General Information About Medical Tourism in Russia

Introduction

Transnational medical tourism (MT) represents a significant component of the economy in advanced nations, reflecting the calibre of their national healthcare systems. In the Russian Federation, MT has been recognised as a national objective and a strategic aim for development. Although investments in this sector have recently decelerated, they experienced substantial growth in preceding decades.

Regulatory Framework

Currently, the medical export process lacks comprehensive legal regulation. However, several private providers adhere to a one-stop-shop model, enabling foreign applicants to submit requests for medical coverage in Russia through an online platform. This method facilitates access to legal services but is not governed by specific regulations, leaving providers’ responsibilities somewhat ambiguous.

Alternatively, prospective patients may submit direct inquiries to medical facilities. While this approach is more complex and entails assuming certain risks, it offers greater transparency in the process.

Rationale for Foreigners to Pursue Health Tourism in Russia

Research indicates that foreigners are drawn to medical tourism in Russia for various reasons, including:

• Superior Quality of Medical Services;

• Affordability of Medical Treatments;

• Extensive Selection of Clinics;
This diversity of options reduces waiting times significantly.

• Availability of Unique Medical Services;
Certain treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation, may not be accessible in the tourists’ home countries.

Procedural Overview

Foreigners seeking medical assistance in Russia have two avenues:

1. Application via the Federal Project ‘Medical Treatment in Russia’

2. Direct Request to a Specific Clinic or Medical Organisation.


Upon selecting a medical organisation, the foreigner should liaise with it to facilitate visa formalities if required. For those exempt from visa requirements, the selected medical facility must issue a medical invitation for both the patient and accompanying individuals.
In cases necessitating a visa, the medical organisation submits an application to the appropriate public authority for an invitation for the foreign or stateless individual, which is essential for obtaining a standard business visa for medical treatment.
Emergency medical care for sudden acute illnesses or exacerbations of chronic conditions that endanger life is provided to foreign nationals at no cost by medical organisations. Planned medical care, aside from emergency services, is rendered to foreign citizens under contracts for paid medical services or voluntary medical insurance agreements, as well as contracts concluded in favour of foreign citizens under the compulsory medical insurance framework.

Legal Protections for Unsatisfactory Medical Service

Medical services offered to foreigners are governed by contractual agreements and are thus subject to the Consumer Rights Law. Foreign nationals are afforded protections under relevant legislation. It is advisable to engage in a thorough legal review of any contract with a medical organisation before signing.

Turkish citizens' visas for medical treatment

According to recent changes to the Russian visa policy, Turkish citizens must obtain an electronic visa to travel to Russia. The process for acquiring an electronic tourist visa has been made as simple as possible; it can be obtained without visiting the Russian consulate. However, if a Turkish citizen plans to undergo long-term treatment at a state medical institution in Russia, we recommend applying for a medical visa (business visa for medical purposes) through the medical organisation where the treatment will take place.

In any case, we suggest contacting the medical organisation (private or state) in advance to clarify the treatment period, and then deciding on the appropriate type of visa—whether to apply independently for a tourist visa or a business visa for medical purposes. When applying for a business visa, the medical organisation will also assist in preparing documents for accompanying persons.