More on Russian Healthcare

One of the most common questions I get is about Russian healthcare. Here's some more about it.

Old artwork in the lobby of the Odinstovo public health care complex.

What’s the healthcare like in Russia?

Generally, excellent. And cheap. I paid 16,000 rubles (~$220) for six months of health insurance, which is required of all immigrants.

If you go to government clinics, which are generally good quality, doctors visits are free. No copay, not a single kopeck. Free.

This came into play when I was having some intense health problems last year that doctors couldn’t figure out. I had to go to six different doctors to find out what was wrong. I was mentally panicking as I totaled up the potential bill in my head for all these tests and doctor visits.

What was the bill? Nothing. Zero rubles. All covered by health insurance.

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Now, what Americans might be talking about when they say Russian healthcare is ‘scary’, as I hear occasionally, is the upkeep of the buildings.

In Russia, there isn’t enough public money to make everything pretty. Newer facilities look nicer, older facilities…well.

The first time I visited a hospital in Russia, it looked like a set out of The Shining. Someone screamed while I was there, and I started laughing because the picture was complete.

No, for the most part, public facilities are decent, but no-nonsense. You’re not going there to be entertained, you’re there to get checked up. The equipment is up to date, the doctors know what they’re doing, and they’re there to help you.

(Public healthcare facilities in the USA are also pretty utilitarian affairs—I’ve never heard anyone say Grady in Atlanta or any VA facilities were shining examples of architectural prowess.)

Private clinics have the money to make everything nice-looking, and they are reasonably priced compared to American clinics.

The private clinic where I went today to get a panorama X-ray (2500 rubles out of pocket, $35)

Public and private clinics work hand in hand. I could have gone to a public clinic to get the panoramic, but there might have been a wait, so they suggested we walk down the street and get the panoramic.

We got the X-ray (it was a very quick and efficient process) and sent a photo to the dentist.

Now we have a complete treatment plan—I have a couple old crowns that need to be replaced. One will require a root canal. An orthopedist will handle the hard part.

Total bill will probably be somewhere between 3000-8000 rubles ($42-112), maybe a bit more.

With dental insurance in the States, I’d be paying a fortune, IF they even paid (because this is redoing previous dental work).

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Doctors in Russia are paid as little as schoolteachers in Russia, because of a long-standing tradition dating back to the Soviet years that says: you work in this profession for the honor, not to be made rich.

Doctors in public clinics and hospitals don’t get paid much. But they have a wonderful attitude, generally. I’ve seen many good doctors here. All of them love what they do, and do a very good job. Sure, you run into a few with attitudes here and there, but it’s not very common.

Doctors in America (and I assume elsewhere) have lots of ‘f*** you money’. This is when you make so much money that you don’t give a f*** what anyone else thinks. That attitude seeps throughout their entire practice, and so many doctors in America are pricks who have a pride problem.

Doctors in Russia don’t have that. They’re in the profession for love, and it shows.

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Russians who leave Russia generally keep their citizenship, and fly home when they need something expensive done. Dental implants are on the agenda at some point for me when I get some extra cash, and they’re cheap here—last I checked, about $150 USD, all-included. I remember seeing a billboard for dental implants in the United States, I think they were charging $16,000 in huge letters, like they were doing someone a favor.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Russian healthcare is a miracle. I’d have a hard time if I had to go back to the States/ When you’ve had access to truly affordable healthcare for a few years, it’s hard to want to live anywhere else.

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Below are the articles I’ve written before on healthcare here in Russia. Enjoy.