is an important requirement for legal stay in Russia. It ensures that in case of illness or emergency, you will receive the necessary assistance without unnecessary complications.

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