Way to Russia Talk Lounge

bramble · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 8:55 pm Post subject: health insurance?

hi,
I am trying to find out info about health insurance for my trip to russia. It asks for it on my visa application - do I need to get some seperately to get a visa, or will the travel insurance I am getting be alright? Are they likely to refuse my application if I don't supply them with insurance evidence? {if so, what insurance should I get??}

bramble Confused

Mei Nu · Frequent Guest Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 42

I think that health insurance thing is just a big scam.
The last time I went to Russia I did not have a health insurance and when I applied for my visa I did not fill in anything about it on the application form. I got my visa, nobody asked me about any insurance.
In total I went 4 times to Russia and I only paid once for that insurance. The other times I got away with it by saying I was a student and did not have enough money. and the people in the consulate kind of felt sorry for me and said it was ok. Once I had to pay it though (the consulate lady was just in a bad mood). if you have taken out another insurance somewhere else, they will tell you, that that one does not count. They are just after your money and once you buy their `fake` insurance, you`ll never see a proof of it.

garota-22 · Frequent Guest Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 29

Hi!

I got my visa in Netherlands, they also asked me for an international health insurance or a travel insurance, I got a very good travel insurance at a travel agency, it only cost me 20 something euros for 12 days, I took it to the consulate and was received with no problem.
I wish you luck !! Smile

DITTRICH · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 1:24 pm Post subject:

I've been to Russia more times than I can remember - on business and private visas. I have never bought insurance. Never been asked for it at the embassy in London. Your nearest Embassy is in Edinburgh which isn't far from Inverness. Go to Edinburgh to lodge the visa application - if they insist - pop out and buy some cheapest possible travel insurance from a nearby bank or travel agent - then go back and resubmit. Be sure you knowthe opening times of the visa section.
Rgds
Les

Mr Purves · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:51 pm Post subject:

Les wrote: Be sure you knowthe opening times of the visa section.

Very valid point. Edinburgh's Consulate is notoriously sticky about this. Although the Consulate is open something like 9.30 till 5, they only process visa applications in the morning. Not the first time we have been caught out there.

Michael

alanh · Frequent Guest Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 22

Russia only requires insurance for citizens of countries that require Russians to have insurance -- it's a reciprocity issue. These appear to be Estonia, Israel, Finland, and Schengen states.