Do you need travel insurance to Azerbaijan?

Russian citizens do not need a visa for Azerbaijan: you can stay in the country for up to 90 days. An important detail is that entry is possible only with an international passport. The Russian internal passport is not accepted, unlike, for example, trips to Kyrgyzstan. Check the validity of your international passport in advance.

The main way to get to Azerbaijan is by air. Land crossing points were closed to foreigners for a long time, so if you plan to travel by car or bus, check the current entry procedure before your trip.

Medical insurance is not mandatory for entry. However, the Russian compulsory medical insurance (OMS) policy does not work abroad, and without insurance the costs of a doctor, medicines or hospitalisation fall on you. It is worth buying a policy for the whole trip, even a short one.

If you are staying for a long time

For a long stay in Azerbaijan, registration at the place of stay is required. Check the deadline for registration before you travel. For long trips it matters that the policy covers the whole period: buy it for all days at once, not just for the first week. If you travel to Azerbaijan and neighbouring countries several times a year, consider an annual multi-trip policy.

What matters in the policy

  • Sum insured. For Azerbaijan people usually choose 30,000 USD. For a ski holiday or a trip with small children you can increase the sum.
  • Dates. The policy must be valid from the day of arrival to the day of departure inclusive.
  • Territory. If your route includes other countries of the South Caucasus, choose a territory that covers all of them. For Georgia see the separate page travel insurance to Georgia, for Armenia see travel insurance to Armenia.
  • Deductible. A policy with a deductible costs less, but you pay part of the costs in each case yourself. Without a deductible things are simpler and more relaxed.

What to consider in Azerbaijan: key risks

Summer heat in Baku

In summer it is very hot in Baku and on the Caspian coast. Heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn and colds caused by air conditioning are common reasons why travellers see a doctor. Drink more water, avoid the midday sun and keep your policy at hand.

Mountains and the Shahdag ski resort

Shahdag is a ski resort in the north of the country where people go in winter to ski and snowboard. A basic programme usually does not cover such injuries, so in the calculator you need to select skiing or snowboarding. Third-party liability in case of a collision on the slope and the Search and rescue option are also useful. More on the page ski and snowboard insurance. In summer hiking trails in the mountains are popular: this is also active leisure, and it is worth including the option.

Cuisine and unfamiliar food

Azerbaijani cuisine is generous and varied, but a change of diet combined with heat increases the risk of stomach upsets. Such cases are usually covered by the medical programme if you seek help through the assistance company.

Useful options

  • Emergency dental care: in case of acute toothache.
  • Accident: a cash payment for an injury on top of covering the treatment.
  • Chronic conditions: relief of a flare-up, which is especially important in the heat.
  • Baggage and flight delay: since flying is the main way to get there.
  • Trip cancellation: protection of non-refundable costs if the trip falls through for reasons listed in the insurance rules.

How to choose the sum insured and the programme

For a city trip to Baku a basic medical programme of 30,000 USD with emergency dental care is enough. For a winter trip to Shahdag add skiing, liability and accident cover. For a family with children it is convenient to put all travellers on one policy; useful tips are on the page travel insurance for children. Older travellers should include the Chronic conditions option and should not hide any diagnoses when buying.

What to do if something happens

  1. Call the assistance company on the number in your policy and describe what happened.
  2. Agree with the assistance company on the clinic you should go to.
  3. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval: such costs may not be reimbursed.
  4. Keep all documents: doctor's reports, invoices, receipts for medicines.

More on what to do is in the section insured event.

How to buy travel insurance to Azerbaijan online

  1. In the calculator, choose Azerbaijan, your travel dates, travellers' ages and options.
  2. Review the offers of 16 insurance companies: the selection works through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner).
  3. Fill in the travellers' details in Latin letters as in the international passport.
  4. Pay for the policy online and it will be sent to your e-mail. The policy is issued by the insurance company you choose.

If you are already abroad, some insurers offer programmes for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. Insurance for other countries is in the travel insurance section.