Russian
Your guide to Russia

Your guide to Russia

Emergency Medical Care

What is it?

This is immediate medical assistance provided for sudden, acute conditions that threaten your life or health. This includes:

  • Serious injuries (e.g., from an accident or a fall).
  • Sudden acute pain (e.g., in the heart or abdomen).
  • A sharp deterioration in a chronic condition.
  • High fever accompanied by dangerous symptoms.
  • Severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing.
The most important thing:

In Russia, emergency care is provided FREE OF CHARGE to everyone, including foreigners. It does not matter if you have an insurance policy, a passport, or money. Assistance must be provided immediately.

How to get help?

Immediately dial 112 or 103.
  • 112 is the unified number for all emergency services (ambulance, police, fire department). Operators speak different languages
  • 103 is the direct number for the ambulance service
What to tell the operator:
  • Clearly state the address where you are
  • Briefly describe what happened and the main symptoms (e.g., "severe chest pain," "person is unconscious," "high fever and convulsions")
  • State your name and phone number
If you don't speak Russian well:
  • Try to speak slowly and clearly in English
  • If possible, ask people nearby (friends, passers-by) to help you explain the situation to the operator
What happens next?
  • Doctors will come to you as soon as possible
  • They will provide first aid on the spot
  • If necessary, you will be taken to a hospital (admitted) for further treatment. The doctors will choose the nearest hospital ready to admit a patient
What to have with you:
  • If possible, have your passport and VHI policy ready. But remember: help will be provided in any case, even if you don't have your documents with you
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