Before you go, learn what medical services you health insurance will cover in Russia. Remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation.

Also make medical and dental exams before you go. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.

Visitors of Ekaterinburg do not need to take any special health precautions.

If you have been injured, you may turn to local hospitals. Contact your insurance carrier to be certain that your coverage is valid in Russia.

Please, note that Russian medical professionals sometimes have little experience dealing with Western medical insurance companies and may demand cash for their services. You should consult your insurance carrier to be certain that your coverage is valid in Russia and that you will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
 

City Municipal Hospital #40. Photo by Sergey Podkin

Doctors in Ekaterinburg municipal hospitals usually speak poor English but they are well trained. There are also a number of private clinics in Ekaterinburg. Many of them have English-speaking staff and even their own ambulances.

Travelers with disabilities and in wheelchairs are likely to encounter some difficulties.

Most places in Ekaterinburg have no wheelchair access, except some in the downtown area.

Please, note that there are diseases which do not allow to a foreigner to come in Russia. The list includes: a disease induced by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leprosy (the Hansen's disease), tuberculosis, infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission (syphilis, chlamydial lymphogranuloma (venereum), chancroid). Thus, the foreign citizens, whose examination determines the mentioned above diseases, are deported out of Russia to their native country for a medical treatment.

All the foreign citizens arriving in Russia for a long term (for studies, for example) are obliged to pass the medical examination in medical establishments at the place of studies. The documents confirming the absence of dangerous infectious diseases received at home are invalid in Russia.

Emergency and ambulance phone number is 03 – “Skoraya pomosh” (free call from any public phone).

If you call from your cell phone, add “0” or “9” (depending on your provider) before dialing (e.g. 0-03).

 

Typical ambulance car. Photo by c_est_la_vie @ E1.RU