How to Navigate the Health System in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a public and private healthcare system, both of which are available to foreigners. The public healthcare system is called the National Health Insurance Fund and is funded by taxes. It covers most medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. However, it does not cover some services such as dental care and cosmetic surgery. Public hospitals are generally used for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, but the quality of care can vary.

Bulgaria's Public Healthcare System

Bulgaria's public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is available to all citizens and foreigners. It covers most medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. However, it does not cover some services such as dental care and cosmetic surgery. Public hospitals are generally used for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, but the quality of care can vary.

Bulgaria's Private Healthcare System

Bulgaria's private healthcare system is available to all citizens and foreigners. It is more expensive than the public system, but it offers more comprehensive coverage and higher quality care. Private hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they offer better quality care than public hospitals. Private health insurance is available from a variety of companies, and expats typically use private health insurance providers that specialize in expat health insurance.

Bulgaria's Top Hospitals

Bulgaria has a number of top hospitals, both public and private. Some of the most well-known hospitals include:

• University Hospital "St. Ivan Rilski" (public) in Sofia
• University Hospital "St. Anna" (public) in Varna
• University Hospital "St. Marina" (public) in Plovdiv
• University Hospital "St. Ekaterina" (public) in Burgas
• University Hospital "St. George" (public) in Stara Zagora
• University Hospital "St. Panteleimon" (public) in Ruse
• University Hospital "St. Sofia" (public) in Pleven
• University Hospital "St. Ivan Rilski" (private) in Sofia
• University Hospital "St. Anna" (private) in Varna
• University Hospital "St. Ekaterina" (private) in Burgas
• University Hospital "St. Panteleimon" (private) in Ruse
• University Hospital "St. Sofia" (private) in Pleven
• University Hospital "St. George" (private) in Stara Zagora
• University Hospital "St. Ivan Rilski" (specializing in cardiology) in Sofia
• University Hospital "St. Anna" (specializing in oncology) in Varna

Health Insurance Companies in Bulgaria

The most popular private health insurers in Bulgaria are Euroins, Allianz, and Bulstrad. Expats typically use private health insurance providers that specialize in expat health insurance.

Insider Tips from Expats in Bulgaria: How to Navigate the Health System

"Bulgaria has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a wide range of medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a variety of treatments and services, including general medicine, surgery, dentistry, and specialized care. The quality of care is generally good, and the cost of medical services is relatively low compared to other European countries. In addition, Bulgaria has a number of private medical facilities that offer more advanced treatments and services at a higher cost," commented one member living in Bulgaria.

"Be sure you now how to call an ambulance and know a doctor with who you can communicate," commented one expat living in Ivaylovgrad, Bulgaria.

"There are doctors clinics for general health issues that are easy to use as (for instance) if you need an ex-ray for a problem, it is done there within minutes and you then see the doctor again and the results and treatments are discussed. There is no need to book an appointment and the total cost of a visit such as this is approximately 40 Bulgarian Lev to include the ex-ray. Medication is then prescribed and it is very affordable compared with the UK," mentioned one expat living in Bulgaria.

"Healthcare services in Bulgaria are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Bulgarian citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Bulgaria is generally good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Bulgaria can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats may also choose to use private healthcare services, which are generally more expensive but may offer a higher quality of care," said an expat in Bulgaria.