What travel insurance covers

VZR is the Russian abbreviation for voluntary insurance of people travelling abroad. The core of the policy is medical expenses: if you fall ill or get injured on a trip, the insurer, through its assistance company, arranges and pays for care. Russian compulsory medical insurance (OMS) does not work abroad, and treatment in many countries is expensive.

A basic programme usually includes:

  • outpatient and inpatient treatment, surgery, prescribed medicines;
  • emergency dental care;
  • medical transport and evacuation;
  • repatriation — return home after treatment or in the event of death.

For an extra premium you can add active leisure and sports, skiing, baggage, trip cancellation or interruption, flight delay, third-party liability and accident cover.

When insurance is required

In Russia travel insurance is voluntary, but a number of countries require a policy for entry or a visa. A Schengen visa requires cover of at least EUR 30,000 valid across the whole Schengen area for the entire trip, with no deductible. A policy is also required by some other countries — the rules change, so check the destination's requirements on its page before you go.

Even where no one asks for insurance at the border, without it you pay for treatment yourself. Requirements and recommended sums are covered on the pages travel insurance for Turkey, travel insurance for Schengen, travel insurance for the UAE and travel insurance for Thailand.

Laws and travellers' rights

A travel policy is concluded under Chapter 48 of the Russian Civil Code and Russian Federation Law No. 4015-1 on the organisation of insurance business, on the terms of the chosen insurer's policy wording. The wording defines what counts as an insured event, the exclusions and how to ask for help. Cancellation and refund terms are set by the insurer's policy wording: the cooling-off period under Bank of Russia Directive No. 3854-U generally does not apply to medical insurance for travel abroad, so check the refund terms before paying — including what happens if the trip does not take place. Disputes with an insurer of up to RUB 500,000 go to the Financial Ombudsman before court.

What drives the price

  • Country and territory. Trips to countries with expensive healthcare cost more.
  • Sum insured. Usually USD or EUR 30,000 to 100,000; for long-haul destinations and countries with costly healthcare, travellers choose more.
  • Trip length and policy type: single-trip or annual multi-trip.
  • Travellers' age. Rates are higher for older travellers, and some programmes have age limits.
  • Options: sports, baggage, trip cancellation, liability.
  • Deductible: it makes the policy cheaper, but you pay small costs yourself.

The travel insurance calculator shows the price for your route.

How to buy a policy online on the site

On polisre.ru you can compare offers and buy travel insurance online from 16 insurance companies. The purchase goes through Polis Re's partner, the Cherehapa service; the policy is issued by the insurer you choose and sent to your email. Policies bought on the site are saved in your personal account. Start with the travel insurance section.

How to choose an insurer

  • Look at the assistance company: it is the one that arranges help abroad, so its presence in your destination matters.
  • Compare exclusions: chronic conditions, pregnancy, alcohol, motorcycles and scooters, extreme sports.
  • Check whether the insurer pays the clinic directly or reimburses you afterwards.
  • Study company profiles in the directory of insurers.

How to get help and a payout

  1. Call the assistance company on the number in the policy before seeing a doctor, if your condition allows. Give your policy number and location.
  2. Go to the clinic the assistance company names. If you were treated without approval, keep all documents.
  3. Collect medical reports, invoices and receipts for medicines and services.
  4. If you paid yourself, file a reimbursement claim with the insurer after you return, within the time set in the wording.

More in the Insurance claim section.

Common mistakes

  • Not declaring active leisure. An injury while skiing, diving or riding a motorbike without the right option is a frequent reason for refusal.
  • Seeing a doctor without calling the assistance company and losing the chance of direct payment to the clinic.
  • Policy dates that do not match the trip — for example, after extending a holiday.
  • Too small a sum insured for a country with expensive healthcare.
  • Hiding a chronic condition. Flare-ups of chronic illnesses are often covered only under special terms.