Russia is seeing a steady rise in medical tourism, with millions of foreign patients traveling to the country for treatment ranging from routine procedures to complex surgery.
More than 28 million foreign nationals, including over 2 million children, have received medical care in Russia over the past six years, according to official figures. Authorities say the sector is expanding by more than 20% annually.
Among them is Luna Fenner, an American girl who was born with a giant melanocytic nevus covering much of her face, dubbed a “Batman mask.”
Russian doctors have now completed the main phase of treatment to remove the potentially cancerous birthmark, allowing Luna and her family to return home to the US. Further cosmetic procedures are planned in two to three years.
Another widely reported case involved Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson. In 2020, his family brought him to Moscow for emergency treatment after he developed severe physical dependence on benzodiazepines, a class of prescription drugs commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Peterson later said Russian doctors helped stabilize his condition after previous attempts at treatment in North America had failed.
Competitive prices, advanced technology and highly trained specialists are drawing patients from around the world.
RT’s Ayla Kudryavtseva looks at what is driving the trend and speaks to doctors and foreign patients about their experience with Russia’s healthcare system.