What actually happens to travelers here.
Major cities typically treat water, but rural areas and older infrastructure can be unreliable. Bottled water is a cheap insurance policy.
Controlled substances (opioids, ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines) require advance permits. Check each of your prescriptions against the destination's pharmaceutical authority before flying.
The system.
System: State-funded universal system for residents. Tourists must pay out-of-pocket or use travel insurance. Private clinics offer higher-quality care.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
Major cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg) have excellent private clinics with English-speaking staff. Public hospitals vary widely in quality. Rural healthcare is limited.
Russia attracts medical tourists for dental care, eye surgery (LASIK), and some cosmetic procedures, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg where costs are lower than Western Europe.
Where to actually go.
Premium international clinic. Full emergency services, direct insurance billing. Western-trained staff.
English-speaking clinic popular with expats and tourists. General practice and emergency care.
Major public hospital with emergency department. Limited English — bring a translator or translation app.
Large private clinic network with modern facilities and some English-speaking doctors.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies open 8am-9pm; 24/7 pharmacies (аптека 24 часа) available in cities
Prescription rules: Many medications that require prescriptions in Western countries are available OTC in Russia. Antibiotics and strong painkillers technically require a prescription but enforcement varies. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted — visit a local clinic for a Russian prescription if needed.
Look for 'Аптека' (Apteka) signs — pharmacies are very common. Pharmacists may not speak English but can often identify medications by generic name. Many drugs available OTC in Russia that require prescriptions elsewhere.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol (парацетамол)
- ibuprofen (ибупрофен)
- activated charcoal (активированный уголь — popular local remedy)
- cold and flu medications
- antihistamines
- stomach remedies
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Мне нужно лекарство от головной боли
- У меня болит живот
- У меня аллергия на...
- Где ближайшая аптека?
- Мне нужен врач
Chains you'll see
- 36.6 (Тридцать шесть и шесть) — Green cross with '36.6' branding (Major cities across Russia, especially Moscow)
- Rigla (Ригла) — Green and white storefront (Nationwide chain with locations in most Russian cities)
- Gorzdrav (Горздрав) — Blue and green signage (Moscow and central Russia)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Парацетамол (Paracetamol)
Sold under the generic name. Also available as Панадол (Panadol) brand. - ibuprofen → Ибупрофен (Ibuprofen) or Нурофен (Nurofen)
Nurofen is the most recognized brand. Available OTC. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Лоперамид (Loperamid) or Имодиум (Imodium)
Available OTC at all pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter in English and Russian (if possible) listing all medications with generic names and dosages. Keep medications in original packaging. For controlled substances, bring the original prescription. Amounts exceeding a 90-day supply may require customs declaration.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · Codeine · Tramadol · Xanax · Opioids
Codeine is a controlled substance. Bring documentation if carrying codeine-based medications.
Strictly controlled. Carry a doctor's letter and prescription. Quantities above personal use may be confiscated.
Some stimulant-based ADHD medications are banned. Bring documentation for any controlled psychiatric medication.
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Many private dental clinics with modern equipment.
Cost range: $30-80 for a consultation; $50-200 for fillings; $40-150 for extractions
Dental tourism is popular — Russian private clinics offer quality care at lower prices than Western Europe. Many dentists in Moscow speak some English.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Required for entry Travel insurance is required for Russian visa applications and may be checked at entry.
Average cost: $30-60/week
Travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Russian visa. Ensure your policy meets the minimum coverage requirement (typically €30,000 / $35,000). Private clinics in Moscow and St. Petersburg offer high-quality care but are expensive.
Filing a claim
Private clinics in Moscow often offer direct insurance billing for major international insurers. At other facilities, pay upfront and keep all receipts and medical documents (translated to English if possible). File claims with your insurer upon return. Request itemized bills and diagnosis codes.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $40-120 |
| ER visit | $100-500 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $200-800 |
| Ambulance | Free (public) or $50-200 (private) |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private facilities. Public hospitals may provide emergency care at lower cost. Costs are significantly lower than Western Europe or the US.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Moscow (from elsewhere in Russia)
Secondary destination: Helsinki, Finland or home country
Typical cost band: $30,000-150,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Moscow has world-class private hospitals. Evacuation from remote Siberian areas can be very expensive and logistically complex. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Tick-borne Encephalitis (for rural/forest areas, especially Siberia)
- Rabies (for extended rural travel)
No mandatory vaccinations for entry. Tick-borne encephalitis is a real risk in forested areas from spring through autumn.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution — Tap water in Moscow and St. Petersburg is technically treated but often has a metallic taste and may cause stomach upset. Drink bottled or filtered water. In smaller cities and rural areas, always use bottled water.
Food safety
Food safety in restaurants is generally good in major cities. Be cautious with street food and dairy products outside cities. Avoid uncooked salads in smaller establishments. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: No dedicated English-language crisis line — contact your embassy
English-speaking therapists: Available in Moscow and St. Petersburg through international clinics (EMC, American Medical Clinic). Sessions typically $80-150.
Mental health services in English are very limited outside Moscow and St. Petersburg. Stigma around mental health remains in Russian culture. International clinics offer the best access for English-speaking travelers.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility infrastructure is improving but remains limited, especially outside Moscow. Many older buildings and metro stations lack elevators.
Hospital accessibility: Major private hospitals are wheelchair accessible. Older public hospitals may have limited accessibility.
Accessible transport: Moscow Metro is adding elevators but many stations remain inaccessible. Newer stations are accessible. Buses in Moscow are increasingly wheelchair-friendly.
Plan routes carefully in advance. Moscow has improved significantly in recent years. St. Petersburg's historic buildings often lack accessibility features.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask mandates. Masks are uncommon in public.
Testing availability: PCR and rapid tests available at private clinics and labs. Cost: 1,500-4,000 RUB ($15-40).
Russia lifted COVID entry restrictions. Testing is widely available at commercial labs like Invitro and Helix.
Russia travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO International Travel and Health
- US Embassy Moscow
- Russian Ministry of Health