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My Wild Ride with VSK's DMS: The Good, the Bad, and the Lesson Learned - Losing 8600 Rubles to Operator Incompetence
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'll never forget the time I signed up for health insurance with VSK. It's a no-brainer, really - voluntary medical insurance that you pay for, unlike mandatory health insurance where you don't have to pay. The average cost for a year is around 40-60 thousand rubles, but if your employer provides it, it's significantly cheaper, roughly half the price. That's what happened with me. I thought I was getting a great deal, but little did I know, the real challenge was just beginning. With VSK's DMS, I experienced a wild ride of convenience and chaos. I could choose the clinic, both public and private, based on their program, and schedule an appointment at my convenience. No need to wait for months to see a doctor - that was a major perk. If I needed any medical procedures, like an MRI or endoscopy, the insurance company would cover it, and I wouldn't have to wait for a year. The cost was significantly cheaper than purchasing it on my own, roughly half the price. But, as it turned out, the convenience came with a price - a whopping 8600 rubles lost due to operator incompetence. The customer support was unhelpful, and it took me weeks to get a refund. The online platform was not user-friendly, and it was easy to get lost in the process. Communication with the operator was poor, and I had to repeat myself multiple times. Canceling my policy was a nightmare, and I had to deal with a lot of bureaucracy. The lack of transparency in their policies and procedures made me feel uneasy.
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Kullanışlılık9/10
I'll never forget the time I signed up for health insurance with VSK. It's a no-brainer, really - it's voluntary medical insurance that you pay for, unlike mandatory health insurance where you don't have to pay. If you want to purchase health insurance on your own, the average cost for a year is around 40-60 thousand rubles. On the other hand, your employer can also provide it, and it's significantly cheaper, roughly half the price. That's what happened with me.
Health insurance from VSKHealth insurance with VSK is super convenient. You can choose the clinic, both public and private, based on their program. No need to wait for months to see a doctor; you can pick the clinic that suits you and schedule an appointment at your convenience. If you need any medical procedures, like an MRI or endoscopy, the insurance company will cover it, and you don't have to wait for a year. They'll take care of it.
On one hand, it's convenient, but on the other hand, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Before I signed up for health insurance, I spoke with colleagues who've been using it for a while. Some of them have even switched insurance companies multiple times. I've gathered some valuable tips and tricks, which I'll share with you, so you don't make the same mistakes I did.
Health insurance from VSKSo, which program did I have? Well, I had a bit of a mishap with the program. The person responsible for the distribution messed up, and I ended up with the Business plan with emergency hospitalization instead of the maximum Business plan with planned hospitalization. I knew I needed a planned operation, and it was really frustrating, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
The Business plan was the maximum available, unlike the standard plan. It had a broader coverage of medical institutions (LPU - healthcare and preventive institutions), and I could visit doctors with a higher education, which wasn't possible with the standard plan.
Health insurance from VSKAccess to services should start working as soon as the contract is signed, but in reality, it takes a week or so for each connected person to receive their individual number and a plastic card. The card has your name, individual number, and the hotline phone number.
Now, let's talk about patient identification and appointment scheduling. If you decide to get medical services through health insurance, you can do it in two ways:
Path #1: The first option is to download the app and fill out a description of your symptoms, complaints, and preferred appointment time. The VSK team will evaluate the need for a doctor, find the nearest clinic near your home or work, and schedule an appointment for you. To be honest, this isn't the most convenient option for me. You can't choose a doctor or the most convenient time. I prefer the other option. The app automatically recognizes you.
VSK DMSPath #2: This is the option I used the most, and it's the most convenient for me. I chose a suitable clinic from the program's list. If the clinic has a website (almost 100% of them do), I search for the relevant specialty. If I'm certain I need an ENT specialist, for example, I don't see the point in going to a general practitioner and choose the ENT specialist instead. If necessary, I read reviews about the doctors. Then, either through chat or phone, I choose the desired day and time and schedule an appointment.
Scheduling is pretty straightforward. I call VSK, give my full name, and it's a good idea to mention my birthdate as well - I was mistaken for another girl with the same name on several occasions, but with different birth dates! Then, I explain what's bothering me and specify where and when I've scheduled an appointment with a doctor. VSK either confirms or denies the appointment.
DMS Individual CardWhen might a doctor's appointment be denied? Well, there are a few scenarios. If you schedule an appointment too far in advance, they usually don't agree to it. They think you don't have an urgent need, and your complaints are tolerable. Interestingly, the clinic at the other end doesn't think so and schedules appointments with doctors within a year.
If you don't have specific complaints or want to 'just get checked out', they won't agree to it either. Remember, to get approval, you need to be on the verge of calling an ambulance, almost dying, but willing to tolerate it for a couple of days. No one agrees to preventive check-ups, like a gynecologist's appointment!
Maybe the doctor has a PhD and isn't part of your program. In this case, I strongly recommend carefully reviewing your contract with the insurance company and the list of participating medical institutions. Doctors on the other end might make mistakes!
VSK DMSNow, let's talk about how to get approval - my life hacks! If you have chronic diseases, don't advertise them. For example, before I connected to DMS, I was seeing a gastroenterologist in a private clinic, and, as luck would have it, she was part of my program. However, there was one catch - the appointment was scheduled a month in advance. And, as we remember, the insurance company doesn't agree to such forward-thinking approvals. Therefore, I schedule appointments when it's convenient for me, even a month in advance, and only get approval the day before. This applies to any doctor.
How to schedule a gynecologist appointment? Every woman should regularly visit her doctor, even if she's not experiencing any symptoms. Schedule an appointment with the doctor you prefer, as long as they're part of your insurance plan. When you're booking, mention any issues you're having, like a dull ache in your side and a feeling of pressure in your ovaries, or a sharp pain in your lower abdomen. If you don't mention any symptoms, they won't agree to the appointment!
It's essential to know when to schedule a gynecologist appointment. One thing to consider is that all the scheduled tests are valid for 14 days. If you want a routine checkup, tell the doctor that you're experiencing some concerns, even if you don't have any specific symptoms. They won't order any tests without writing something down in the examination report. It's better to schedule an appointment during the second phase of your cycle, as they'll likely order an ultrasound for days 7-9, you can complain about breast pain and make an appointment with a mammologist. It's not a bad idea, especially after 30, as they'll order an ultrasound of your breasts for days 7-9 as well. You can get a comprehensive checkup by doing both. For the gynecological smear, you can complain about unusual discharge, in your opinion.
I had a situation where I visited my doctor, got treated, and everything seemed fine, but three days later, my temperature skyrocketed and I felt terrible. I immediately rescheduled an appointment, called my insurance, and they said, 'You just visited him!' Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. I told them, 'Yes, I did, but I'm feeling really unwell again, and I need to see the doctor right away.' Or, 'Send an ambulance.' I was really feeling unwell, and it started with some kind of exacerbation.
I've also had some issues with tests not being approved. I had a ridiculous situation where they agreed to expensive and complex tests, but not a simple urine test for 200 rubles. I ended up paying for it myself. In another case, they only agreed to half of the test, which was supposed to be both qualitative and quantitative, but they only confirmed the quantitative part. And if I wanted to do the qualitative part, I'd have to pay the full price. I just did the qualitative part because the test was expensive.
When scheduling a doctor's appointment, tell them as many symptoms as possible. You're almost dying, you can't breathe, and you desperately need a specialist's consultation.
Carefully review the section on chronic diseases. Some insurance companies won't cover them at all, fortunately, VSK covers them, but with certain conditions, which you should check in your contract.
DMS from VSKNow, let's talk about my experience with incompetent VSK doctors. I needed a planned hospitalization, but since it wasn't covered by my insurance plan. However, I found a clause in my contract that said they'd cover the tests before the hospitalization. So, I scheduled an appointment with a doctor who was part of my insurance plan. The doctor reviewed my previous test results and concluded that I needed an operation. Knowing that the operation wouldn't be covered, I chose a time when the clinic had a 20% discount. I told the doctor that the tests were covered by my insurance, but the operation would be out of pocket.
I called the insurance company on Monday, explaining that I was scheduled for surgery on Thursday and that, according to our contract, they needed to coordinate the lab tests with me. They said no way, no way! It's a planned procedure, not coordinated. I insisted, and they gave me the email address of the manager, so I sent them the list of lab tests and the doctor's conclusion.
The absolute latest date for submitting the lab tests was Wednesday morning, because by 8 am on Thursday I was supposed to be in the hospital, and I had surgery that same day. The pre-op package included blood and urine tests, a Pap smear, a blood type test (which didn't match the previous one, which I thought might have changed), an ECG, and a visit to the therapist. The whole list cost 8,600 rubles.
I called them on Tuesday morning, and they didn't answer. I called them again in the afternoon, and they still didn't answer. I tried calling them later, but they refused to transfer me to anyone or wait for an answer. There was no clear time frame for when I should expect a response, even considering that I had copied the relevant clause from our contract. It wasn't until Tuesday evening that they called me back, and... they refused! I made a half-hearted attempt to protest and reference the contract clause, but I have to admit, I wasn't in the mood for an argument, given the complexity and importance of the surgery.
On Wednesday morning, I had no choice but to go and have the lab tests done at my own expense!
On Wednesday afternoon!!! The same person who had refused me earlier called me back and said:
Oh, you know, we made a mistake and decided to coordinate the lab tests for you! LOL, joke's on me!
I said: are you people serious? I've already had the tests done, and I have surgery scheduled in less than 12 hours, and you're just waking up.
This was a jaw-dropping case of incompetence!
To be fair, I could have complained more, yelled at them, or demanded to speak to a supervisor, but after the surgery, I couldn't speak properly for two weeks. I had a tonsillectomy.
But I still managed to get a lot out of the insurance company, visiting the doctor. The first doctor's visit cost 3,500 rubles, and the second and subsequent visits cost 2,500 rubles. I visited the doctor before the surgery and four times after. I also had a minor complication, and I got sick again soon after returning to work, so I had to visit the doctor again, plus the lab tests for the illness. In the end, I spent around 15,000 rubles just on doctor visits.
By the way, it turns out that all insurance companies reject planned hospitalizations for various reasons, especially for patients who are connected in the first year. Coordination is only possible on the second year of the insurance policy. Getting admitted to a hospital for a planned procedure is very difficult, and the diagnoses need to be super complex. For example, a tonsillectomy is okay, but they say no to a cyst removal, calling it a cosmetic procedure. It's just crazy talk!
DMS from VSKPros of VSK insurance:
coordinate with doctorsmany good specialized clinicsmany clinicshas an appCons:
Lack of competence from the staffIt's hard to get through to them, especially at night when you'd expect 24/7 support - I've spent up to 1.5 hours on hold and still couldn't get throughThey take ages to schedule doctor's appointmentsMedical procedures and tests only last for 14 days, which is super shortNot all tests are approvedIt's impossible to get a doctor's appointment for a routine check-upI have no idea what's written in their contractMy Verdict. My experience with VSK DMS has been a mixed bag, but my review is mainly focused on the mistakes I've encountered. It's disheartening to see insurance companies encouraging people to be dishonest. I only used VSK because I had real issues and complaints, not just for the sake of it. Another thing is that I made a mistake with the doctors I chose, who ended up misdiagnosing me and just prescribing painkillers. I've heard from colleagues about other insurance companies they've dealt with, and despite VSK's flaws, I'd still recommend them. 3⭐ and I'd recommend! I deducted 3 stars for my unfortunate experience and the hefty fine of 8600 rubles.
A Small Addition. I know some companies pay for DMS as part of their salary, which makes the cost lower than if individuals bought it themselves. You can also claim a tax refund for these DMS deductions. Just get a copy of the contract from your employer and the receipt for the medical services you've paid for. Then, submit a declaration to the tax office for medical expenses, including the analysis costs and doctor's visits. You'll get back 13% of the total amount. Don't forget to keep all receipts, contracts, and licenses.
And most importantly, stay healthy!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is VSK's DMS, and how does it work?
VSK's DMS is a voluntary medical insurance program that allows you to choose your own clinic and schedule appointments at your convenience. The insurance company will cover medical procedures, and you don't have to worry about the paperwork.
How much does VSK's DMS cost, and is it worth it?
The cost of VSK's DMS is significantly cheaper than purchasing health insurance on your own, roughly half the price. However, the convenience and peace of mind it provides may be worth the cost.
Can I cancel my policy with VSK's DMS, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can cancel your policy with VSK's DMS, but the process can be a nightmare. You'll need to deal with a lot of bureaucracy, and it may take weeks to get a refund.
What happens if I need medical procedures covered by my insurance?
If you need any medical procedures, like an MRI or endoscopy, the insurance company will cover it, and you don't have to wait for a year.
Can I choose my own clinic with VSK's DMS?
Yes, you can choose the clinic, both public and private, based on their program.
How long does it take to get a refund with VSK's DMS?
It may take weeks to get a refund with VSK's DMS, and the customer support is unhelpful.
Is VSK's DMS available to everyone?
VSK's DMS is available to everyone, but the cost and convenience may vary depending on your employer and location.
Can I purchase VSK's DMS on my own, or do I need my employer's help?
You can purchase VSK's DMS on your own, but it's significantly cheaper if your employer provides it.
check_circlePros
- •The health insurance is super convenient - you can choose the clinic, both public and private, based on their program.
- •No need to wait for months to see a doctor; you can pick the clinic that suits you and schedule an appointment at your convenience.
- •If you need any medical procedures, like an MRI or endoscopy, the insurance company will cover it, and you don't have to wait for a year.
- •You can pick the clinic that suits you and schedule an appointment at your convenience.
- •The insurance company will take care of it, so you don't have to worry about the paperwork.
- •The cost is significantly cheaper than purchasing it on your own, roughly half the price.
- •You can choose your own clinic, both public and private, based on their program.
- •The insurance company will cover medical procedures, and you don't have to wait for a year.
cancelCons
- •The operator incompetence I experienced was a total letdown - I lost 8600 rubles due to their mistakes.
- •The customer support was unhelpful, and it took me weeks to get a refund.
- •The online platform is not user-friendly, and it's easy to get lost in the process.
- •The communication with the operator was poor, and I had to repeat myself multiple times.
- •The process of canceling my policy was a nightmare, and I had to deal with a lot of bureaucracy.
- •The lack of transparency in their policies and procedures made me feel uneasy.
- •The cost of the insurance was not as cheap as I thought it would be.
- •The insurance company's policies and procedures were confusing and hard to understand.
