Bulgaria
Each country's health system is different, and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This means you may have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care.
Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access state-provided healthcare in Bulgaria at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free. It will cover your treatment until you return to the UK. It also covers treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and routine maternity care, providing the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.
Non-EEA nationals are not covered in Bulgaria.
Get the EHIC smartphone app
The European Commission (EC) has developed a useful multi-language free phone app, which explains how to use the EHIC in different countries within the European Union (EU). It summarises the treatments, costs, procedure for reimbursement and emergency numbers.
If you are travelling for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment, please read our section on seeking medical treatment in Europe.
Find help in emergencies
If you find yourself in a serious, life-threatening emergency, you should call 112. This number is free of charge and valid in all Bulgarian territories.
Other important phone numbers to note down:
- 150 – ambulance
- 160 – fire/rescue
- 166 – police
- 178 – pharmacy on duty
Health services and costs
Your EHIC does not cover private treatment. Make sure you are treated by a healthcare provider that has a contract with the Bulgarian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
You should be particularly careful if healthcare arrangements are made by a hotel or travel representative. Any costs incurred for private healthcare are non-refundable.
Contact NHIF for more advice before you travel. Call 00359 2 965 9116 from the UK. The NHIF website offers some information in English.
Doctors
About 90% of doctors in Bulgaria are registered with the NHIF – however, always check before making an appointment. There is a small charge for seeing a doctor. This is non-refundable.
If you require medication, a doctor will usually issue you a receipt form (for non-chronic diseases) or a prescription (chronic illnesses).
Dentists
You should consult a dentist who has a contract with the NHIF. However, a patient contribution might be charged. If the dentist does not have a contract with the NHIF, you will be charged the full cost of the treatment and those charges are not refundable.
Hospital treatment
Inpatient treatment is provided by public and private hospitals. However, you should ask to be referred to a hospital that has a contract with the NHIF, as they will cover the cost of treatment. After being discharged from hospital, you are entitled to a maximum of two examinations as part of your inpatient care.
Prescriptions
If you have been issued a receipt form, you'll be able to get your medication either for free or at reduced costs. However, ensure you take the receipt form to a pharmacy that is registered with the NHIF – otherwise, you will have to pay the full price.
If you have been issued a prescription, you can visit any pharmacy in Bulgaria but you will have to pay the full cost. This is non-refundable.
Ambulance
Using an ambulance in cases of emergency is free.
Making healthcare arrangements in advance
Although your EHIC covers the provision of oxygen, renal dialysis and routine medical care, you'll have to arrange and pre-book medical treatment before you travel. You should always consult your GP or hospital before travelling. You should also ensure you are not booked with a private healthcare provider, as these are not covered by the EHIC.
Oxygen therapy
Ensure your EHIC is valid before you travel. In most cases, you will have to use the authorised oxygen company for the country you are travelling to. You will also have to make your own arrangements, including arranging for permission from your hotel to deliver and install the equipment. There may also be additional costs that the EHIC will not cover.
Your home oxygen supplier is not required to provide a service outside the UK; however, most suppliers can advise you on what to do. Your oxygen treatment clinic will organise your home oxygen supply from one of these suppliers:
Air Liquide: call them on:
- 0808 143 9991 for London
- 0808 143 9992 for North West
- 0808 143 9993 for East Midlands
- 0808 143 9999 for South West
Baywater Healthcare: covers Yorkshire and Humberside, West Midlands and Wales. Call them on 0800 373 580. For more information, visit the Baywater Healthcare website.
The British Lung Foundation (BLF) may have additional oxygen contacts for the country you are travelling to. Their website offers general advice about how to make travel arrangements, including advice on going on holiday with a lung condition
Make sure you allow plenty of time to make all your arrangements before you travel.
Dialysis
You will need to speak to the coordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit, who will contact the dialysis unit in Bulgaria nearest to where you will be staying. You can look up UK renal units on the Renal Association website.
Ensure you make arrangements according to your UK schedule. There may also be different guidance, depending on the type of dialysis you receive. Make sure you speak to your doctor before you travel. The National Kidney Federation website offers general advice about travelling with a kidney disease, as well as specific guidance for haemodialysis patients, peritoneal dialysis patients and guidelines for transplant patients.
Living in Bulgaria
Everyone who is eligible for health insurance in Bulgaria is registered with the Bulgarian NHIF. This is the only organisation in Bulgaria that deals with compulsory health insurance. Once you are registered with the relevant authorities, you are entitled to necessary medical treatment and you will have to pay the same patient contributions as a permanent resident of Bulgaria.
Registration is also necessary to obtain your Bulgarian National Health Insurance Card (??????????? ??????? ?????). You will have to present the card every time you see a doctor or dentist.
For more information, contact the Bulgarian NHIF:
National Health Insurance Fund
1 Krichim Str.
Sofia 1407
Telephone: 0800 14 800
Website: www.nhif.bg
Or visit the Ministry of Health website (information in Bulgarian only).
Working in Bulgaria
If you are a worker seconded to Bulgaria or the family member of someone making UK National Insurance (NI) contributions, your employer should contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the following forms:
- A1 – this will show that NI contributions are paid in the UK
- S1 – this will give you and your family the same medical cover as Bulgarian residents
Note: Ensure when you submit the forms that you mention relevant family members and dependants.
National Insurance Contributions and Employer Office
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1AN
United Kingdom
- Telephone: 0300 200 3506
- Outside UK: +44 191 203 7010
- Opening times: 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday - closed weekends and bank holidays
Once issued, register the S1 form with the NHIF before you register with your local GP surgery.
Pensioners
If you are living in Bulgaria and you receive a UK State Pension, or any other benefit that can be paid to you when you move abroad (exportable benefit), you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You'll need to apply for an S1 form (a certificate of entitlement) from the International Pension Centre, which can be reached on 0191 218 7777. Once issued, register the S1 form with the NHIF before you register with your local GP surgery.
Once you have registered your S1 in Bulgaria, you will be entitled to apply for and use a UK-issued EHIC to access state-funded necessary medical treatment when you visit other EEA countries outside Bulgaria, including when you return to the UK.
Early retirees
since July 1 2014, you are no longer able to apply for a residual S1 form. If you already have a residual S1 this will not affect you – it will continue to be valid until its original expiry date.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides useful information about what UK and Bulgarian benefits are available to Britons living in Bulgaria.
Last Updated: 01/04/2017 09:00:00