If you’re planning a trip to Russia in 2026, one of the essential requirements is to have valid travel insurance to obtain your visa. But beware: not just any insurance will do. Due to the current geopolitical situation, most Western insurance companies have stopped offering coverage within Russian territory. That’s why, in this article, I’ll explain which travel insurance policies you can actually use nowadays to travel to Russia and that are valid for processing the Russian visa, what coverage you should look for, and how to purchase them safely.
Why You Can No Longer Use Western Insurance Policies
Since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, many countries have imposed economic sanctions and financial restrictions that directly affect commercial operations with Russia. As a result:
- Companies like IATI, Heymondo, InterMundial, AXA, Allianz, Zurich, Mapfre, Generali or AIG no longer offer coverage in Russian territory.
- Even if some insurer still allows you to purchase a policy, it will not be able to transfer funds or will have difficulties paying medical expenses in Russia in case of an emergency, due to banking blocks.
This means that, although your policy may say “worldwide travel,” the fine print already excludes Russia, Belarus, and sometimes Ukraine. If you travel with one of these policies, you could end up without effective coverage right when you need it most.
Is It Mandatory to Purchase Travel Insurance for Russia?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory to obtain the Russian visa. It must cover at least the following:
- Emergency medical assistance
- Hospitalization due to an accident or sudden illness
- Medical or funeral repatriation
- A minimum coverage of €30,000 or its equivalent in rubles
This insurance must be valid during your entire stay and issued by a registered company. The consulate or visa center will require you to present an official certificate from the insurer.
Some policies include additional services that are not mandatory for obtaining the Russian visa. While they can be useful, they’re not necessary if you just want to meet the legal requirement:
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Delays or missed connecting flights
- Liability coverage
- Sports or adventure activities insurance (only if you’re going mountain climbing, skiing, or other adventure sports).
These coverages are optional and can increase the policy price. If you only need insurance to process the visa, basic medical coverage as described above will suffice. You can always add extras if you plan on doing risky activities or traveling with multiple layovers.
What Are My Options? Russian Insurance Policies for Foreign Travelers
The good news is that several Russian insurance companies still offer policies specifically designed for foreigners visiting Russia. These policies meet all the visa requirements and provide good coverage at affordable prices.
The best currently available options are:
1. Solidarity Insurance – The Best Option for Traveling to Russia in 2026
Solidarity Insurance (Солидарность) has become one of the most comprehensive and reliable insurers for foreigners traveling to Russia. It’s the insurance sold by most Russian visa centers worldwide. It offers policies tailored to Russian visa requirements, with broad coverage and an easy online purchase from abroad.
Basic and Additional Coverage:
- Emergency medical assistance
- Hospitalization for emergency or urgent medical issues
- Medication reimbursement
- Home doctor visits, if you can’t travel
- Clinic visits: covers consultation costs
- Emergency dental treatment (toothache)
- COVID-19 treatment if diagnosed during the trip
- Medical or funeral repatriation
Price and Purchase:
- From €0.5 per day, or 15, 30, or 60-day packages
- Easy online purchase through Attollo Assistance, with an English interface
- Payment with foreign cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Immediate certificate valid for visa, in PDF format
Solidarity is an excellent option for its balance of coverage, price, and ease of purchase.
2. Ingosstrakh – Russia’s Most Renowned Insurer
Ingosstrakh (Ингосстрах) is one of the largest and oldest insurers in the country. Its travel insurance product for foreigners is highly competitive and specifically designed to meet Russian visa requirements.
Basic and Additional Coverage:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 (required for the visa), with options up to €100,000 or more
- Emergency medical assistance
- Prescription medications
- Home doctor visits
- Hospitalization for emergencies
- Urgent dental treatment
- Medical or funeral repatriation
- COVID-19 treatment included
Price and Purchase:
- From €1 per day, depending on age and duration
- Easy online purchase also through Attollo Assistance, with an English website
- International card payments accepted without issues
- Instantly issued certificate valid for the visa
Ingosstrakh stands out for its extensive network of partner clinics throughout Russia and its solid reputation in the country.
3. Sovkombank Insurance – Available through Cherehapa
Sovkombank Insurance , the successor of Liberty (Russia), offers medical travel insurance valid for obtaining a Russian visa at very competitive prices. Thanks to the Cherehapa platform, it is now possible to purchase this policy online using a foreign credit card, making it accessible even for international travelers.
Coverage includes:
- Medical coverage of €30,000
- Emergency medical assistance, hospitalization, and medication
- Medical and funeral repatriation
- Emergency dental treatment
- COVID-19 treatment included
Pricing and how to purchase:
- Starting from €0.60 per day for basic plans
- Fast and easy purchase via Cherehapa (available in Russian and English)
- Foreign cards are accepted, including international Visa and Mastercard
A great option if you’re looking for an affordable policy valid for the Russian visa, without needing a Russian MIR bank card.
4. Alfa Strakhovanie – Flexible and Comprehensive Insurance
Alfa Strakhovanie (Альфа) is another major Russian insurer with a solid offering for international tourists. Its travel insurance covers everything necessary for the visa and more.
Basic and Additional Coverage:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 (with extended options)
- Urgent medical expenses
- Hospitalization and outpatient treatment
- Prescription medications
- Repatriation due to illness or death
- COVID-19 treatment included by default
Price and Purchase:
- From around €1.1 per day
- Website in Russian
- Payment with international cards enabled
- Insurance certificate sent by email in a bilingual format (English/Russian), valid for the visa
Another excellent option, although the online purchase process is in Russian.
Finally, there are other insurers such as Gazprombank travel insurance or T-Bank travel insurance (formerly Tinkoff), but they also do not allow the use of foreign cards, and the online purchase process is in Russian.
In Summary: Yes, You Need Russian Insurance if You’re Traveling to Russia
In 2026, Western insurance companies will not cover you in Russia, even if they claim so in large print. To ensure you travel protected and can obtain your visa without issues, it’s best to opt for a Russian insurance policy, such as those from Solidarity, Ingosstrakh, Alfa, or Sovkombank.
Do you already know which company to choose? Here’s where I explain how to buy your insurance in just 5 minutes.
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