Russia is a multi-faceted country that attracts many tourists every year. Whether you want to discover the beauty of the natural landscape, the historical monuments or Russian culture, it's essential to be well prepared before you leave. One of the crucial questions to ask yourself concerns insurance: what type of insurance do you need to travel to Russia with peace of mind? We'll guide you through this article.
Health and repatriation insurance
Among the most important insurance policies to take out when planning a trip to Russia, health and repatriation insurance should be at the top of the list. This policy covers cover for medical and hospitalisation expenses in the event of accident or illness during the stay. It also covers the costs of medical repatriationif such a measure becomes necessary.
A requirement for obtaining a Russian visa
It is worth noting that the Russian Embassy requires you to take out health and repatriation insurance before you can obtain a visa. This insurance certificate must state the period of validity of the contract, comply with the standards required by the Russian authorities, and correspond to the exact number of days you intend to stay in Russia.
Essential guarantees
But make sure you choose an insurance policy that offers cover tailored to your needs and the specifics of your trip. Some also cover interruption charges of the stay for medical reasons or the cost of early return in the event of the death of a close relative. 24/7 assistance is also strongly recommended.
Civil liability insurance abroad
It is also strongly recommended that you take out civil liability insurance during your stay in Russia. It covers cover bodily injury or property damage accidentally caused to third parties, as well as covering the costs of defence and compensation if legal action is taken against you.
Some insurance companies even offer additional cover for damage caused during extreme sports or other specific activities.
Cancellation insurance
Despite all the preparation that goes into a trip to Russia, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes thwart your plans. In this case, having cancellation insurance can be very useful to avoid losing the money invested in the trip.
Reasons taken into account
Cancellation insurance means that you will be compensated if you are unable to leave or to involuntary extension of your stay for reasons that are usually very specific, such as the death of a close relative, serious illness, accident, administrative summons or redundancy.
How to subscribe
Cancellation insurance must be taken out at the time of purchase or within 48 hours. Remember to check the conditions for reimbursement and the maximum cover, so that you can choose the policy best suited to your needs.
Luggage insurance
Another type of insurance that can be useful when travelling to Russia is luggage insurance. It provides cover in the event of loss, theft or damage your luggage.
Taking care of personal effects
In addition to compensation for lost luggage, this insurance can also cover the costs incurred by the need to purchase essential items (clothing, hygiene products, etc.) while waiting for the lost goods to be re-routed or replaced.
Limits of airline liability
It should be noted that airlines are often held liable for lost baggage, but their compensation is limited by the Montreal Convention and may not fully correspond to the value of your belongings. What's more, they do not necessarily intervene in the event of theft or if your baggage is damaged in transit.
How do I choose a travel insurance policy for Russia?
It's essential to take the time to compare insurance offers so as to choose the one that best suits your profile and your stay. Here are some important criteria to consider:
- The guarantees included in the contract;
- The ceiling and terms of compensation ;
- Any excess ;
- The deadline for taking out the insurance ;
- Exclusions from cover ;
- The cost of the premium ;
- Steps to take in the event of a claim.
Take out a specific insurance policy or use an existing policy?
Before taking out new travel insurance in Russia, it may be worth checking whether you already have certain cover provided by existing policies. For example, your home insurance may include third-party liability cover abroad, while your bank cards may offer cover such as medical assistance and repatriation, as well as cancellation insurance in certain cases.
In conclusion, Travelling to Russia means being well prepared and paying close attention to insurance issues. Don't skimp on the cover offered, and take the time to compare policies so you can travel with peace of mind.
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