The Russian government has approved the rules to provide medical care, including free care, to foreigners in the country.

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The governmental decree of March 6 introducing relevant rules has been posted at Garant legal information portal.

The decree stipulates that health care organizations provide free care to foreigners in case of acute illness and life-threatening attacks of chronic diseases.

Foreigners insured in accordance with the federal law "On compulsory insurance in Russia" will be provided with free care as well, the decree said.

"Foreigners will be provided with emergency care, including emergency specialty care, in cases of accidents, traumas, poisoning and other conditions demanding emergency assistance. State and municipal health care organizations will provide foreigners with free care," the decree said.

Foreigners will be provided with emergency or regular medical care in accordance with agreements on providing commercial medical services or voluntary insurance agreements.

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