One of my friends from college is getting married this summer. Does anyone have any experience getting a German Visa here in the US for a Russian National? Galina has gotten Schengen visas before, so this should not be a big deal. I think we do need to go to the consulate for an interview though.

Any idea how long this will take (the wedding is in about 90 days).

Contact your local German consulate in the US, they will be able to answer all your questions and help you with the application. I don't know if you will have an interview - but they usually want people to make an appointment to drop off the application.
The processing times for tourist visas isn't that long, about 2 weeks I would assume. But to be on the safe side: the earlier you contact them, the better.
You can also find a lot of info and all required forms/documents online at http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/cons...sa/tourist.html (there is a consulate finder with conctact info on this website as well).

She'll probably have to buy travel insurance as well.

I've heard of this before. I wonder why it's mandatory in some cases...

My guy got a finnish visa last month and it was mandatory.

I didn't realize there was a travel insurance requirement when I went over, and thank goddess they didn't check. Getting turned away at the border would have sucked.

There's no requirement for Americans.

Ahhhh, cool.

It's usually mandatory for one of two reasons:
1. Reciprocity, Russia requires it of German citizens; or
2. Some nationals, are viewed to poor to afford German heath care in case of an accident.

Fortunately, our insurance (health, disability, etc) all have worldwide coverage. Travel policies are cheap though, I may get one to be safe.

Check out the link I posted above, it tells you everything about the health insurance requirement. You need proof that it covers at least up to $ 37,500 for trips outside the US.

it's probably easier than dealing with getting the documentation from your insurance company.

The policy number was good enough last time, but given how cheap travel insurance is, it is worth the $10.

Yeah, you can't beat that little box at the checkout. "Check here to add travel insurance for $10." Or the credit card companies and sometimes the airlines themselves have good deals.

Worth the piece of mind of not getting hassled, that's for sure.