Russia Visa Suggestions

[ML]

I never bought health insurance policies for travel in Ukraine or Russia and was never denied entry.

[LAman]

I'm not concerned about the quality or cost of medical care (or medicine) in Russia, just the requirement that I have health/travel insurance that is valid in Russia.  Some of the sites said it is required, others said not for USA Citizens.

I have not given one iota of thought to health/travel insurances when filling out visa paperwork!! I answered the questions. Most if not all Americans have some sort of health insurance. I doubt if application for visa asks if your health insurance is valid in Russia.

[LAman]

...."Citizens of all other countries, including USA, Canada, EU states, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan will need to buy a travel insurance that has medical and health coverage valid for the duration of their visa validity. This insurance can be bought through any insurance agency directly or online and usually costs about €30-€50 per week."

Notice how it says 'need'..... as opposed to say 'required'????

[mhr7]

...."Citizens of all other countries, including USA, Canada, EU states, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan will need to buy a travel insurance that has medical and health coverage valid for the duration of their visa validity. This insurance can be bought through any insurance agency directly or online and usually costs about €30-€50 per week."

Notice how it says 'need'..... as opposed to say 'required'????

They are synonymous. What's your point?

[mhr7]

If I remember correctly, there is a question about health insurance on the visa form but it just asks for a policy number. How thoroughly they check it I have no idea but I doubt they spend more than 2 seconds on it. drsecu, just write your policy number on the visa form (or any number) and I imagine you'll be fine. 

[Boethius]

I'm not concerned about the quality or cost of medical care (or medicine) in Russia, just the requirement that I have health/travel insurance that is valid in Russia.  Some of the sites said it is required, others said not for USA Citizens.

Technically, you are required to have travel insurance if you travel to Russia.  The requirement is the same as for Russians traveling abroad.  Whether Russia checks that or not is a separate issue.

From a practical perspective, check if your insurance will cover medical care abroad.  If it does, no problem, subject to maximum pay outs.   If your insurer doesn't cover medical charges incurred in third countries, then buy some insurance.  Every so often, there is a story of a Canadian, usually someone young, falling ill or having an accident in Mexico, and they're held hostage there until they pay their medical bills.  I think it is just good practice to have coverage, if you don't already have it, when traveling abroad.  You don't know what can happen.

[LAman]

They are synonymous. What's your point?

My point? It is not needed or required. It is a choice of individual if their health insurance is valid or not in another country or even if they want to buy any type of travel insurance. As you said, wouldn't spend more than 2 seconds checking someone's health insurance.


*there is question whether your insurance is valid in Russia,( I wonder who checks this??).

[JayH]

I have not given one iota of thought to health/travel insurances when filling out visa paperwork!! I answered the questions. Most if not all Americans have some sort of health insurance. I doubt if application for visa asks if your health insurance is valid in Russia.

For Australian/NZ applying for a Ukrainian visa --proof of suitable insurance is required -- the evidence has to be submitted with the application .

Technically, you are required to have travel insurance if you travel to Russia.  The requirement is the same as for Russians traveling abroad.  Whether Russia checks that or not is a separate issue.

That is also a requirement for Ukraine  --theoretically possible to be asked for it on arrival. If for some reason they were attempting to deny entry --chances are that clause could be raised.

[Anotherkiwi]

My point? It is not needed or required. It is a choice of individual if their health insurance is valid or not in another country or even if they want to buy any type of travel insurance. As you said, wouldn't spend more than 2 seconds checking someone's health insurance.


*there is question whether your insurance is valid in Russia,( I wonder who checks this??).

Refer to my Reply #2 in this thread.

[drsecu]

LAMAN's advise was spot on.  http://russia.visahq.com/ is the second cheapest ($15 more than the most budget option option) but everything is online and they do the leg work for you.  http://goingrus.com/en for invitation letters ($15).  Enter name for invitation as First+Middle in first name field.  Has to have middle name to match passport.  That was my only holdup.  You are asked if you have medical insurance on form but for USA you not required to show proof.

[msmob]

Cost of getting medical treatment is very cheap in the FSU. $200 is a month's salary for some doctors over there.

Sighs,

BillyB - a good fried of ours had a heart attack - a day or so after the Formula 1 Grand Prix - I wondered why he hadn't contacted me to discuss the race - as I'd given him two 4-day passes ....  and left a voicemail wondering if he was 'OK' as it was out of character...

His meds cost over $200 a qtr and the Operation / treatment / stay in hospital for a foreigner  - I asked - would be $7000

Now while I'm sure that's cheap - compared to the US / UK ( private ) for a 5 hour op - I suggest most would rather have the travel insurance .. mandatory - or not ..

JayH .. this thread is about a US citizen going to Russia - NOT Ukraine ...

[Boethius]

In Ukraine, care is less costly in government hospitals, but if you want good care,  you have to pay physicians directly, which is basically an "under the table" payment.  Otherwise, chances are if it is something serious, you will become very ill or die.