Haris Ashley
Bulgaria has a compulsory health insurance model, meaning that all Bulgarian residents, including expats, are required to have health insurance. The cost of healthcare in Bulgaria varies depending on factors such as the nature of the care, the geographical location, and the type of medical establishment. For example, the average cost of a basic medical consultation is around €30 to €50, while hospitalisation can cost between €50 and €100 per day. There are two main options for health insurance in Bulgaria: local health insurance and international health insurance. Local insurance companies often offer plans specifically tailored to the needs of Bulgarian residents, while international insurance can offer access to high-quality medical care and the freedom to choose where you're treated within your area of cover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health insurance requirement | Mandatory for Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents |
| Health insurance options | Local health insurance or international health insurance |
| Local health insurance | Offered by companies like Bulstrad, Generali, DZI, and Uniqa |
| Average price of local coverage plan | 150-200 BGN per year |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Provides basic coverage for EU citizens, including access to free medical treatment and emergency care |
| UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) | Provides access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare for UK nationals |
| Bulgarian healthcare system | Based on compulsory health insurance model; all residents, including expatriates, are required to have health insurance |
| Cost of healthcare | Varies depending on nature of care, geographical location, and type of medical establishment; basic medical consultation costs around €30-€50, while hospitalization costs €50-€100 per day |
| Private hospitals | Often offer high-quality services and a wider range of medical specialties, but can be more expensive than public facilities |
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What You'll Learn
Compulsory health insurance for Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents
Health insurance is mandatory for Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents in Bulgaria who do not have health insurance in another EU member country. The Bulgarian healthcare system is based on a compulsory health insurance model, which provides basic cover for all Bulgarian residents, including expats. The system is managed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which collects contributions and manages funds. Contributions to health insurance are deducted from employees' income, while self-employed workers pay contributions based on their declared income.
The cost of healthcare in Bulgaria can vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of the care, the geographical location, and the type of medical establishment. For example, the average cost of a basic medical consultation is around €30 to €50, while hospitalisation can cost between €50 and €100 per day. Local insurance companies often offer plans specifically tailored to the needs of Bulgarian residents, which can be advantageous in terms of costs and local coverage. On the other hand, international insurance offers access to high-quality medical care and the freedom to choose where you're treated within your area of cover.
The Bulgarian healthcare system's basic benefits cover a wide range of medical care, including medical consultations, essential medicines, hospital care, diagnostic services, rehabilitation, and preventive care. However, coverage may vary depending on the resources available and the capacity of health establishments. Bulgarian residents can access healthcare by presenting their compulsory health insurance card, although waiting times may vary depending on demand and the availability of medical resources.
There are both public and private hospitals in Bulgaria, with larger cities like Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv offering more options. Private hospitals often provide high-quality services and a wider range of medical specialties, but treatment can be more expensive than in public facilities. For UK nationals living in Bulgaria, there are a few different ways to access the Bulgarian healthcare system, including paying state health insurance contributions through a Bulgarian employer or independently if self-employed or financially independent.
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Local health insurance for expats
Bulgaria has a compulsory health insurance model, which means that all residents, including expats, are required to take out health insurance. Expats in Bulgaria have two options: local health insurance or international health insurance.
Local health insurance is provided by companies that offer plans specifically tailored to the needs of Bulgarian residents, which can be advantageous in terms of costs and local coverage. The cost of local health insurance plans varies, with an average price of between 150 and 200 BGN per year. These plans typically cover a wide range of medical services, including medical consultations, essential medicines, hospital care, diagnostic services, rehabilitation, and preventive care. However, coverage may vary depending on the available resources and the capacity of health establishments.
To access healthcare services, Bulgarian residents, including expats, need to present their compulsory health insurance card. It is important to note that waiting times for healthcare may vary depending on demand and the availability of medical resources. Bulgarian residents and expats can consult both general practitioners and specialists in various fields, including fertility, dentistry, and ophthalmology.
Expats who are employed in Bulgaria will have their national health insurance contributions deducted directly from their salary, while self-employed expats will pay contributions based on their declared income. The amount of contributions will depend on the individual's salary, but it is typically around 8% of their income, with 4.8% paid by the employer and 3.2% paid by the employee. This entitles expats and their families to free or subsidized medical and dental treatment from the Bulgarian public healthcare system.
It is worth noting that emergency care for life-threatening conditions in Bulgaria is free of charge, and state ambulance services are provided free of charge by law. However, if you require an ambulance to a private clinic, you will be charged for the service. Additionally, while public healthcare in Bulgaria may face challenges due to limited infrastructure and funding, the country is known for its well-trained medical professionals.
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International health insurance for expats
Expats in Bulgaria have two options when it comes to health insurance: local health insurance or international health insurance. Local insurance is mandatory for Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents, and expats can also choose to enrol in this system. However, most expats opt for international health insurance, as the local insurance system can be complicated and inefficient.
Local health insurance is offered by companies like Bulstrad, Generali, DZI, and Uniqa, with an average price of between 150 and 200 BGN per year. This insurance provides access to Bulgaria's network of healthcare facilities, including public and private hospitals, clinics, medical centres, and doctors' surgeries. However, waiting times for public healthcare can vary depending on demand and the availability of medical resources.
International health insurance is a popular choice for expats in Bulgaria as it offers access to high-quality medical care and the freedom to choose where you're treated within your area of cover. It is recommended that expats purchase international health insurance before arriving in Bulgaria, ensuring that it covers overseas medical evacuation and airlifting during a medical emergency. Cigna Global and Allianz International are two providers generally accepted by Bulgarian healthcare institutions.
The cost of healthcare in Bulgaria can vary depending on factors such as the nature of care, geographical location, and the type of medical establishment. A basic medical consultation typically costs around €30 to €50, while hospitalisation can range from €50 to €100 per day.
It is important to note that EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access free medical treatments in all public hospitals in Bulgaria. This card provides basic coverage for emergency care but does not cover private healthcare or costs such as return flights for medical treatment in one's home country.
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European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU citizens
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is basic coverage for EU citizens. It gives cardholders access to free medical treatment and emergency care during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The card is issued by the cardholder's national health insurance provider and is not a replacement for travel insurance. EHIC does not cover private healthcare or costs such as repatriation to the cardholder's home country or lost/stolen property. It also does not cover costs if the cardholder travels for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment and does not guarantee free services.
In Bulgaria, health insurance is mandatory for Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents who do not have health insurance in another EU member country. Expats have two options: local health insurance or international health insurance. Local insurance companies offer plans tailored to Bulgarian residents, which can be advantageous in terms of costs and local coverage. International insurance offers access to high-quality medical care and the freedom to choose where to be treated within the area of cover. The cost of healthcare in Bulgaria varies depending on factors such as the nature of the care, the geographical location, and the type of medical establishment. For example, the average cost of a basic medical consultation is around €30 to €50, while hospitalisation can cost between €50 and €100 per day.
To access healthcare in Bulgaria, residents must present their compulsory health insurance card. Bulgarian residents and expats can consult doctors in their private practices, including general practitioners and specialists in various fields. There are also many specialist clinics in Bulgaria, focusing on areas such as fertility, dentistry, and ophthalmology.
UK nationals usually access the Bulgarian healthcare system in the following ways: paying state health insurance contributions through their Bulgarian employer, paying state health insurance contributions independently if they are self-employed or financially independent, using a UK-issued EHIC for temporary stays, or registering a UK-issued S1 form with Bulgaria's National Health Insurance Fund.
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Private health insurance
In Bulgaria, public health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including expats. However, expats often opt for private health insurance to access more comprehensive coverage and private healthcare facilities. Private insurance is also recommended for expatriates and tourists staying in Bulgaria for a short period of time, as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not cover medical repatriation, ongoing treatment, or non-urgent medical care.
There are two main options for private health insurance in Bulgaria: international health insurance or local health insurance. International health insurance providers in Bulgaria include Allianz, AXA, Bupa, Cigna, and VUMI, which offer extensive coverage and a wide network of providers. Local insurance companies, on the other hand, often provide plans tailored to the needs of Bulgarian residents, which can be more cost-effective.
One example of a private health insurance provider in Bulgaria is Health Care Premium, which offers easy and reliable access to professional and high-quality healthcare. They provide comprehensive health insurance with high limits and direct access to top physicians and specialists in leading healthcare facilities.
Another option for expatriates is to obtain private insurance from their home country, which can be valid in Bulgaria if it is from the European Union or a country with a signed agreement. It is important to note that private hospitals in Bulgaria may offer higher-quality services and a wider range of medical specialties, but treatment costs can be more expensive than in public facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of medical insurance in Bulgaria depends on several factors, such as the nature of the care, the geographical location, and the type of medical establishment. The average cost of a basic medical consultation is around €30 to €50, while hospitalisation can cost between €50 and €100 per day. The average price of a coverage plan is between 150 and 200 BGN per year.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents who do not have health insurance in another EU member country.
Expats in Bulgaria have two main options: local health insurance or international health insurance. Local insurance companies often offer plans tailored to Bulgarian residents, while international insurance offers access to high-quality care and the freedom to choose where you're treated within your area of cover.
If you are employed in Bulgaria, your employer will arrange for monthly national health insurance payments to be made from your salary. You will then need to register at your local National Revenue Agency (NRA) office to obtain your health insurance card.
UK nationals can usually access the Bulgarian healthcare system in the following ways: paying state health insurance contributions through their Bulgarian employer, paying state health insurance contributions independently if self-employed or financially independent, using a UK-issued GHIC or EHIC for temporary stays, or registering a UK-issued S1 form with Bulgaria's National Health Insurance Fund.
