Travel question

[Anotherkiwi]

Thanks, (I think) everyone.  After siphoning off all the politics here, we have never answered my question.  Do I NEED to show proof of insurance to enter the country.  I am getting a minimal policy.  The 30K health coverage which will cost me about $17...big deal.  My question is...do I need to show proof at Immigration.

Things have obviously changed since my last trip (and, I suspect, since several others last visited as well).  As with your question in the other thread about where you're staying, I would have a copy of the policy available to show if anyone asks.  I carried a copy everywhere I went - so that, if I WAS knocked down by a bus and taken to hospital, they could see that money would be available to cover the costs.

Kiwi, it's not my first trip overseas, just my first to FSU.  I've been in half of Africa as well as Poland, Czech Republic and Germany and of course Canada and Mexico.  None of those have such requirements as Russia, that's why I ask.

My mistake.  Whatever happens, try to enjoy the trip.  Wherever you have been cannot possibly prepare you for Russia - seriously! 

[southernX]

ken

iv never had to show my ''insurance ''doc  when entering any of  the fsu countrys ,

show an invitation letter?   , yes in ukraine , no in russia

show hotel or place of accomodation ??  no in ukraine , yes in russia if more than one week
 however being an aussie, there may be some diiferences i am not aware of , or possible staff iv had dealings with in either ,

there may be recent changes as well that might now be at play
glad you got some insurance , its cheap , and may never be used , but may be handy lol

SX

[Faux Pas]

Thanks, (I think) everyone.  After siphoning off all the politics here, we have never answered my question.  Do I NEED to show proof of insurance to enter the country. I am getting a minimal policy.  The 30K health coverage which will cost me about $17...big deal.  My question is...do I need to show proof at Immigration.

The US State Dept website also said I need to show hotel reservation on a travel Visa but I have found this is not the case, I just have to have an invitation to show, nothing else...Obviously I have that because i needed it for my Visa. they also say i have to show insurance of at least 30K

Kiwi, it's not my first trip overseas, just my first to FSU.  I've been in half of Africa as well as Poland, Czech Republic and Germany and of course Canada and Mexico.  None of those have such requirements as Russia, that's why I ask.  I appreciate your comments even after you took a little beating in here for no reason.

No. There is always the slight possibility that someone at passport control asks you to show some but highly unlikely. I've never heard of that happening. Where you might possibly have to show proof of the required insurance is if you are detained by the militia/police during your visit and they are shaking you down. If you don't have proof of required insurance it gives them leverage and will raise your bribe/fine. Buy the travel insurance if you are so inclined, whatever. If you have a health insurance policy, carry your insurance card

[Faux Pas]

Here we go again...

I have never claimed it to be "free" in the sense of it being totally without cost.  Perhaps I should have written (just for you, ML and AC) that it's free at the "point of sale" (i.e. you do not have to pay the hospital when you arrive or leave, nor do you have to give them a credit card to cover the costs, although we do pay if we visit a doctor at their surgery).  If you look at my reply directly above this one you'll see my take on taxation in this respect.

So, it's the point of purchase payment you have a problem with? Tit for tat. At least you are understanding that it isn't free and you get what you pay for, aren't you?

We have reciprocal healthcare coverage with Australia and the United Kingdom, so we receive the same benefits as locals if we get ill or hurt in those countries.  However, our Ministry of Health does warn that this shouldn't be used as a reason NOT to have comprehensive travel insurance as well.

Well that's just wonderful. Damn good thing you didn't get ill in India, huh?  Just be sure when you do become ill it's at home, In Britain or Australia. 

You still don't get it, do you?  I'm not trying to prove that either system is better; just that, from my point of view, travel insurance is worth getting.  You disagree - that's your right, and I have no problem with it.  If I understand him correctly, this is Ken's first overseas trip, so of course he's going to be wondering which way to jump.  We've had our say - now it's his turn.

Then why would you bring it up in a thread that has nothing to do with it? And yes, you have always attempted to seize any perceived opportunity to denigrate the U.S. healthcare system or prove how wonderful NZ's system might be. That is one weird hang up you've got there bruddah 

[Chicagoguy]

Ken, last idea. When in Moscow keep an eye out for free newspaper The Moscow Times. It is daily and in English with news plus a great guide for entertainment in Moscow. Many locations.

[Anotherkiwi]

So, it's the point of purchase payment you have a problem with? Tit for tat. At least you are understanding that it isn't free and you get what you pay for, aren't you?

No, it's not.  My problem with the USA is simply the amount that gets charged.  I, personally, am quite happy with the healthcare provided here.  Not everybody is, but that's to be expected about any public service in any country.

Well that's just wonderful. Damn good thing you didn't get ill in India, huh?  Just be sure when you do become ill it's at home, In Britain or Australia. 

I hope it wouldn't have mattered if I DID get ill in India - I had travel insurance with unlimited medical cover! 

Then why would you bring it up in a thread that has nothing to do with it? And yes, you have always attempted to seize any perceived opportunity to denigrate the U.S. healthcare system or prove how wonderful NZ's system might be. That is one weird hang up you've got there bruddah 

I have NEVER denigrated the U.S. healthcare system per se - only the costs involved.  Your reaction to my posts simply proves that two people speaking the same language don't necessarily have the same understanding of the words.

[Faux Pas]

No, it's not.  My problem with the USA is simply the amount that gets charged.  I, personally, am quite happy with the healthcare provided here.  Not everybody is, but that's to be expected about any public service in any country.

Yet by your own admission, you've not been sick in 19-20 years. It's quite likely that you don't know if it is actually as good as you declare, do you? 

I hope it wouldn't have mattered if I DID get ill in India - I had travel insurance with unlimited medical cover! 

Yeah, good thing you didn't have to find out. Trust me when I say, the travel policies I have had when it came time to make a claim weren't really as good as advertised. Thank God it wasn't for an illness and we were in need

I have NEVER denigrated the U.S. healthcare system per se - only the costs involved.  Your reaction to my posts simply proves that two people speaking the same language don't necessarily have the same understanding of the words.

If you say so but, the costs involved are too, part of the healthcare system. However, I do agree with your last sentence 

[Anotherkiwi]

Yet by your own admission, you've not been sick in 19-20 years. It's quite likely that you don't know if it is actually as good as you declare, do you? 

Not sick, no.  But I've had to have surgical procedures which have required hospitalisation.

Yeah, good thing you didn't have to find out. Trust me when I say, the travel policies I have had when it came time to make a claim weren't really as good as advertised. Thank God it wasn't for an illness and we were in need

I'll sit on the fence on this one, and hope that I never have to find out.

If you say so but, the costs involved are too, part of the healthcare system. However, I do agree with your last sentence 

Thank goodness we agree on something!