Wondering about access to healthcare for foreigners in Bulgaria? Radio Bulgaria provides a brief overview of the conditions for receiving medical care in the country.

- Foreigners with long-term (initially 5 years, renewable) or permanent residence in Bulgaria are eligible under the same conditions as Bulgarian citizens, and are required to make regular health insurance payments.

- Foreigners granted refugee status, humanitarian status, or asylum status, as well as those under temporary protection, are entitled to care under the same conditions and procedures as Bulgarian citizens.

- For persons under temporary protection aged 18 and under, and for women aged 63 and over and men aged 65 and over, unless they are already covered by another health insurance scheme.

- For temporary protection beneficiaries aged 18 to 62 for women, and under 65 for men, the state covers contributions for 90 days from the date of temporary protection grant, unless they are already covered by other health insurance.

- Any citizen insured in an EU/EEA/Switzerland country who requires emergency medical treatment in Bulgaria (i.e. treatment deemed urgent by a doctor on the basis of the citizen's state of health and length of stay) is subject to the conditions for access to medical care for insured Bulgarians. Patients must present a valid European Health Insurance Card and identity card upon admission to hospital and fill in an emergency declaration form.

- In order to benefit from this entitlement, they must be treated in medical institutions that have a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund.

- They pay the costs of medical care provided to them at the prices set by the specific medical facility, unless they are covered by an international treaty to which Bulgaria is a party.

- Yes, unless an international treaty involving Bulgaria stipulates otherwise.

- In connection with Bulgaria's accession to Schengen on 31 March 2024, Bulgaria issues uniform (Schengen) visas valid for the entire Schengen area. Insurance cover should only apply to the actual duration of the stay, not to the period of validity of the visa. The minimum insurance cover required is EUR 30,000.

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