What kind of healthcare is there in Bulgaria?

 

 

Good basic healthcare and medication, including dental treatment is freely available and widespread in Bulgaria.

There are pharmacy shops in every city, town and many villages. They have a wide range of medicines that can be bought 'over the counter.'

Are Bulgarian doctors/nurses up to British standards?

 

 

Medical staff in Bulgaria are qualified to a universally recognised standard.

What medical treatment can I get as an EU Citizen in Bulgaria?

 

 

Any EU citizen in Bulgaria who needs urgent attention will receive it free of charge, beyond this, they will have to pay the same as Bulgarian National.

What medical treatment can I get if I'm not an EU Citizen?

 

 

Most countries have reciprocal agreements with regard to medical treament in Bulgaria.

Check with your respective embassy or foreign office who should have the up to date information.

How can I avoid medical/hospital fees?

 

 

Take out private medical insurance cover.

This is highly recommended to all foreigners coming to Bulgaria either for short or long term visits.

Both state and private medical insurance is available to foreigners in BG at reasonable cost.

Bulgarian hospitals - What are they like?

 

 

Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are adequate and medical care is considered to be acceptable.

Specialised equipment/treatment may not always be there in the smaller towns. However in bigger cities or towns the facilities provided are modern and up to date and compare favourably with other medical centres in more developed European countries.

What medication/drugs are available in Bulgaria?

 

 

Foreigners can buy most medication/drugs in Bulgaria over the counter in the many pharmacies that are located in most areas.

Specialist drugs may be a problem and provision of these may have to be sought either from the UK, or arrangements made to have them imported via your local doctor or hospital in Bulgaria.

Antibiotics may be stronger than those in the UK.

What documentation do I need for medical treatment in Bulgaria?

 

 

British citizens in Bulgaria should have their passport and form EHIC.

You can use this link to apply for the EHIC online -> On-line EHIC Application

Foreign nationals should always carry their passports.

Foreigners resident in Bulgaria should always carry their Residents' Permit (or lichna Carte if still current).

Please note that the residents permit is not classed as identification. A passport still has to be produced.

It is also advisable for all to carry some BGN leva.

If you have a medical history that doctors need to be aware, e.g. allegies, asthma etc. of it is advisable to carry this with you when abroad.

Where can I find a doctor or hospital?

 

 

There are doctors, dentists and hospitals are in most towns, cities and resorts.

In rural areas you’ll find that medical assistance may take longer to source but  people in the villages will know how to contact the local doctor.

It is good practice to find out where the  nearest hospital or doctor is located, and keep these details to hand.