- The best travel insurance plans for Russia
- Is it currently safe to travel to Russia?
- Mandatory travel insurance for Russia
- Why take out travel insurance for Russia?
- What Travel Insurance for Russia Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Russia
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Russia
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Russia?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Russia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Russia covers medical costs, repatriation, and other unexpected travel-related emergencies.
2. Warning: The Australian government's official advice is 'Do not travel' to the Russian Federation.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is a mandatory legal requirement for Australian citizens to obtain a Russian visa.
4. Minimum coverage: A minimum medical coverage of €30,000 (approximately AUD 50,000) is required for your visa.
5. Healthcare cost: Private medical care is expensive; a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per night.
6. Price: A basic one-week policy for Russia can cost between AUD 50 and AUD 100.
7. Good to know: Australian bank cards do not work, and consular assistance from the government is extremely limited.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Russia.
The best travel insurance plans for Russia
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | Our recommendation for travel to Russia. - very high medical ceiling - repatriation included - major incident protection |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Comprehensive support and reliability for Russia. - 24/7 medical helpline - no deductible - good coverage for emergencies |
| Tourist Card | 800k AUD | Good choice for tourists seeking solid value. - medical limit above visa minimum - emergency support - attractive price |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.3M AUD | Balanced cover ideal for longer visits. - hospital costs included - strong repatriation cover - wide scope |
| Globe Partner | 480k AUD | Reliable for basic needs. - hospital care included - civil liability - medical repatriation |
| Globe Traveller | 800k AUD | Affordable and flexible for short trips to Russia. - essential medical cover - fast claims process - good for essential requirements |
- very high medical ceiling
- repatriation included
- major incident protection
- 24/7 medical helpline
- no deductible
- good coverage for emergencies
- medical limit above visa minimum
- emergency support
- attractive price
- hospital costs included
- strong repatriation cover
- wide scope
- hospital care included
- civil liability
- medical repatriation
- essential medical cover
- fast claims process
- good for essential requirements
Watch out!
These travel insurance policies are the ones we usually recommend due to their excellent value for money and reliability. However, in this particular case, they may not offer travel insurance coverage for Russia due to the ongoing armed conflict.
Is it currently safe to travel to Russia?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to avoid all travel to Russia due to armed conflict, political instability and high risk of arbitrary detention. Commercial flights may be disrupted, Australian-issued bank cards do not work, and the Australian Government has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Australians may face arbitrary detention, questioning, or arrest. There have been recent reports of foreign nationals targeted during public demonstrations, especially in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
- Health risks: tick-borne encephalitis and rabies have increased, especially in rural regions like Siberia. Access to quality medical care is limited, and private clinics can demand high upfront payments.
- Legal constraints: biometric fingerprinting is now required for all tourists at Moscow airports, and carrying your migration card with your passport at all times is mandatory.
- Financial limits: sanctions have made it impossible to use Australian-issued credit and debit cards in Russia. Bring sufficient cash and be aware that the currency exchange market can be unstable.
Travel insurance is legally mandatory to enter Russia. It must cover at minimum medical care and repatriation costs, as these expenses can be significant in case of illness or accident during your stay.
Mandatory travel insurance for Russia
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Australian travellers to enter Russia.
To obtain a visa, you must present a valid travel insurance certificate that covers medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay in Russia. The insurance must have a minimum medical coverage of 30,000 euros and be valid throughout the Russian Federation. Make sure your insurer issues a certificate that is dated and matches Russian consular requirements.
Due to the current geopolitical context, it can be difficult to purchase compliant travel insurance for Russia from Australia. Many insurers have restricted their offers because of international sanctions and operational limitations in Russia.
Good to know
Contact your insurer directly to check if they provide Russia-compliant certificates and confirm coverage details before purchasing. Ask about claim procedures while in Russia as consular assistance is limited for Australians.
Why take out travel insurance for Russia?
Travel insurance is a legal requirement for visiting Russia.
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Russia.
In Russia, foreigners often receive care at private facilities such as EMC Moscow, where costs are much higher than public hospitals. Public hospitals in Moscow and St Petersburg have limited English-speaking staff and basic standards, especially outside these cities. Treatment in clinics like MEDSI or European Medical Center can be expensive and full payment is usually required upfront.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Russia.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at EMC Moscow | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 180,000 RUB (about 3,100 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 95,000 RUB (about 1,650 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 2,200,000 RUB (about 38,000 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 320,000 RUB (about 5,500 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Russia Should Cover
⚠️ Ongoing military activity and current government restrictions in parts of Russia can complicate some claims, and not all Australian insurers may offer policies for Russia at this time. Always check your policy’s exclusions and eligibility before purchase.
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Russia.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations | Legally required |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical care, consultations, medications, and hospitalisation, including in private clinics in Moscow and St Petersburg. Recommended limit: at least AUD 50,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation and repatriation | Pays for ambulance, medical transport, and repatriation to Australia if required due to a serious illness or injury. Recommended limit: AUD 250,000 or more. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🦴 Personal accident | Compensates in case of severe accident resulting in disability or death. Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum. | 🟡 Optional |
| 💼 Baggage and valuables | Covers loss, theft or damage to personal belongings and documents. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation and interruption | Reimburses prepaid non-refundable costs for cancellations and trip delays due to covered events. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 or more. | 🟠 Recommended |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Covers costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended limit: AUD 1 million or more. | 🟡 Optional |
| 🦟 Infectious diseases and pandemics | Medical costs in case of contracting diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis or COVID-19. Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum. | 🟠 Recommended |
Recommended limit: at least AUD 50,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 250,000 or more.
Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 or more.
Recommended limit: AUD 1 million or more.
Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum.
Important information
Travel insurance is legally mandatory for all Australian travellers applying for a short-stay visa to Russia.
Your certificate must include medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation, be valid for the entire stay, and have a minimum cover of €30,000 (about AUD 50,000).
The certificate should be in English or Russian and issued by a recognised insurer.
Travel insurance from local Russian providers or bank cards usually has very low reimbursement limits and many exclusions. For proper protection, choose a reputable insurer with comprehensive cover. You can compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Russia
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 43 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 80 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 120 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 260 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of mandatory travel insurance for Russia depends on: your age, trip length, level of medical cover, and chosen extras like cancellation. Given the 'Do not travel' advice, finding cover is tough and expensive. It's vital to consider these factors carefully to ensure you meet legal requirements and have adequate protection.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Russia
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Russia while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 👥 Number of travellers | Multi-person plans often allow discounts per person. | Opt for family/group policies when possible to lower your overall cost. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Longer trips result in higher insurance cost. | Buy coverage only for your effective travel dates and avoid unnecessary extensions. |
| 🌍 Level of coverage | Medical coverage must meet Russian visa requirements. | Choose adequate coverage, but check that emergency medical and evacuation are sufficient, without excessive extras. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Minimum €30,000 is mandatory for visa entry to Russia. | Do not add extra limits beyond visa requirements unless high-risk activities are planned. |
| 💼 Optional add-ons | Car rental, adventure sports or gadgets increase cost. | Only add options that match your planned activities to avoid unnecessary cost. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | Premiums increase after 60-65 for most insurers. | Compare policies by age—Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 💳 Payment flexibility | Split or upfront payments may vary in cost. | Paying upfront often results in a better rate than monthly installments. |
Important
Travel insurance is legally required for visa entry to Russia. The policy must be valid for your entire stay and cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses, including urgent outpatient and inpatient care, throughout the Russian Federation.
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Russia?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as public or private health insurance or your credit card, can cover you during a trip to Russia. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Travel insurance is legally mandatory to obtain a visa for Russia, as only travel insurance meets embassy requirements. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Russia? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | No coverage for healthcare costs, emergencies, or repatriation abroad. Hospitalisation: AUD 0. Baggage loss: AUD 0. | Travel insurance can cover up to AUD 1.6M for medical, hospitalisation, repatriation, medical evacuation, baggage, and liability. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May include limited overseas hospital or emergency cover (often below AUD 50K), but not always for Russia. No non-medical cover. | Travel insurance offers higher limits (up to AUD 1.6M), plus cancellation, luggage, and personal liability rarely included in private health. |
| Classic credit card (e.g. Westpac, NAB, ANZ) | Limited coverage | Possible emergency medical, delay or baggage (max AUD 20K – 50K; strict conditions). No cover for many adventure sports, pre-existing or civil unrest. | Travel insurance provides larger coverages, trip cancellation, missed departure, emergency evacuation, and is valid for embassy documentation. |
| Premium credit card (e.g. Amex Platinum, Visa Signature, Mastercard Black) | Limited coverage | Medical cover up to AUD 100K, some flight and delay cover, but generally excludes pandemics, political risk, and extended stays. | Travel insurance exceeds AUD 1.6M, meets the mandatory minimum, and covers extended travel, search and rescue, and personal liability. |
Example
While hiking in Siberia, Liam got tick-borne encephalitis. The private clinic demanded AU$45,000 upfront. His CommBank card was useless, as foreign cards are blocked in Russia. His mandatory insurance had a low limit and required him to pay first, leaving him stranded and facing a huge, immediate debt.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance likely won't cover trip interruptions, like a family member's illness or death. Always check the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
Yes, Australians require a visa to enter Russia. Visas must be arranged in advance via the Russian consulate or visa centre, as there is no option to obtain a visa on arrival. You will also need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of your visa application and the original visa must be presented at the border.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Russia?
First, compare different travel insurance options using a tool such as the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform. Next, check the details, paying close attention to the coverage provided for Russia and the policy exclusions. Then, buy the policy online and ensure you receive a certificate, which you will need for your visa application and to present if required on entry.
Are there any specific requirements for travel insurance in Russia?
Yes, travel insurance must cover medical expenses and repatriation for your entire stay in Russia, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (about AUD 50,000). The insurance certificate should clearly state it is valid for Russia, as your visa application may be refused without compliant documentation.
What should I do if I need medical assistance in Russia?
In case of emergency, you should call 103 for an ambulance. Be aware that public hospitals in Russia, such as City Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Moscow, may not match Australian standards and upfront payment is often required. Contact your travel insurer as soon as possible for assistance and payment instructions.
Can Australians use their bank cards to pay for medical care in Russia?
Most international bank cards—including those issued by Australian banks—are not accepted in Russia due to current sanctions. It is recommended to carry enough cash in euros or US dollars to cover initial expenses and always keep copies of your insurance certificate handy for hospitals or clinics.
Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
Yes, Australians require a visa to enter Russia. Visas must be arranged in advance via the Russian consulate or visa centre, as there is no option to obtain a visa on arrival. You will also need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of your visa application and the original visa must be presented at the border.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Russia?
First, compare different travel insurance options using a tool such as the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform. Next, check the details, paying close attention to the coverage provided for Russia and the policy exclusions. Then, buy the policy online and ensure you receive a certificate, which you will need for your visa application and to present if required on entry.
Are there any specific requirements for travel insurance in Russia?
Yes, travel insurance must cover medical expenses and repatriation for your entire stay in Russia, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (about AUD 50,000). The insurance certificate should clearly state it is valid for Russia, as your visa application may be refused without compliant documentation.
What should I do if I need medical assistance in Russia?
In case of emergency, you should call 103 for an ambulance. Be aware that public hospitals in Russia, such as City Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Moscow, may not match Australian standards and upfront payment is often required. Contact your travel insurer as soon as possible for assistance and payment instructions.
Can Australians use their bank cards to pay for medical care in Russia?
Most international bank cards—including those issued by Australian banks—are not accepted in Russia due to current sanctions. It is recommended to carry enough cash in euros or US dollars to cover initial expenses and always keep copies of your insurance certificate handy for hospitals or clinics.
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