Health insurance rules to take effect

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Russia has implemented new rules requiring foreign nationals to obtain medical insurance documents that contain certain information, including information about the insurer, the insured person, the insurance company and the terms and validity of the insurance certificate.

What does the change mean? Beginning May 1, the Federal Migration Service will require applicants to submit medical insurance documents or certificates that comply with the new requirements.

• Implementation time frame: Now until May 1.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits, work patents.
• Who is affected: All foreign nationals performing work activities in Russia.
• Impact on processing times: After May 1, health insurance documents that do not conform to the new requirements may delay processing.
• Business impact: Foreign nationals must take steps to ensure that their health insurer issues a document or certificate reflecting the required information before applying for a work permit or work patent.

Background: The new rules took effect Jan. 31, providing a 120-day transition period. Therefore, health insurers have until May 1 to change their documentation to conform to the new rules. Besides providing the information described above, the documents must show that the insurance is valid during the term of the work permit or work patent and that it is valid in all territories in Russia where the foreign national will be working.

BAL Analysis: To avoid processing delays, foreign nationals applying for visas and permits to Russia should confirm that their health insurance documentation contains the specified information and, if necessary, contact their health insurer.  

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the Russian Federation. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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