In 2023, amendments were made to the Law "On Medical Insurance for Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic," adopted in 1999, concerning foreign citizens and their medical insurance in the Kyrgyz Republic. All foreigners, including citizens of the CIS and EAEU countries, are required to have a mandatory health insurance policy. The cost of insurance for a year is 11,900 soms.
The complainant noted that the law allows EAEU citizens to purchase a policy at a price similar to that for Kyrgyz citizens, which is 1,840 soms.
“However, universities and the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund enter into agreements that require foreign students to purchase policies and receive medical services in state institutions at their place of study. Students from EAEU countries are forced to pay 11,900 soms. Many prefer private policies. Over five years of study, the total amount that needs to be paid for the policy is 59,500 soms,” the reader expressed dissatisfaction.
The Mandatory Health Insurance Fund, to which the editorial office sent a request, provided an official comment. The fund confirmed that amendments were indeed made to the Law "On Medical Insurance for Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic" in 2023.
“According to Article 8 of the specified law, mandatory health insurance applies to citizens of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and their families; foreign citizens, including those studying and working in educational institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic. All foreigners are required to comply with the laws of the country in which they are located,” the agency reported.
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The FOMS reminded that the mandatory health insurance policy entitles holders to receive medical services under the State Guarantees Program, including free and preferential services:- 20 preventive services;
- 21 diagnostic services;
- 12 basic services;
- 42 additional laboratory and diagnostic studies.
“It is important to note that for foreign students, medical examinations are conducted free of charge once a year,” the FOMS added.
Also, as indicated by the fund, medical assistance in hospitals is provided with co-payments that range from 840 to 1,510 soms depending on the disease profile and the level of the medical institution, while uninsured foreigners receive services at prices set in the price list.
“The cost of the mandatory health insurance policy for foreign citizens is determined by the regulation approved by the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic dated 20.09.2023 No. 491, and is calculated according to the established formula. The Mandatory Health Insurance Fund, being a state body that implements policy in the field of medical insurance, does not have the ability to influence the cost of the mandatory health insurance policy,” the agency concluded.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: brgu.ru.
