Medical help
“In a healthy body lives a healthy soul,” says an old Russian saying. Traditionally, Russians always care about their health and love sports; not a single Russian carnival ever passed without a sporting contest.
And although sport is still a very important part of Russian daily life, it’s usually enjoyed in a friendly game of soccer or shooting hoops. Gyms are not as common and can be expensive. Joining a modern gym in Moscow can cost $750-1000 a year. Some of the 5-star hotels have fitness centers.
Emergency Numbers:
Fire: 01
Police: 02
Ambulance: 03
Fresh Food
Some of Russia's freshest food is sold at fresh market. If you plan on exploring the flavors of Russia, it's a good idea to be repaired by having some meds for upset stomach , disinfectant gels or wipes can be helpful. Moscow and St. Petersburg have variety of supermarkets, but it's harder to avoid markets and kiosks in smaller cities. Bottled water is widely available. You will find that most common bottled water is carbonated. Unless that’s your choice, ask for water “not carbonated” – “voda bez gaza.”
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The most prominent one is HIV (Médecins Sans Frontières estimates that 350,000 to 600,000 people are living with HIV or AIDS in Russia), although syphilis is at present still predominant. Visitors to Russia run a high risk of acquiring STDs when they do not take simple precautions, such as using condoms when engaging in sexual activities.
Vaccination
Russia has no vaccination requirements, but it's a good idea to be up-to-date with your shots. For more advice on which shots to get and which diseases to worry about, check out:
- World Health Organization
- U.S. Center for Disease Control
Health Information for Travelers
Western-style Clinics
While Western health care comes at a price, charges are often comparable to those in the United States, and you may be able to have the bill sent directly to your U.S. or European insurance company (inquire at the specific clinic.) Here are some options:
British American Family Practice & Urgent Care
Address: #7 Grafsky Pereulok St. Petersburg 191002 Russia
24 Medical Helpline: 7-812-327-6030
Fax: 7-812-327-6040
Hours: 24 hours a day/7 days a week
Email: info@british-americanclinic.com
Home of St. Petersburg’s only American and British Doctors
Medical Center address: 10 2nd Tverskoi-Yamskoi Pereulok, 125047 Moscow,
Phone: 787-7000
Dentistry Center address: 34 Konushkovskaya Ul., 123242, Moscow,
Phone: 797-6767
Address: 10th Floor, Polyclinic No. 1, 31 Grokholsky Pereulok, 129010 Moscow
Phone: (7-095) 937-5760
Emergency Phone: (7-095) 937-6477
Contact: Maxine Ash, 937-5760
mow.marketing@internationalsos.com to make an appointment or
askthedoctor@internationalsos.com for free medical advice.
Open 24/7
Address: 26, build. 6, Prospekt Mira (entrance from Grokholsky Pereulok)
Phone: (495) 933-77-00
Fax: (495) 933-77-01
E-mail: info@amcenter.ru
Address: 78 Moika embankment, Saint Petersburg, 190000, Russia
Phone: +7 (812) 740-20-90
Fax: +7 (812) 310-46-64
E-mail: info@amclinic.ru
Travel Health on the Web
- Travel Doctor
An Australian firm that specializes in travel medical advice. - Travel Health Online
A site offering country-by-country summaries of traveler's health information. - U.S. State Department
Medical information for travelers - includes list of emergency evacuation service.