What are the conditions for foreigners to receive health care in Bulgaria?

published on 5/14/24 2:23 PM

Wondering about access to healthcare for foreigners in Bulgaria? Radio Bulgaria provides a brief overview of the conditions for receiving medical care in the country.

Who is entitled to medical care in Bulgaria for a nominal fee (currently BGN 1 for pensioners and BGN 2.90 for other insured citizens)?

- Foreigners with long-term (initially 5 years, renewable) or permanent residence in Bulgaria are eligible under the same conditions as Bulgarian citizens, and are required to make regular health insurance payments.

- Foreigners granted refugee status, humanitarian status, or asylum status, as well as those under temporary protection, are entitled to care under the same conditions and procedures as Bulgarian citizens.

Under what circumstances does the state budget cover health insurance contributions for foreigners under temporary protection?

- For persons under temporary protection aged 18 and under, and for women aged 63 and over and men aged 65 and over, unless they are already covered by another health insurance scheme.

- For temporary protection beneficiaries aged 18 to 62 for women, and under 65 for men, the state covers contributions for 90 days from the date of temporary protection grant, unless they are already covered by other health insurance.

What are the conditions for providing medical assistance to EU citizens?

- Any citizen insured in an EU/EEA/Switzerland country who requires emergency medical treatment in Bulgaria (i.e. treatment deemed urgent by a doctor on the basis of the citizen's state of health and length of stay) is subject to the conditions for access to medical care for insured Bulgarians. Patients must present a valid European Health Insurance Card and identity card upon admission to hospital and fill in an emergency declaration form.

- In order to benefit from this entitlement, they must be treated in medical institutions that have a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund.

What are the costs of medical care for foreigners staying in or transiting through Bulgaria on a long-term basis (up to one year) or short-term basis (up to 90 days in any 180-day period from the date of entry into the country)?

- They pay the costs of medical care provided to them at the prices set by the specific medical facility, unless they are covered by an international treaty to which Bulgaria is a party.

Are foreigners staying in or transiting through the country for a short or long period of time required to have health insurance or insurance covering the costs of treatment and hospitalisation during their stay in the country?

- Yes, unless an international treaty involving Bulgaria stipulates otherwise.

- In connection with Bulgaria's accession to Schengen on 31 March 2024, Bulgaria issues uniform (Schengen) visas valid for the entire Schengen area. Insurance cover should only apply to the actual duration of the stay, not to the period of validity of the visa. The minimum insurance cover required is EUR 30,000.

If you are interested in how much health insurance costs in Bulgaria:

- The compulsory health insurance contribution rate for 2024 is 8% of income. The distribution of health insurance contributions between the insurer and the insured follows a ratio of 60:40, i.e. 4.8% for the insurer and 3.2% for the insured. In the case of self-insured persons, the contribution is paid entirely by the insured person.

More information:

Photos: Pixabay, Archive

Translated and posted by Elizabeth Radkova

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