Interview with Sergey Afanasyev, International Insurance Specialist
Sergey Afanasyev isn’t just a name on a business card. He’s a seasoned professional in medical insurance, curator of analytical projects in outbound insurance, and a member of the independent research community at Insure Travel. In short—if you want to untangle the web of rules about entering Russia, he’s your guy.
— Sergey, let’s start with the big question. Is travel insurance really mandatory for everyone entering Russia?
“Absolutely. No ifs, ands, or buts,” Sergey nods. “To get a Russian visa, a valid insurance for a Russian visa policy is not just a recommendation—it’s the golden ticket. The Government Decree No. 335, dated June 9, 2003, clearly states: no policy, no visa. Period.”
That’s backed by federal law too. Both the Law on the Procedure for Leaving and Entering the Russian Federation (No. 114-FZ) and the Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens (No. 115-FZ) make it crystal clear: foreigners can stay in Russia only if they’re covered by a medical insurance agreement—whether compulsory or voluntary.
In practice, this means simple math: no policy with proper dates, coverage, and amount = no visa. The consulate won’t even process your paperwork. Doesn’t matter if you’re coming as a tourist, a student, or a future expat worker. Even travelers from “visa-free” countries aren’t off the hook. Most still need valid coverage for their stay—or risk fines, denied entry at the border, or worse. The exceptions? Diplomats, official delegations, and a few other lucky categories covered by international agreements.
— What exactly should the insurance policy for a Russian visa look like?
“The rules are less about Russian federal law and more about Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulations and internal consulate instructions,” Sergey explains.
Here’s the quick rundown:
- Duration matters. For a single-entry visa valid up to 90 days, your policy must cover the full 90 days. For multiple-entry visas (up to a year), annual policies work—often structured with a fixed number of insured days (30, 60, 90, 180, or 365) from the entry date.
- Coverage limits. Interestingly, no law sets a strict number, but most consulates stick to reciprocity. If your country demands €30,000 from Russians, guess what—they’ll want the same from you.
- Geography. Your policy must be valid across the entire Russian Federation. Regional coverage doesn’t cut it.
- Risks covered. Emergency medical care, hospital treatment, outpatient visits, evacuation, repatriation (yes, even of remains). Basically, all the unpleasant “what-ifs” you don’t want to think about.
And don’t forget the paperwork details: your name spelled correctly, valid dates, territory, coverage list—all typed neatly with an actual signature and seal (or their digital equivalent). Border control officers can—and sometimes do—ask to see it on arrival.
— Do requirements vary depending on which consulate issues the visa?
“Yes,” Sergey smiles knowingly. “Some want an official company stamp, others demand a Russian assistance hotline number printed in the policy. Sometimes even the list of risks must be spelled out. So always double-check the consulate’s website before submitting.”
— What about policies from foreign insurance companies? Accepted or not?
“They’re fine, but only if they include a Russian assistance partner. And watch out: not every international insurer covers Russia these days. Some exclude it entirely—even under ‘worldwide coverage.’ So read the fine print.”
— Are there different rules depending on the visa type?
“Yes, mainly in terms of how long the insurance must last.”
- Tourist visa (T): Covers your exact stay, usually up to 30 days.
Business visa (D): Can be single, double, or multiple entry for up to a year. Single/double requires full-period coverage; multiple-entry allows shorter initial policies. - Work visa (R): Ranges from 3 months to 3 years. For visas over a year, annual renewals are common. High-skilled specialists often need coverage for all three years up front.
- Private (Ch) and Student (U) visas: Must cover the full stay (90 days for private, up to 365 days for student). Multiple-entry student visas often allow annual policies.
- Transit visa (A): Valid up to 10 days, policy must cover the entire transit period.
Think of it this way: your policy is like your shadow. However long you’re in Russia, it needs to follow you around.
— Does insurance matter only for getting a visa, or also for extensions?
“Both. If you want to extend your stay in Russia, you’ll need a fresh, valid policy—usually at least 90 days long. No insurance, no extension. That’s the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ rule.”
— And what if someone skips insurance altogether?
“Not a smart move,” Sergey warns. “First-time offenders face fines of 5,000–7,000 rubles. Repeat cases? You’re looking at 10,000 rubles, possible arrest, community service, or even deportation. And yes, courts do enforce this. There are cases where people landed in the morning and by evening were already in detention centers. Even if border control lets you in, that doesn’t mean you’re safe without a policy.”
— Let’s touch on labor migrants. Do they need the same insurance as tourists?
“Actually, no. There’s a special type of voluntary medical insurance (VHI) created specifically for migrant workers. It’s based on Central Bank Directive No. 3793, which lists mandatory risks and sets a minimum coverage of 100,000 rubles. Migrants must get this within three days of arriving, if they entered Russia visa-free but plan to work. Some companies also integrate LMS for migrant workers to help them understand insurance rules, workplace safety, and legal requirements efficiently.”
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance for Russia isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a must-have. Think of it as a seatbelt: you may not always need it, but when you do, you’ll be glad it’s there. Whether you’re flying in for a weekend in Moscow, starting a degree in St. Petersburg, or taking a job in Siberia, having the right policy is the one rule you don’t want to test.