Travel insurance for foreign visitors to Russia

Who can be insured?

Under Sovcombank Insurance travel rules 16.22, a traveller must leave their place of permanent residence. For an international trip the rules look at countries of citizenship (including a second citizenship), residence permits and presence for 183 or more days in the 12 months before an insured event (clauses 1.4.3.1 and 1.4.5). There are express exceptions for residence or extended stay for study and documented work (clauses 1.4.3.1.1–1.4.3.1.2). A case involving Russian citizenship, Russian residence or extended stay needs product-specific review; do not assume that a foreign passport alone solves it.

The insurer must confirm that the programme is intended for an incoming visitor and that Russia is within the territory printed on the policy. The rules alone do not confirm that every foreign tourist is eligible.

Buy before or after arrival?

Buying before you travel makes the start date easier to verify. If you are already in Russia, disclose that before paying and read the start-of-cover clause. In the cited Sovcombank rules, a contract made while the insured is already in the covered territory starts after five calendar days from conclusion; an incident or symptom starting during those five days remains outside that cover (clause 5.5). A different rule requires a separate contractual arrangement under that wording. Do not transfer this five-day rule to another insurer’s product: its period may be different or it may decline mid-trip applications.

The current example quote on this site uses a different, non-binding sample period; it is not the Sovcombank wording and is not proof of insurance.

What to check before paying

• The insurer’s legal name, policy number, applicable rules and programme — not just a logo or a quote.
• Russia in the territory, cover dates, medical limit, currency, deductible, sport and other exclusions.
• Whether all passport citizenships, residence permits, actual residence and ages are accepted.
• When protection starts if you have already arrived, and which pre-existing events or symptoms are excluded.
• The assistance company’s telephone number and how to submit a claim; do not rely on order support for treatment.
• Payment methods actually offered at checkout; Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Stripe and PayPal are not confirmed for an insurer integration on this site.

Visa and entry-document requirements depend on your passport and consulate; they are separate from the scope of medical cover. See our country guides for the appropriate starting point.

If you need medical help in Russia

Call 112 for an immediate emergency. Then promptly contact the assistance company or insurer shown on your own policy, follow its instructions and keep records and receipts. Clause 7.1.2 of the cited rules requires prompt notification. iVisa order support is not an emergency assistance service.