FAQ...... Healthcare

NO.... Hospitals and Doctors provide Good but basic healthcare and medication, and also including dental treatment these services freely available and widespread throughout the whole of Bulgaria.

Treatment is prompt and certainly not like the waiting lists experienced in the UK

There are a number of pharmacy shops or Ap'teka as they are called in Bulgaria in every city, town and many villages.

They have a wide range of medicines that can be bought 'over the counter.'

 All Medical staff in Bulgaria are Fully Trained and Qualified to Universally Recognised Standards. And also the many Dentists too are also of high quality


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

Specialised equipment/treatment may not always be available in the smaller towns. But in the bigger cities or towns the facilities which are being provided are more modern and up to date and compares quite favourably with other medical centres in more developed European countries.

 Most medication/drugscan be purchased over the counter in the Pharmacies

However Specialsit medication may be a bit of a problem but not enitrely possible to acheive 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.

Caution .....Antibiotics may be stronger than those in the UK. If

If you have a Medical History that Doctors need to be made aware of ie Asthma or any Allergies, Pacemakers etc it is strongly advised that you carry this information with you at all times.

There are Doctors Dentists and hospitals widely available throughout the whole of Bulgaria in Many of the towns cities and of course the resorts.

In the villages and some of the more rural places assistance may take longer to source but people will know how to contact the local doctor.

It is wise to find out exactly where the nearest Hospital or Doctor to you and keep these details to hand in case they are needed

You are entitled as an EU citizen in Bulgaria to urgent medical attention which you will receive free of charge, beyond this, you will have to pay the same as any other Bulgarian National.

Most of the non-EU countries have reciprocal agreements with regard to medical treament in Bulgaria. However if you are not an EU citizen then please

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

All British Citizens are required to have their passport and also a EHIC

which is a European Health Insurance Card which entitles you to FREE Emergency Medical Treatment.


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.





I've heard that Healthcare is poor in Bulgaria Is this true?

Are the Doctors and Nurses and Dentists up to British Standards?

Bulgarian hospitals - What are they like?

What about medications and drugs?

Where can I find a doctor or hospital?

Am I entitled to medical treatment as an EU Citizen in Bulgaria?

What documentation do I need for medical treatment in Bulgaria?

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