A US citizen living in the Russian city of Novosibirsk has been hospitalized with a severe heart condition. However, the surgery he needs is very expensive, and it is impossible to perform it for free. This situation has brought to the forefront the issue of the conditions under which foreigners can receive medical care in Russia.
65-year-old US citizen Terry lives in Novosibirsk with his Russian wife, Tatyana. He was in the country on a tourist visa and had not yet managed to obtain a residence permit (VNJ). After returning from the US, his health deteriorated sharply.
Emergency services diagnosed the patient with a dangerous condition — aortic dissection and aneurysm. Although Terry received emergency medical care and was discharged from the intensive care unit, he now requires complex surgery at the specialized Meshalkin Clinic.
The clinic has set the cost of the operation at 1.6 million rubles. The patient's wife states that due to sanctions in Russia, it is impossible to pay with an American credit card, and the family does not have such funds. Since the patient is unfit for transport, taking him abroad is also extremely dangerous.
What does Russian legislation say?
The procedure for providing medical care to foreigners is regulated by a special decree of the Government of the Russian Federation. Lawyers and the Ministry of Health have clarified the situation as follows:
- Emergency and urgent medical care — free: In cases of sudden acute conditions that threaten human life, exacerbations of chronic diseases, and injuries, state medical institutions provide assistance to foreigners completely free of charge. Terry's procedures in intensive care were also performed free of charge. - Planned medical care — paid: The aortic surgery required by Terry falls into the category of planned care. Since the foreign citizen is in the country on a tourist visa and does not have a Compulsory Medical Insurance (OMS) policy, such services are provided only on the basis of a paid contract.
Currently, there are no international agreements between the US and Russia that guarantee free planned medical care to their citizens.
Expert recommendation
Experts recommend that foreign citizens obtain an extended international insurance policy covering all medical services (including planned surgery) before entering Russia, or, if a long-term stay is planned, prepare documents such as a residence permit (VNJ) as soon as possible, which grants the right to obtain medical insurance.
