In Russia, the use of paid healthcare services is widespread, with a substantial majority of respondents opting for private or out-of-pocket care. A recent survey conducted by the online platform Webbankir, and reported through socialbites.ca, indicates that about 81.6% of Russians rely on paid health services. Among these users, roughly one-third (34.6%) started increasing their use of paid care in the last year or two, suggesting shifting preferences or growing affordability, or both. About 28.9% reported financing treatment costs with loans. This snapshot highlights how families manage medical expenses in a system that combines public and private options. [Webbankir survey, May 2024]
The survey also reveals how often people engage with paid medical professionals. Specifically, 29.2% of respondents use paid doctors on a regular basis, while 52.4% access such services occasionally. A smaller portion, 18.4%, visits doctors only within the framework of compulsory health insurance programs. In the most recent year or two, 50.5% continued visiting paid clinics at the same frequency as before, whereas 14.9% reduced their visits to paid clinics. [Webbankir survey, May 2024]
When it comes to borrowing for treatment, the pattern is mixed. Only 6.7% of those who borrow money for treatment do so regularly, while 22.2% borrow on an occasional basis. Intriguingly, a nearly equal share—23.9%—indicate they would apply for a loan to cover doctor visits or medication costs in the future. [Webbankir survey, May 2024]
Public sentiment about the quality of free healthcare services in the past two to three years is divided. About 37.3% of respondents felt improvements occurred, 32.6% believed quality declined, and 30.1% thought it remained the same. This split underscores a nuanced view of the public system’s performance over recent years. [Webbankir survey, May 2024]
The main concerns about public health insurance relate to access and timeliness. A majority of respondents, 60.9%, stated that getting an appointment with the right specialist is difficult and that wait times are long. Close to half, 48.2%, reported that necessary services are not provided free of charge. Other common criticisms included a perceived shortage of specialized professionals in free facilities (39.6%), variable qualifications among available specialists (32.5%), and long queues in offices (36.2%). On a more positive note, only 17.7% felt that free medical centers lack sufficient comfort. [Webbankir survey, May 2024]
The survey gathered responses from 1,800 participants across Russia in May 2024, providing a broad view of how residents navigate paid and public healthcare options. [Webbankir survey, May 2024]
Russians often weigh the impulse to repay consumer loans against the value of timely medical care, reflecting a pragmatic approach to balancing health needs with financial constraints. The data illustrate a society where private funding tools and public services intersect in daily health decisions, shaping how people plan for future medical expenses and insurance choices. [Webbankir survey, May 2024]