This text is an automatic translation from Русский. It was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Read original →Telemedicine Goes Mainstream
How telemedicine in Russia grew from 8% to 22% user adoption over five years. Why online consultations aren't reducing voluntary health insurance costs and which legislative restrictions are holding the market back. Data from VTsIOM and expert opinions.
Over the past five years, telemedicine in Russia has evolved from a pandemic-era novelty into a full-fledged segment of the healthcare market. According to VTsIOM data, while only 8% of Russians used remote medical consultations in 2020, that figure reached 22% in 2025—representing nearly a threefold increase in the user base.
Yet the market's potential remains significantly higher than current adoption rates. A VTsIOM study found that 64% of Russians familiar with the concept of telemedicine would consider using online consultations in the future—whether via internet or phone. At the same time, nearly half of citizens still aren't ready to fully trust the remote format. This gap between demand, technological capabilities, and existing limitations is what's currently shaping the market's development.
The pandemic created the market, but economics is driving it forward now
The COVID-19 pandemic was the main catalyst for telemedicine's growth. During lockdowns, online consultations became virtually the only way for many patients to receive medical care without visiting a clinic. But after the pandemic ended, the market didn't revert to previous levels—quite the opposite, the habit stuck.
Health Minister Mikhail Murashko in May 2026 reportedthat 24 million telemedicine consultations were conducted in Russia over the previous year—roughly 8 million more than the year before.
Telemedicine is gradually becoming part of the everyday model for consuming medical services—especially in major cities and among the working population. Users value it primarily for time savings, the ability to quickly get a second opinion, or consultation on an already-known diagnosis.
According to the head of SberZdorovye's medical divisionAlina Gubanova, today "more than 60% of health-related issues can be resolved remotely." This includes not just consultations with general practitioners, but also managing chronic patients, interpreting test results, adjusting treatment plans, and providing psychological support.
"Online consultations make it possible to reach an experienced doctor with any health questions without wasting time on travel and waiting rooms," Gubanova notes.
The company is also seeing a sharp surge in user demand. According to SberZdorovye data, the number of online consultations through the service has increased twelvefold over the past six years.
Telemedicine is no longer just a"video call with a doctor"
The market is gradually expanding beyond simple online consultations. Major players are developing an ecosystem approach that integrates telemedicine with laboratory diagnostics, electronic medical records, AI services, and remote patient monitoring.