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The Moscow Times Moscow Guide – Winter 2008

Since the middle of autumn one of the most important topics of discussion, could only be … no, not the financial crisis… New Year! The winter issue of The Moscow Times Moscow Guide is entirely devoted to New Years celebrations. Seven great ideas for celebrating the “Night of Nights” will help readers finalise their plans and choose how and where to party, give fresh ideas and lots of practical advice.

And don’t forget – problems will come by themselves, but happiness and luck need an invitation. That why the more cheerful and light-hearted your celebration of the coming holiday is, the happier and more successful 2009 will be for you.

The Crisis: Signs of a Kremlin Fearful Of Unrest
Sociologist Yevgeny Gontmakher has painted a disturbing picture of what might emerge from the financial crisis, forecasting continued unemployment, huge protests and spreading violence.

Market Matters: Huge Grain Harvest No Boon for Farmers
This year Russia is enjoying the biggest grain harvest it has ever seen -- and farmers couldn't be more worried.



Thursday, January 08, 2009 Updated at 31 December 2008 22:36 Moscow Time.

The Moscow Times » Issue 3869 » Consumer News

Likbez: Medical Insurance in Russia

26 March 2008By Svetlana Osadchuk / Special to The Moscow TimesAt the moment, there are two primary types of medical insurance available in Russia -- the compulsory insurance known as OMC, which is provided by the state, and privately purchased medical insurance, or DMC. Although basic care under OMC is provided free to Russians, many vital drugs and procedures are not included in this compulsory plan. Additionally, OMC only applies to treatment at a particular hospital, determined by one's place of residence. Should a Russian covered only the OMC become ill while traveling, even within Russia, he or she would have to pay in full for medical services, except in emergency cases that require calling an ambulance.

Private medical insurance offered by various insurance companies is not yet widely held by individuals and is mostly purchased by big companies to insure their staff. These programs cover medical care in a large number of cities and include both inpatient and outpatient treatments, doctor's fees, diagnostics, drugs, casts or other dressings, and transportation by ambulance, among other costs.

All insurance companies, whether private or state-owned, sell policies to individuals, including foreigners. The American Medical Center in Moscow, for instance, accepts insurance from the Russian company Ingosstrakh, as well as policies from international medical insurers.

The price of the policies available in Russia can vary from 10,000 to 45,000 rubles per year, depending on the number of the medical establishments and services included in the plan. In case of a sudden illness or an accident, an insured client must call his company's service center, where an operator can advise him on the medical services he needs. But even private insurance comes with a long list of exceptions. No medical insurance policy available for sale in Russia will cover treatment for pre-existing conditions or terminal illness.

As a result, most people prefer to use their free OMC policies for basic services and in a time of real necessity seek a doctor with whom they can have a personal contract or agreement, preferring to pay this doctor directly in order to be sure they receive the proper care.

Some countries have reciprocal health care agreements with Russia. For example, British nationals do not need health insurance in Russia, as their domestic health insurance is valid in Russia as well. It is advisable, however, for foreign nationals traveling or residing in Russia to purchase private insurance that would cover treatment here.