Health system
The healthcare system in Bulgaria is organised and managed by the Ministry of Health. Contributions to the healthcare system are managed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NZOK).
Citizens of any Eu member states who are visiting or residing in Bulgaria have the right to avail themselves of their health insurance. When obtaining medical care, they need only visit a medical facility or diagnostic laboratories that has a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), or any of the state or municipal medical institutions that are supported by the Ministry of Health.
By relying on their own insurance plans, European Union visitors and residents do not have to pay insurance instalments to the Bulgarian National Health Insurance Fund. Instead, they need only present their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Under exceptional circumstances, this right can also be proven by providing a Certificate for Temporary Replacement of the EHIC issued by the same institution that issued the individual’s health insurance card, along with valid identification. It is also necessary to provide the medical practitioner with copies of these two documents.
When visiting the general practitioner or the specialist recommended by the general practitioner, a small fee is paid. There are a large number of specialized private offices and medical facilities in Bulgaria. On receiving consultation and/or treatment at these facilities, patients pay the entire amount for the examination and/or treatment, regardless of whether they have health insurance, except in cases where they have a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund.