A поликлиника is an outpatient clinic for consultations, basic tests, referrals, and continuing care. A больница provides hospital treatment, while an аптека sells medicines and some health products. Public healthcare is linked to compulsory medical insurance called ОМС for people who qualify. Voluntary medical insurance called ДМС can provide another route to services, especially through an employer or private insurer. Foreign visitors and newcomers should not assume that public treatment is automatically free. Check what your insurance covers, which clinics accept it, and how payment works before booking non-urgent care. Appointments may involve registration, a passport or identity document, insurance information, a medical history, and a referral. Medical records and instructions may be written in Russian. Pharmacists can help with common products, but they are not a substitute for a doctor when symptoms are serious, unusual, or persistent. Do not replace prescribed treatment without professional advice. For urgent danger, contact local emergency services or go to an emergency department. Learn how to describe your location, symptoms, allergies, medicines, and an emergency contact. Preventive care includes vaccinations, dental care, vision checks, routine tests, and managing long-term conditions. Keep a personal health folder with diagnoses, prescriptions, allergies, and translated summaries.
Health in Russia
Healthcare in Russia is organized through public clinics and hospitals, private providers, pharmacies, and emergency services. The system uses terms such as поликлиника for outpatient clinic, больница for hospital, аптека for pharmacy, and страхование for insurance. Access, payment, and eligibility depend on residence, status, and insurance, so Russia requires patients to confirm the arrangement before treatment.
Tip
Arrange health coverage and learn the location of a nearby поликлиника, больница, and аптека soon after settling in Russia. Keep a short medical summary in Russian and English, including allergies and current medicines. For serious symptoms, seek urgent care instead of waiting for a routine appointment.