Medicine & Veterinary Bulgaria

Compulsory Health Insurance

Compulsory health insurance is the foundation of Bulgaria's healthcare system. All citizens and residents are required to participate in this system by making regular contributions to the National Health Insurance Fund. The size of the contributions depends on the insured person's income and is regulated by the state. Employers and employees jointly make these payments. Compulsory health insurance covers a basic package of medical services, including:

- Primary medical care;

- Specialized outpatient care;

- Inpatient treatment;

- Diagnostic studies;

- Partially — the cost of medicines.

 

Voluntary Health Insurance

Voluntary health insurance is designed to expand the scope and quality of medical services not covered by compulsory health insurance. It is provided by private insurance companies and can include:

- Expanded diagnostic and therapeutic procedures;

- Access to private medical facilities;

- Coverage of dental service costs;

- Treatment abroad;

- Medications not included in the National Health Insurance Fund's list.

The terms and cost of voluntary health insurance vary depending on the chosen package and insurance company. This insurance is particularly useful for those who want faster access to medical services or specialized treatment.

 

Special Features for Foreigners

Foreign citizens residing in Bulgaria on a short-term or long-term basis are required to have health insurance that meets Bulgarian legal requirements. As of March 31, 2024, with Bulgaria joining the Schengen Area, new requirements for compulsory health insurance for foreigners have been introduced. Insurance must cover treatment and hospital stay expenses during their stay in the country.

 

To obtain a residence permit, foreigners must arrange compulsory health insurance valid in Bulgaria. Some insurance companies offer special programs for foreigners that meet legislative requirements.

Foreigners are advised to carefully familiarize themselves with the insurance requirements and conditions to ensure full access to medical services in the country.

In Bulgaria, the healthcare system combines public and private medical facilities.

National Health Insurance Fund: All insured persons are entitled to medical services covered by the state. This includes visiting general practitioners, specialists, as well as treatment in public hospitals.

Private health insurance: Accessing private clinic services is recommended through additional health insurance that covers treatment expenses at these facilities.

 

How to get medical assistance

 

Choosing a facility: Depending on your needs, you can choose a public or private hospital. Public facilities are usually more crowded, but services are partially or fully covered by the National Health Insurance Fund.

 

Appointment scheduling: To visit a specialist in a public institution, a referral from a general practitioner may be required. In private clinics, appointments are usually made directly.

 

Service payment: In public hospitals, part of the services is paid for by insurance contributions, but some procedures may require additional payment. In private clinics, services are charged according to the price list unless you have appropriate insurance.

 

Public Hospitals

 

University Multiprofile Hospital "Alexandrovska," Sofia: One of the oldest medical institutions in the country, founded in 1879; provides a wide range of specialized medical services.

 

University Emergency Hospital "N.I. Pirogov," Sofia: The largest emergency hospital in Bulgaria; specializes in emergencies, traumatology, and surgery.

 

Military Medical Academy, Sofia: Provides medical services to both military personnel and the civilian population; known for highly qualified specialists and modern equipment.

 

Multidisciplinary Hospital for Active Treatment "St. Marina", Varna: The largest medical facility in Northeastern Bulgaria; offers a full range of medical services.

 

Private Hospitals

 

Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia: A modern private hospital that is part of the international Acibadem Healthcare Group; offers high-quality medical services in many areas of medicine.

 

Multidisciplinary Hospital for Active Treatment "Sofiamed", Sofia: Equipped with modern equipment and provides services in accordance with international quality standards.

 

Acibadem City Clinic Cardiology Center, Sofia: Specializes in cardiology and cardiac surgery, known for innovative methods in treating cardiovascular diseases.

 

Medical Center "Pulmed", Plovdiv: Provides a wide range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care.

 

It is recommended to familiarize yourself in advance with the terms of your medical insurance and, if necessary, obtain additional insurance to cover services in private clinics. When choosing a medical facility, pay attention to its specialization, reputation, and location.

Registration with a family doctor

Choosing a doctor: You can choose any general practitioner contracted with the National Health Insurance Fund. A list of such doctors is available on the official website of the National Health Insurance Fund.

 

Filling out the registration form: After choosing a doctor, you need to fill out the "Registration Form for Initial Choice of General Practitioner". This form can be obtained at the doctor's clinic or downloaded from the website of the National Health Insurance Fund.

 

When visiting the doctor for registration, you need to provide: an identity document; documents confirming health insurance status.

After registration, the doctor will issue you a health insurance booklet, which must be brought to all medical appointments.

 

Appointment with a specialist

For visiting a specialist, a referral from the family doctor is usually required.

 

Making an appointment: With the referral, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist. Appointments are usually made by phone or in person at the medical facility. Some specialists collaborate with online services like "Superdoc", where you can make an appointment over the internet.

 

In Bulgaria, online doctor appointments and remote consultations are gradually gaining popularity. Services like "Superdoc" allow you to:

- Search for specialists: You can find a doctor by specialty, location, and patient reviews.

- Online booking: Make an appointment at a time convenient for you.

- Patient reviews: Read opinions of other patients about the doctor.

 

However, it should be noted that not all medical facilities and specialists offer online booking or consultations. In some cases, an appointment is only possible by phone or in person.

 

Features for foreigners

Foreign citizens residing in Bulgaria have the right to register with a family doctor if they have: a personal identification number; valid health insurance.

In Bulgaria, the emergency medical care system is designed to provide urgent assistance in life-threatening or health-endangering situations. The ambulance service is available 24/7 and free for everyone, regardless of citizenship or health insurance status.

How to call emergency medical assistance

To call an ambulance, you need to dial the single European number 112. The operator will connect you to the relevant service, including medical assistance, police, or fire department.

Features of the work of the ambulance service

Criteria for calling: The ambulance responds to cases posing an immediate threat to life, such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, loss of consciousness, and other critical conditions. For less serious cases, it is recommended to go to the nearest medical facility independently.

Arrival Time: The response time of the ambulance crew depends on the location and the workload of the service, but it usually ranges from 8 to 20 minutes in urban areas.

Equipment and Personnel: The teams are equipped with the necessary equipment to provide first aid and stabilize the patient's condition before transportation to the hospital. The personnel includes doctors, paramedics, and drivers who have received special training.

Recommendations for Foreigners

Language Barrier: 112 service operators usually speak English. It is recommended to clearly and calmly describe the situation, provide the exact address, and a contact phone number when calling.

Medical Insurance: Although emergency care is free, subsequent hospital treatment may require payment. It is recommended to have valid medical insurance that covers such expenses.

Alternatives in Non-Emergency Cases

In situations that do not require immediate intervention, it is advisable to contact a family doctor or the nearest medical facility. Many private clinics offer urgent care services on a paid basis.

In Bulgaria, the process of undergoing medical tests and examinations is organized through state and private medical institutions. It is recommended to follow these steps to receive the necessary services:

 

Contacting a Family Doctor: Assess your health condition; provide referrals to relevant laboratories or diagnostic centers.

 

Depending on your preferences and medical insurance, you can choose from:

State Institutions: Tests and examinations prescribed by the family doctor are covered by the National Health Insurance Fund. However, some specialized tests may require additional payment.

Private Clinics and Laboratories: Offer a wide range of services, often with shorter waiting times. Services are paid for by the patient or covered by additional medical insurance.

 

To undergo tests and examinations, it is necessary to:

Contact the chosen institution: Schedule an appointment by phone, through the official website, or in person.

Provide the necessary documents: Referral from the family doctor, identity card, and, if necessary, medical insurance.

 

Receiving Results: Results can be obtained in person, via email, or through online portals, if such a service is provided.

 

After receiving the results, it is recommended to: Consult the family doctor for data interpretation and to prescribe further treatment or additional examinations.

 

Additional Recommendations for Foreigners

Medical Insurance: Make sure your insurance covers the necessary tests and examinations. Otherwise, clarify the cost of services in advance.

 

In Bulgaria, there are many medical laboratories offering a wide range of tests and diagnostic services: Synevo, CityLab, Laboratoria.bg, Medical Center 'Nadezhda', Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital.

Many of the listed laboratories offer convenient online services for scheduling and obtaining results, significantly simplifying the examination process.

Choosing a Medical Facility

In Bulgaria, both public and private maternity hospitals are available.

Public Hospitals: Provide standard conditions for childbirth. The cost of childbirth for foreigners without medical insurance is about 1000–1200 BGN.

Private Clinics: Offer increased comfort and an individual approach. The cost of childbirth in private facilities can be twice as high as in public ones.

 

Choosing a Doctor

In Bulgaria, it is possible to choose a specific doctor for pregnancy management and childbirth. It is recommended to:

Consultation: Meet with the chosen specialist in advance, discuss the pregnancy and childbirth plan.

Arrangement: Make an agreement with the doctor 1.5–2 months before the expected date of childbirth.

 

Medical Insurance

For foreign women with a residence permit in Bulgaria, pregnancy and related medical services are not covered by mandatory medical insurance. Therefore, all expenses for pregnancy management and childbirth are paid for independently.

 

Childbirth Preparation Courses

In Bulgaria, childbirth preparation courses are available to help future parents prepare for the childbirth process and newborn care.

 

Partner-Assisted Childbirth

Partner-assisted childbirth is becoming increasingly popular in Bulgaria. Not all hospitals in Bulgaria offer the option of partner-assisted childbirth. It is recommended to confirm this information in advance with the chosen medical facility. Private clinics more frequently provide such services, but some state hospitals also support this practice. After selecting a hospital, it is necessary to discuss the possibility of partner-assisted childbirth with your obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor will provide detailed information about the process and requirements. In some hospitals, partner-assisted childbirth may be a paid service.

 

Vaccination of Newborns

In Bulgaria, vaccination of newborns is mandatory and regulated by the national vaccination schedule. According to this schedule, newborns receive vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B in the first days of life. These measures are aimed at protecting children from serious infectious diseases from an early age.

 

Parents are obliged to ensure that all scheduled vaccinations for their children are conducted on time. In the event of refusal to vaccinate, there may be restrictions related to attending childcare facilities and schools.

 

It is recommended to consult with a family doctor or pediatrician for detailed information on the schedule and procedures for mandatory vaccinations in Bulgaria.

In the event of the death of a foreign citizen in Bulgaria, a series of legal and organizational actions must be taken.

 

Confirmation of death: The first step is to call emergency services at 112. The arriving physician will confirm the fact of death and issue a document called a Death Notification, which is necessary for further processing.

 

Death certificate processing: With the Death Notification, you need to contact the local municipality or community to obtain an official death certificate. This document will be required for organizing the funeral, obtaining the death certificate of the country of origin, and resolving inheritance issues.

 

Consulate notification: It is recommended to contact the consulate of the deceased's home country to report the occurrence. The consulate can provide necessary assistance and guidance on further actions.

 

Obtaining a death certificate: To obtain a death certificate at the consulate of the country of origin, the following documents must be provided:

- The deceased's foreign passport;

- Death certificate issued by Bulgarian authorities;

- Applicant's identity document;

- A standard form application.

 

Arranging a funeral or repatriation: In Bulgaria, funerals are usually held within two days after death. To arrange a funeral, you can contact specialized ritual services that handle the preparation and conduct of the ceremony. If transporting the body back home is planned, it is necessary to contact the appropriate services that will help organize repatriation in line with international and national requirements.

 

Cremation procedure: Cremation in Bulgaria is a common practice. To conduct a cremation, a cremation permit is required, which is issued by a medical institution after necessary checks are conducted. Cremation is performed in specialized crematoria located in major cities in Bulgaria. After cremation, relatives receive an urn with ashes and a cremation certificate. The cost of cremation in Bulgaria varies depending on the selected services and the region. On average, the price is around 750 levs, including all necessary procedures and documents.

 

Inheritance issues: After processing all documents, heirs can proceed to the inheritance procedure. In Bulgaria, inheritance is governed by local legislation, and foreign citizens have the right to inherit property on an equal footing with Bulgarian citizens. It is recommended to consult a lawyer specializing in inheritance law to obtain detailed advice and assistance in processing all necessary documents.

In Bulgaria, pet owners are required to follow certain veterinary regulations aimed at ensuring the pets' health and public safety.

 

Rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs and cats in Bulgaria. The vaccination must be administered not earlier than 30 days and no later than 12 months before the planned travel date to Bulgaria for dogs, and no later than 6 months for cats.

 

Animal identification

All pets must be identified with a microchip that complies with ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 standards. This requirement is mandatory for the movement of animals both within the country and for entry into Bulgaria.

 

Veterinary passport

Each animal must have a standard veterinary passport that includes:

- Owner's details;

- Identification information (microchip number);

- Information about vaccinations and treatments received.

This document is necessary for the movement of the animal and confirms its health status.

 

Additional vaccinations and treatments

It is recommended to provide other vaccinations to protect the pet from common diseases:

For dogs: parvovirus, canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza.

For cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydiosis.

In addition, regular treatment for internal and external parasites is recommended.

 

Travel and transportation of animals

When bringing pets into Bulgaria from other countries, the following requirements must be met:

- Valid rabies vaccination;

- Microchipping of the animal;

- Veterinary passport with vaccination and treatment records;

- Certificate issued by the official veterinary service of the exporting country, confirming the animal's health.

Compliance with these requirements ensures the safety of the pet as well as others.

In Bulgaria, there is a well-developed infrastructure for pet accommodations, including hotels for joint stays with pets and specialized pet hotels.

Hotels allowing pet stays: Many hotels in Bulgaria welcome guests with pets, providing appropriate conditions. It is recommended to confirm the hotel's pet policy when booking, as rules and possible additional charges may vary.

Examples of pet-friendly hotels:

Sofia

Budapest Hotel: Located in the city center, offers comfortable conditions for guests with pets.

Hilton Sofia: Provides high-level services and welcomes guests with pets.

Varna

Khan Malamir 6: A conveniently located hotel that allows pet stays.

Paralax Hotel: Offers rooms for guests with pets.

 

Animal hotels: For owners who need to temporarily leave their pets, there are specialized animal hotels available in Bulgaria. These facilities provide professional care, feeding, and comfortable accommodations for pets during the owner's absence.

Examples of animal hotels:

Sofia

Dogland: Offers care and accommodation services for dogs, including individual programs and training.

Cats' Inn: A specialized hotel for cats with cozy rooms and professional care.

Varna

Pet Hotel Varna: Provides comfortable accommodations for various types of pets with 24/7 supervision.

Animal shelters: In Bulgaria, there are also shelters for homeless animals, providing temporary refuge and medical assistance. These organizations often collaborate with volunteers and charitable foundations to improve the conditions for the animals.

Sofia: Shelter "Animal Friend": Provides help to homeless animals, offering them temporary housing and medical support.

When planning a trip with a pet or needing temporary accommodation for the animal, it is recommended to contact the chosen facility in advance to clarify the conditions, requirements, and availability of spaces.

The keeping of pets in Bulgaria is regulated by legislation aimed at ensuring the welfare of pets and the safety of society.

Registration and Identification

All dogs in Bulgaria are subject to mandatory registration with the local veterinary service, where each animal is assigned a unique identification number. Additionally, dogs must be microchipped.

Vaccination

Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for all dogs and cats.

Owners are required to provide their pets with proper conditions

- Sufficient space for movement.

- Regular feeding and access to clean water.

- Medical care and preventive check-ups.

According to the Animal Protection Act, the area for keeping dogs must correspond to their size:

- Dogs weighing up to 10 kg — at least 6 sq. m.

- Dogs weighing from 10 to 25 kg — at least 8 sq. m.

- Dogs weighing more than 25 kg — at least 10 sq. m.

For cats, the minimum area is 6 sq. m.

When walking dogs in public places, owners are obliged to:

- Keep the dog on a leash

- Use a muzzle for large or aggressive breeds

- Clean up after their pet's waste

Walking dogs is prohibited in playgrounds, schools, kindergartens, and other places designated for children.

Spaying and Breeding: Owners who do not plan to breed their animals are required to have their pets spayed. This is aimed at preventing the increase in the number of stray animals.

Owner Responsibility: Violating the rules for keeping animals can result in administrative liability, including fines. Owners are required to comply with sanitary and hygiene standards, ensure the safety of others, and prevent animals from escaping.