Compare travel insurance for Russia
Exploring historic cities and artistic monuments are just a few reasons to visit the largest country in the world. Read our guide on what you need to know about travel insurance for Russia to find the right cover for your trip.
Please know that standard travel insurance won't currently cover travel to Russia, because the FCDO currently has advised against all travel to the country.
Exploring historic cities and artistic monuments are just a few reasons to visit the largest country in the world. Read our guide on what you need to know about travel insurance for Russia to find the right cover for your trip.
Please know that standard travel insurance won't currently cover travel to Russia, because the FCDO currently has advised against all travel to the country.
Why do I need travel insurance for Russia?
Most visits to Russia are trouble free but there’s always the chance you might become ill while you’re away or your trip might be disrupted or cut short. Travel insurance can make sure you’re not out of pocket if your trip doesn’t go according to plan.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. However, you should always declare any medical conditions and tell your insurance provider the truth, because if you give false information your claim could be rejected. When you declare medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers that may be able to offer quotes.
How much is travel insurance for Russia?
Russia stretches from the fringes of Europe to Asia. This means it can be treated differently by different insurance providers. Some regard it as Europe and price policies accordingly, while other providers ask you to take out a worldwide policy.
If you’re going on the Trans-Siberian railway, you can travel from Moscow to China or Mongolia, so you’ll need to make sure you’re covered for the whole trip.
The cost of travel insurance to Russia will depend on:
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Your age
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Any pre-existing medical conditions
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The level of cover you choose
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How long you’re away for
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Where you’re travelling to
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The activities you want cover for
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The excess – the amount you’re happy to pay towards any claim.
What will travel insurance for Russia cover?
Your travel insurance policy should offer:
- Medical cover – the cost of medical treatment while abroad can quickly spiral into tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. Also be aware that you won’t be able to use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to get medical treatment in Russia, so it’s vital to have the right cover. Travel insurance can also pay for repatriation to the UK if you need to get back for treatment.
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Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and personal belongings – petty crime happens in Russia, especially around the main tourist areas, so this should protect you if your bags or possessions are lost or stolen.
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Cancellations and delays – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened, you may be able to recover costs. Check the terms and conditions to see exactly what’s covered.
What won’t Russia travel insurance cover?
While your insurance can provide cover for many of the unexpected costs you might face while travelling in Russia, there may be some exceptions.
Here are some things to check carefully for in your policy:
- Pre-existing medical conditions – if you have a medical condition, you should declare this when buying your policy. Not doing so may invalidate the policy.
- Injuries or accidents resulting from high-risk activities – Russia is popular for winter sports and adventure sports, but these may not be covered by a standard policy. Check your policy carefully and arrange extra cover if necessary.
- Incidents related to alcohol or drug use – you might want to enjoy a vodka or two while you’re in Russia. But if you’re injured or have an accident while you’re under the influence, its likely you won’t be covered.
- Natural disasters – these are uncommon in Russia and tend to happen in regions less popular with tourists. However, Russia has been victim to natural disasters including earthquakes, forest fires and flooding so it’s worth thinking about whether your policy covers this type of event.
- Terrorism – most policies only give limited cover for this.
- Travelling to areas against government advice – check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the latest information available ahead of travel.
What else should I consider when choosing my travel insurance?
With its many different terrains and climates, Russia is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise.
If you’re planning on climbing the highest peak in Europe – Mount Elbrus – white water rafting, horse riding in the Urals, paragliding or snowboarding and skiing, you might need additional cover for any activities not covered by a standard policy. You may be able to add cover for an extra cost or find a specialist policy that covers you for what you want to do.
Find out more about travel insurance for:
Do I need a visa for Russia?
British passport holders must have a valid visa before travelling to Russia. You can apply for one through the Russian Embassy. Your passport will need to be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you’re due to enter Russia and contain at least two blank pages.
You’ll also be expected to pay a processing fee and wait up to 20 working days for your visa application to be processed.
Cruise or ferry passengers can stay in Russia for 72 hours without a visa if they’ve booked tours through officially licensed companies.
More details about the entry requirements for Russia can be found on the GOV.UK website.
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Any other tips for trips to Russia?
Here’s a few more useful things to know about Russia to help you enjoy your trip.
- Passport checks - you should always keep your passport with you as Russian police can carry out random checks. If you fail to show your passport on request, you could be fined.
- Social media - restrictions have been placed on some social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Telegram, and access to other internet sites can be unreliable.
- Tipping - while tipping is quite common in Russia, it’s only really done as a sign of appreciation, rather than an expectation. At a restaurant, a reasonable tip would be 10% of your bill.
- Photography - you should be careful when taking photos in Russia. Sites of ‘strategic importance’ (including airports) prohibit photography. Signs are not always present in these areas, so great care should be taken, as being caught taking photos can lead to police questioning and even arrest.
- Crime – pickpockets operate in the main tourist areas like St Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square in Moscow, and around the Hermitage in St Petersburg. Think about how you would keep safe in a similarly large city in the UK.
- LGBTQ+ – public perceptions of the LGBTQ community in Russia are mixed. While homosexuality isn’t illegal in Russia, there have been incidents of harassment and even acts of violence towards those in the LGBTQ community.
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