Other Useful Information
Health Concerns and Medical Emergencies
Western style medical care in Russia can be expensive, difficult to obtain, and
not entirely comprehensive. Some facilities offer quality services, but many
restrict services to normal business hours and/or to members or people willing
to pay for services in advance. Acceptance of insurance in lieu of prepayment is
rare. Most patients pay in cash and receive reimbursement from their insurance
companies upon their return to the United States.
Russian nationalized
medical care is officially free of charge, but the quality of service varies.
However, Russian doctors often demand payment for disposable needles,
medications, and some services.
If you have a medical emergency in
Vladivostok and you are not a member of a local medical plan, try contacting the
following ambulance services.
City Ambulance
115 Okeanskiy
Prospect
tel: 03 (free service), 053 (fee for service)
In the case of
critical illnesses, a medical evacuation may be the only choice. Medical
evacuations (medevacs) are very expensive and all costs must be covered by the
patient or his/her insurance company. Please check to see if your insurance
company covers medevacs before your arrival in Russia. If you are not covered,
it is possible to buy travelers medevac insurance to augment your regular plan.
In the event of an emergency, the U.S. Consulate will try to assist in arranging
medical care for U.S. citizens.
We strongly recommend that all Americans
purchase medical insurance that covers medical care in Russia and medical
evacuation to the West.
For routine medical care, we have compiled a list
of medical service providers. The U.S. Consulate assumes no responsibility for
the professional ability or reputation of the persons or medical facilities
whose names appear on the following list. Although we make every attempt to keep
this information up to date, it is subject to change without notice. If you find
any inaccuracies, please contact us.
Medical
Service Providers List (PDF - 27 KB)