Moscow Sets Sights on Global Patients with Medical Tourism Push

Moscow is rolling out plans to attract international patients, aiming to become a major destination for medical tourism. Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova announced the initiative, which will operate both through the state compulsory health insurance (OMS) system and on a commercial basis.

Rakova explained that Moscow sees its strongest potential in neighboring countries, where logistical coordination is simpler, but the city is also reaching out to more distant nations. “Our goal is to treat not just patients from other Russian regions, but people from around the world,” she said in an interview with RBC. “Today, the capital has everything it needs to develop medical tourism here.”

The city plans to compete directly with private clinics by offering comparable service packages, while keeping the OMS option available. According to Rakova, Moscow’s medical expertise across most specialties already outpaces that of many neighboring states and some farther afield.

She highlighted oncology as a prime example. “Our diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy meet global standards,” Rakova noted. That competitive edge extends to cardiology, nephrology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and hematology. Cost is another advantage. “Medical services in Moscow are significantly cheaper than in South Korea or Turkey,” she added.

With this strategy, Moscow is positioning itself as a high-quality, affordable alternative for patients seeking advanced care without the hefty price tags found in other medical tourism hubs.