Free medical examinations in Russia are available to different categories of citizens. More details about the program, what it includes, and who can apply for it in 2023 are in our article.

In 2023, medical examinations can be undergone by citizens born in 1984, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, or 2005, as well as all Russians who are 40 years old or older. There is a fairly simple and universal way to calculate who among citizens in the current year is eligible for free tests and examinations. If a person’s age is evenly divisible by 3, then they can plan a visit to the selected medical institution.

What is dispensary examination

Dispensary examination is a set of measures that includes a preventive medical examination and additional diagnostic tests conducted to assess health status (including determination of health group and dispensary observation group) and carried out for certain groups of the population (Article 46, paragraph 4 of the Federal Law of November 21, 2011 No. 323-FZ “On the Basics of Health Protection of Citizens in the Russian Federation“; hereinafter referred to as Law No. 323-FZ). Also, young Russians have their own dispensary program and a separate schedule of preventive examinations. For example, at the age of 1 month, a child is recommended to be examined not only by a pediatrician, but also by a neurologist, surgeon, and other specialists, and he or she is entitled to undergo several tests (ultrasound, neurosonography, etc.).

Citizens can undergo dispensary examination at a polyclinic or other medical institution to which they are attached to their place of residence. It is worth clarifying in advance in the registry the working hours of the cabinets and the schedule of work of specialists, and if necessary, how to prepare for a particular examination.

To undergo dispensary examination, a document confirming the identity of the citizen (passport) and an OMS policy will be required.

Undergoing dispensary examination is a completely voluntary process. This means that each person has the right to refuse such a medical examination completely or partially (for example, to undergo one or several examinations, excluding all others). The fact that a citizen decided to undergo dispensary examination solely at his or her own will and volition must be confirmed by informed voluntary consent, which is filled out at the polyclinic.

Completing a medical examination while working

It is not always possible to undergo a medical examination during free time from work. If a citizen needs an unplanned day off to visit a doctor and undergo all the necessary medical tests, the employer is required by law to provide the employee with time to undergo the medical examination. This period should be at least one working day (for working pensioners and citizens of pre-retirement age, it should be twice as long). During this time, the employee’s position and average salary are preserved. All of this is stipulated in Article 185.1 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. The average daily wage for the day provided for the medical examination is paid at the same time as the employee’s regular salary – on the nearest payday established by the organization for salary payments (Letter of the Ministry of Labor of Russia dated September 25, 2019 No. 14-2 / OOG-6492).

To “request” time off from their supervisor and undergo a medical examination, a citizen must submit a written request. The norm that regulates the procedure for providing the employee with free days off work to undergo a medical examination (Article 185.1 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation) does not require the employee to provide any documentary evidence of undergoing the medical examination.

Labor law