Medical care

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If you take prescription medication, be sure to bring enough of this for the entire duration of your trip, since some medications are unavailable in Russia. It is also advisable to bring your own over-the-counter medications. These medicines are usually sold in pharmacies, however the labels are in Russian and most stork clerks do not speak English.

Contact your health insurance company beforehand to find out what your insurance plan offers in case of an emergency. Many insurance providers offer specialized riders which can cover emergency evacuation. We do strongly recommend buying travel insurance.

While Western health care comes at a price, charges are often comparable to those in the United States , and you may be able to have the bill sent directly to your U.S. or European insurance company. Inquire at the specific clinic. Here are some options:

AmericanMedical Center Moscow
Address: 1 Grokholsky Pereulok, 129010 Moscow
Phone:(7-095) 933-7700
Emergency Phone: (7-095) 933-7700
Fax: (7-095) 933-7700
Open: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Dr. Robert Young

Medicare/Medicaid does not cover you when you are outside the United States. There are short-term health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. As part of the coverage, these programs usually offer emergency consultation by telephone. They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call for help on your behalf. They may translate your instructions to a health care worker on the scene. Because conditions in many hospitals do not meet American standards, medical evacuation is frequently necessary for illnesses or injuries that could be treated locally in other countries. This is an expensive option. Medical evacuation companies can require a substantial down payment before they commit themselves to arranging a flight out of Russia. In addition, medical evacuation from remote areas can be especially long and difficult. Evacuation from the interior of the country, such as Siberia , can take days to organize and set into motion. The names of some companies that provide medical evacuation coverage or services are listed in the publication “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad” on the Internet site http://travel.state.gov under travel publications. The U.S. Government cannot pay for a medical evacuation.