Healthcare In Bulgaria

Although some initial emergency medical treatment may be given free of charge, British nationals are currently likely to be charged for the majority of medical expenses incurred whilst in Bulgaria, including tests and investigations, medication and overnight stays in hospital, whether state or private. The situation is due to change by late 2007, since Bulgaria’s inclusion in the EU, allowing all EU tourists to receive free healthcare services. You will need to provide your passport and also their medical card which is available from the department of health in the UK before you can receive free treatment in Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian healthcare system has suffered from under funding in past years and its facilities are now slowly catching up with Western European nations. During the transition, many expatriates are taking out strongly recommended comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover the full period they are in the country, which should include Medivac to the UK if necessary.

Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are adequate and medical care is considered to be acceptable, although specialised equipment/treatment may not always be available and the majority. There are hospitals, clinics and medical services in all major towns and cities of Bulgaria but be aware that in hospitals nursing care can be limited, as is much of the staff’s knowledge of English.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - There have been no reported cases of Bird Flu (also known as Avian Influenza) in Bulgaria during the current series of outbreaks.
There are no other hazardous health issues that expatriates living in Bulgaria need to be aware of but those who are moving or travelling to Bulgaria are advised to get an up to date tetanus injection and consider Hep A and Typhoid as well.