Using Your Student Health Insurance and Seeing a Doctor in Russia and the CIS

Your medical insurance is mandatory — keep it valid

International students in Russia and across the CIS are generally required to hold valid medical insurance for the duration of their studies. You usually arrange or confirm this around enrolment, and many universities help you obtain or renew a policy. Keep the policy document and your insurer's contact details somewhere you can find quickly.

Note the start and end dates of your cover and renew before it lapses. Insurance and enrolment-related requirements differ by country and university and can change, so this guide is general information and not legal or immigration advice — confirm the exact requirements, providers and renewal process with your international office and verify them on the relevant official source before relying on them.

• Confirm your insurance is valid for the whole study period
• Save the policy document and insurer's helpline number
• Note renewal dates and renew before the policy expires
• Ask your international office which clinics your policy covers

Registering with a clinic

Once enrolled, find out which clinic you should use. Many universities have an on-campus medical point or a partner clinic, and your insurance policy is typically tied to specific clinics or a network. The international office or student health office can tell you exactly where to go.

It helps to register or do an initial check-in at that clinic early, before you actually need it, so you understand the process and have any required paperwork ready. Carry your insurance document, student ID and identity and registration documents when you visit.

Booking and seeing a doctor

For a non-urgent issue, you usually book an appointment with your designated clinic — by phone, online, or in person, depending on the clinic. A general doctor (therapist) typically sees you first and refers you to a specialist if needed. If you do not speak the local language confidently, ask the international office whether interpreting help or an English-speaking doctor is available, or bring a classmate who can help.

Be ready to explain your symptoms, any existing conditions and medications, and any allergies. Keep a simple written note of your medical basics in case you are asked. Follow up on any prescribed tests or return visits.

Pharmacies and everyday medicines

Pharmacies (often shown with a green cross) sell common over-the-counter remedies and dispense prescriptions. Some medicines that are sold freely at home may require a prescription locally, and vice versa, so do not assume — ask the pharmacist or your doctor.

If you take regular prescription medication, bring a clearly labelled supply and your prescription or a doctor's letter, and ask your campus clinic early how to continue it locally. Carry a small personal kit of basics (pain relief, plasters, anything you use often) for minor issues.

Emergencies — know the number before you need it

Learn your city's emergency number on your first day and save it in your phone. In Russia and several CIS countries the single emergency number is widely reported as 112, which connects you to ambulance, fire and police services; some countries also have separate dedicated numbers. Numbers can differ across the CIS and can change, so confirm the correct current emergency number for your specific city as soon as you arrive — ask your international office or dormitory warden.

In a genuine medical emergency, call the emergency number for an ambulance and ask someone nearby to help if you cannot communicate easily. Tell your international office or dormitory warden afterwards so they can support you. For non-emergencies, use your clinic rather than emergency services.

• Confirm and save your city's current emergency number on day one (112 is widely used in Russia and several CIS countries — verify locally)
• Know your nearest hospital and your designated clinic
• Keep your insurance document and an emergency contact handy
• Tell the international office/dorm warden after any emergency