Russia has a compulsory medical insurance (OMS) system for foreign workers. It allows people with an OMS policy to receive medical care at:
- outpatient clinics;
- hospitals and other public healthcare facilities.
However, access to OMS for labor migrants depends on having the required minimum insurance record.
An insurance record is the period during which insurance contributions to the compulsory medical insurance system are officially paid on behalf of an employee.
Simply put, it is the period of official employment during which the employer pays contributions to the OMS system.
Starting in 2026, the following minimum insurance record is required for foreign workers who are temporarily staying in Russia and working under a patent or work permit:
– 5 years of official insurance contributions to the OMS system.
Only after meeting this requirement can a foreign worker become eligible for compulsory medical insurance coverage under the general rules.
The new requirements apply to:
- foreign citizens working in Russia under a patent;
- foreign workers with a work permit;
- temporarily staying migrants who are officially employed in Russia.
The minimum insurance record requirement does not apply to:
- highly qualified specialists;
- employees of foreign companies assigned to work at Russian branches and representative offices (in certain cases).
The minimum insurance record is the period of official employment required to gain access to the OMS system. In 2026, it is 5 years for most foreign workers.
