Coronavirus Update for Employers in Russia

coronavirus update for employers in RussiaEmployees who are foreign citizens or expats in Russia and are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can be tested and treated by the Russian state health system for free. Supplemental health insurance does not cover pandemic illness and private clinics are not allowed to treat COVID-19. Recently however, a number of private testing laboratories received the right to conduct testing at the patient’s request and expense.

Supplemental health insurance

  • Telemedicine is offered free of charge by all market leaders.
  • Major banks (Sberbank, VEB.RF) launched free lines of telemedicine for everyone.
  • Clinics are not allowed now to provide planned care (examinations, check-ups, planned hospitalizations).
  • Other emergency medical care can be arranged by the insurer.

Life Insurance

  • Some carriers will pay COVID-19 related claims. Others exclude death due to an epidemic/pandemic.
  • Out of the top six carriers, three cover COVID-19 deaths.
  • Usually local policies do not limit the number of deaths from same event.
  • Intentional actions are not covered e.g. intentional trips abroad to ‘not-recommended’ countries or violations of quarantine.
  • Several local carriers launched new products covering COVID-19.

Sick leave (social benefits)

  • Increased sick leave payments are available in the full amount equal to statutory minimal wage regardless of an employee’s service record. In common practice sick leave is calculated depending on length of service, and the full amount is paid if an employee has over eight years of tenure.
  • Families with children who have the right to so called ‘maternity capital’ receive RUB 5000 for a child (for a period from April 1st till July 1st 2020).
  • Families with children where parents have lost their jobs receive an additional RUB 3000 for each child.

Short-term disability (sick pay and sickness allowance)

  • ‘Sick lists’ payments are based on a statutory minimum salary (RUB 12130). Until December 31st, 202,0 sick leave will be paid in the full amount regardless of an employee’s record of service.
  • Detailed information about the amount of sick leave payments can be obtained by calling this free hotline: 8-800-2000-112.
  • It is also possible to get a sick leave remotely (via website) – without visiting a medical institution.
  • An obligatory 14-day sick leave quarantine is in effect for people who returned from abroad (including relatives and close contacts).

Sick leave due to quarantine is issued immediately for two weeks and is paid in two parts:

  • After five working days (7 calendar) of being on sick leave.
  • Then again after the ‘sick list’ is closed.

The funds will be transferred directly by the Social Insurance Fund, which is more convenient for employers.

Anti-crisis measures by the government

  • Social payment reduction for small and medium-sized businesses from 30% to 15% (not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in the future). The rate remains the same at 30% for salaries equal or under the minimum wage.
  • Tax deferral (other than VAT) for small and medium-sized businesses.
  • A moratorium of six months for submission of petitions for bankruptcy, and collection of debts and fines. These measures apply to companies from the industries most affected by the current situation. The government is to monitor the situation constantly and adjusts the list of industries in need of support as necessary.
  • The sick leave pay rate will be set at one minimum wage until the end of the year.
  • The unemployment benefit is increased to reach the minimum wage, i.e. RUB 12,130 or USD 160 (approx.).

Travel insurance

All primary local insurers are ready to refund money for travel policies purchased for trips that had to be canceled due to the pandemic.

Helpful resources

Russian Government COVID-19 website

Russia Federation 24/7 COVID-19 hotline: 8-800-2000-112

RosPotrebnadzor 24/7 consulting center: 8-800-555-49-43

Health Department of Moscow 24/7 hotline: 8-499-251-83-00

Moscow District hotline: 8-800-550-50-30

 

Asinta’s Russian Partner, MAI CEE, provided this coronavirus update for employers in Russia.