- The best travel insurance plans for Russia
- Is it currently safe to travel to Russia?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Russia?
- Why take out travel insurance for Russia?
- What should travel insurance for Russia cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Russia
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Russia?
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Russia?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Russia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Russia covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unexpected events during your trip.
2. Warning: The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Russia due to the ongoing armed conflict.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is mandatory for Canadian citizens to obtain a visa for entry into Russia.
4. Minimum coverage: A minimum medical coverage of at least €30,000 is typically required for the visa application.
5. Healthcare cost: Quality private healthcare is expensive; a hospital stay can easily exceed $1,000 CAD per night.
6. Price: A one-week policy from a Russian insurer can cost between $20 and $50 CAD.
7. Good to know: Due to sanctions, Canadians must purchase insurance from a Russian provider to be considered valid.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. Drawing on our expertise from analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to obtain the required travel insurance for Russia.
The best travel insurance plans for Russia
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | Recommended for Russia due to a high benefit ceiling and strong guarantees. - extensive medical cover - repatriation - compliant for visa |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | Reliable for Russia with flexible duration and straightforward procedures. - 24/7 helpline - visa-compliant - covers emergencies |
| Tourist Card | 0.8M CA$ | Well-suited to tourism in Russia. The package meets visa criteria and offers useful core protection. - medical expenses - emergency assistance - simple pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.0M CA$ | Efficient for longer or multi-city trips in Russia. - valid for traditional visa - evacuation cover - flexible dates |
| Globe Partner | 0.5M CA$ | A good option for shorter visits or essentials-only trips in Russia. - medical care - civil liability - basic visa compliance |
| Globe Traveller | 0.8M CA$ | Fits travellers seeking simple cover meeting Russian visa requirements. - essential health cover - prompt certificate - fast claims |
- extensive medical cover
- repatriation
- compliant for visa
- 24/7 helpline
- visa-compliant
- covers emergencies
- medical expenses
- emergency assistance
- simple pricing
- valid for traditional visa
- evacuation cover
- flexible dates
- medical care
- civil liability
- basic visa compliance
- essential health cover
- prompt certificate
- fast claims
Watch out!
These travel insurance policies are the ones we usually recommend due to their excellent value for money and reliability. However, in this particular case, they may not offer travel insurance coverage for Russia due to the ongoing armed conflict.
Is it currently safe to travel to Russia?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada has issued a clear advisory to avoid all travel to Russia due to the ongoing armed conflict with Ukraine and the heightened risk of terrorism.
Security risks: military action, drone strikes, and attacks have occurred even in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. In border oblasts such as Bryansk and Belgorod, shelling and explosions are frequent, and arbitrary detentions of foreigners can occur.
Health risks: access to adequate medical care is extremely limited outside large urban centres. For example, common antibiotics or emergency hospital care may be unavailable in rural areas, so bringing a full supply of necessary medicines is crucial.
Legal constraints: it is mandatory to register within 72 hours if your stay is over seven days. Discussing political matters in public, including on social media, can result in official scrutiny or prosecution.
Financial restrictions: Canadian bank cards will not work in Russia due to sanctions, so all purchases and emergency expenses will require cash in local currency.
Travel insurance is legally mandatory to enter Russia. It must cover at minimum medical care and repatriation costs, as these expenses can be significant in case of illness or accident during your stay.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Russia?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Russia.
To obtain a visa, travellers from Canada must present a valid travel insurance certificate that covers medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of their stay. The policy must be dated, signed and compliant with Russian consular requirements. Due to international sanctions, most Western insurers no longer offer coverage for Russia, so a policy from a recognized Russian insurer is required.
Good to know
Due to sanctions, it is currently difficult for Canadians to obtain travel insurance that meets the requirements for Russia. Contact the Russian consulate for up-to-date guidance. When possible, purchase insurance from an accepted Russian provider before departure, and ensure all required documentation is in order.
Why take out travel insurance for Russia?
Travel insurance is a legal requirement for visiting Russia.
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Russia.
In Russia, quality healthcare is only reliably available in major cities, such as the European Medical Center in Moscow or Chaika Clinic in St. Petersburg. Foreigners are expected to pay up front, and costs quickly rise for hospital stays, specialist care or emergencies. State-run hospitals may lack equipment and English-speaking staff.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Russia.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at European Medical Center | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 220,000 RUB (3,400 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 130,000 RUB (2,000 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 2,400,000 RUB (37,000 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 490,000 RUB (7,500 CA$) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Russia cover?
⚠️ The ongoing conflict with Ukraine means that many Western insurance companies no longer cover Russia and only Russian providers are accepted for visa applications.
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Russia.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations | Legally required |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Pays hospital and doctor costs after sudden illness or accident. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$100,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Covers ambulance or medical flight to Canada or another facility. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$100,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Pays for return to Canada for medical or security reasons. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$50,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 💊 Medication expenses | Reimburses for prescribed drugs when you are sick or injured. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$2,500. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🏨 Hospitalization | Pays for overnight stays and medical services in hospital. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$100,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| ❌ Trip interruption | Compensation if you must cut your stay short due to crisis. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$5,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
| 🧳 Personal liability | Covers damages accidentally caused to others. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$100,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$100,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$100,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$50,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$2,500.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$100,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$5,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$100,000.
Important information
Travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining any Russian visa for Canadians. The policy must cover medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation with a recommended minimum of CA$100,000 for each category, valid for your entire stay in Russia. Only Russian insurance companies are accepted due to sanctions on Western insurers.
The cost of travel insurance for Russia
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$34 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$60 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$90 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$185 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
When purchasing mandatory travel insurance for Russia, the price depends on several key elements. These include your age, the duration of your stay, the amount of medical coverage, and any optional add-ons. Keeping these factors in mind is crucial for securing the right policy from a Russian provider to meet visa requirements.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to Russia?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Russia while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Premiums increase for longer journeys, especially since coverage must match your entire visa period. | Only insure the exact period stated on your visa to avoid paying for unnecessary extra days. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Exceeding Russian visa requirements means higher prices. Russian providers expect precise medical limits. | Choose the minimum required coverage to satisfy the embassy, usually €30,000 for medical expenses. |
| 👥 Number of travelers | Family or group insurance can represent savings, as some Russian issuers offer discounts for multiple people. | Purchase a family or group policy if traveling together, making sure all names appear on the certificate. |
| 🗺️ Geographic scope | Worldwide insurance is more expensive. Russian authorities only require coverage valid in Russia. | Select Russia as the coverage area rather than worldwide or multi-country plans. |
| ⚕️ Pre-existing conditions | Declaring conditions can raise prices, and Russian policies might exclude them entirely for non-residents. | Find policies without surcharges for stable pre-existing conditions, or consider excluding routine care. |
| 💳 Deductible amount | Increasing out-of-pocket costs lowers your premium, a common way to control policy price for Russia trips. | Raise your deductible if possible, but ensure you can pay it if you need to use the insurance. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Age influences premium cost, especially for travelers over 60. Not all companies apply extra charges equally. | Compare insurers for seniors and note Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
Good to know
Travel insurance is required for all Canadian travelers to Russia to obtain a visa. The policy must include at least €30,000 in medical coverage and be issued by an insurer accredited for use in Russia.
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Russia?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your current public or private health insurance, or even your credit card coverage, will protect you during a trip to Russia. Unfortunately, these protections are often limited or insufficient, especially since Russia requires proof of health insurance for visa applications. Only travel insurance meets the embassy’s requirements. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Russia? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada Health Transfer, provincial plans) | Never | No coverage for care, hospitalization, or evacuation abroad | Travel insurance covers CA$75,000–CA$150,000+ for medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | Partial reimbursement after return, sometimes max CA$25,000, usually excludes repatriation or urgent transport | Travel insurance provides up to CA$150,000+ direct payment plus 24/7 assistance |
| Classic credit card (RBC Visa Classic, TD Green Visa, BMO Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Limited to CA$10,000–CA$15,000 for certain expenses, strict limits on age and trip length, no cancellation | Travel insurance offers higher medical and repatriation ceilings and covers trip interruption or delay |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Platinum, CIBC Aventura Gold) | Limited coverage | Medical expenses usually capped at CA$50,000–CA$100,000, limited baggage or delay coverage | Travel insurance meets embassy proof and offers full support, higher limits, and required certificate |
Example
After a bad fall in St. Petersburg, Liam needed urgent surgery for a complex fracture, costing $25,000 CAD. The hospital demanded cash upfront. His RBC Visa was useless due to sanctions, and his Canadian travel insurance was voided by the 'Avoid All Travel' advisory, leaving him to cover the entire bill.
Expert advice
Your provincial health plan and credit card insurance often exclude key situations, like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the policy's fine print to understand your coverage and avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
Yes, Canadian citizens require a valid visa to enter Russia for any purpose, including tourism. You must apply for a visa in advance at the Russian consulate. An eVisa is not available for Canadians, so plan ahead for possible processing time and required supporting documents.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Russia?
Start by comparing travel insurance plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review coverages and exclusions, ensuring the policy complies with Russia’s visa rules, including medical coverage and documentation. Purchase your chosen policy online. You’ll then receive a certificate, which you must present with your visa application.
Are Western travel insurance companies accepted in Russia?
Due to recent sanctions, most Western insurance providers no longer offer valid coverage in Russia. You may be required to purchase a policy from a Russian insurer, especially if your proof of insurance from a Canadian or international company is not recognized by Russian authorities.
How much does travel insurance for Russia cost for Canadians?
For a typical Canadian traveler, travel insurance that meets Russian visa requirements generally ranges from CA$50 to CA$150 per week, depending on your age, length of stay, and level of coverage. Always confirm your policy fulfills the consulate's minimum medical expense requirements before purchasing.
What should my travel insurance certificate for Russia include?
The certificate should show your full name as it appears in your passport, dates of coverage, and confirmation that your plan provides at least CA$45,000–CA$50,000 in medical expense coverage. The document must be in English or Russian to meet consular requirements for visa issuance.
Can I use my credit card insurance for a visa application to Russia?
In most cases, credit card travel insurance does not meet the documentation and coverage requirements set by Russian consulates. Coverage is often too limited and documentation is not detailed enough to be accepted for your visa application. Always verify with the consulate before relying on credit card insurance.
Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
Yes, Canadian citizens require a valid visa to enter Russia for any purpose, including tourism. You must apply for a visa in advance at the Russian consulate. An eVisa is not available for Canadians, so plan ahead for possible processing time and required supporting documents.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Russia?
Start by comparing travel insurance plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review coverages and exclusions, ensuring the policy complies with Russia’s visa rules, including medical coverage and documentation. Purchase your chosen policy online. You’ll then receive a certificate, which you must present with your visa application.
Are Western travel insurance companies accepted in Russia?
Due to recent sanctions, most Western insurance providers no longer offer valid coverage in Russia. You may be required to purchase a policy from a Russian insurer, especially if your proof of insurance from a Canadian or international company is not recognized by Russian authorities.
How much does travel insurance for Russia cost for Canadians?
For a typical Canadian traveler, travel insurance that meets Russian visa requirements generally ranges from CA$50 to CA$150 per week, depending on your age, length of stay, and level of coverage. Always confirm your policy fulfills the consulate's minimum medical expense requirements before purchasing.
What should my travel insurance certificate for Russia include?
The certificate should show your full name as it appears in your passport, dates of coverage, and confirmation that your plan provides at least CA$45,000–CA$50,000 in medical expense coverage. The document must be in English or Russian to meet consular requirements for visa issuance.
Can I use my credit card insurance for a visa application to Russia?
In most cases, credit card travel insurance does not meet the documentation and coverage requirements set by Russian consulates. Coverage is often too limited and documentation is not detailed enough to be accepted for your visa application. Always verify with the consulate before relying on credit card insurance.
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