Obtaining a Compulsory Medical Insurance (CHI) policy by foreign citizens

Foreign citizens with a temporary residence permit (TRP) or residence permit (RP) can obtain a CHI policy immediately after receiving their status.

Citizens of EAEU countries are also entitled to CHI after concluding an employment contract with an employer. A separate international agreement applies to them. 

Highly qualified specialists (HQS) are in a different situation. No compulsory medical insurance contributions are paid for them. Therefore, they cannot obtain CHI and must have a voluntary medical insurance (VMI) policy.

If a foreign citizen is temporarily staying in Russia, to obtain CHI they must:
work officially
insurance contributions must be paid for them.
This rule applies to all temporarily staying foreign citizens. However, separate rules apply to certain categories (Clause 14, Article 13.2 of Federal Law No. 115)

From January 1, 2027, the minimum insurance record required to obtain a compulsory medical insurance (CHI) policy will increase.

According to the provisions of the law:
Foreign citizens working in the territory of the Russian Federation (except highly qualified specialists) will be entitled to obtain a CHI policy if they have at least 5 years of insurance record.

This provision enters into force on January 1, 2027, giving employers and foreign workers a transition period to adapt to the new requirements.

The currently effective provision requiring 3 years of insurance record remains in force until the end of 2026.

The requirement for legal employment remains unchanged. Employers must ensure full compliance with labor and migration legislation, including the official execution of employment contracts and payment of insurance contributions.

The law also provides for a number of provisions aimed at developing the CHI system as a whole, including mechanisms for financing medical care and social support measures for employees of the Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund (Federal Law No. 430-FZ of 28.11.2025 “On Amendments to the Federal Law ‘On Compulsory Medical Insurance in the Russian Federation’”).

How to obtain a CHI policy for the first time
- Online on Gosuslugi
- Through an insurance company in your region
- In person at a multifunctional center (MFC). 
Check in advance whether the MFC you choose provides this service
Processing takes 1 business day. The digital policy with a barcode will be added to your profile within 24 hours of registration, if you gave consent in the “Health” section. This policy is equivalent to the paper one and gives access to the same services.

Citizens of EAEU countries working in Russia can obtain a policy in person from an insurance company. The policy will be valid until the end of the calendar year, but no longer than the term of their employment contract.

Refugees, foreign citizens, and stateless persons can also obtain a CHI policy in person at an MFC or an insurance company. 

The policy will be valid until the end of the calendar year. However, it may expire earlier if the document granting the right to stay in Russia expires.

Link to official information.

How to register with a polyclinic

Emergency medical care for foreign citizens