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Before visiting or moving to Bulgaria, it is worth understanding how healthcare and medical insurance work.
Healthcare in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has public and private hospitals, clinics and medical practices. Access, waiting times and the availability of specialists vary by region, and some smaller towns offer fewer services than Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna or Burgas.
Healthcare is provided through both the public system and private providers. What a patient pays depends on insurance status, the service required and the chosen clinic.
Do not assume that every service is covered. Check whether a doctor or hospital works with your insurer, what referrals are needed and which charges remain payable by the patient.
Health insurance
Health-insurance requirements depend on citizenship, employment, visa type and residence status. Proof of cover may be required for a visa or residence application.
A typical private-insurance application includes:
- Choosing the required level of cover and completing the application;
- Reviewing and signing the policy terms;
- Receiving the policy certificate and payment confirmation.
Submit proof of insurance only where the relevant consulate or authority requires it.
Cost of Health Insurance
If You received permanent resident statusand are not employed, your contribution or private-policy cost depends on your status, age, cover and the current minimum insurance base. The old fixed figures often quoted online may no longer apply; confirm the current amount with the National Revenue Agency, National Health Insurance Fund or insurer.
Some visa and residence procedures specify a minimum coverage limit. Confirm the current requirement and check whether the policy includes:
- Emergency medical care;
- Acute exacerbations of chronic conditions;
- Emergency dental treatment;
- Medical transport or repatriation, where applicable.
For employees, statutory health contributions are generally calculated through payroll. Self-employed people and other categories follow different contribution rules.
Policies with limits of €50,000 or €75,000 may offer broader cover, but exclusions, waiting periods and provider networks matter as much as the headline limit.
Travel Insurance
Visitors can buy travel insurance for the length of a trip. If you return regularly or own property in Bulgaria, compare an annual multi-trip policy with separate cover for each visit.
Before buying, compare the policy wording and ask the insurer to confirm that it meets the requirements for your intended visa or residence procedure. BolgarskiyDom can provide general guidance and refer you to an insurance specialist.
