Healthcare in Bulgaria

Hi Jim, on the subject of healthcare, I am also retired, but can't give a fair answer to your question as I have several advantages.  As a British citizen we have an arrangement with the Bulgarian National Health System and also as a retired person I get free healthcare the same as a Bulgarian.  The only experience I have of the system in Sofia is when I needed to see a consultant last year.  The appointment was immediate and faster than the UK.  The consultant was very thorough and prescribed some new medication.  So I was impressed.  I have heard of other people who have had faster and better treatment than in the UK.

Thanks! I will keep an open mind about the quality of healthcare there.

Hi hope you don't mind me joining in in on your post ,I'm considering moving to Sofia, and health care is one of the things I'm concerned about as I have some health issues
I'm a uk citizen so have some cover but do people take out health cover, just under retirement age just wondering if the cost would be worthwhile expense
Thanks Les

Hi Les,  There are a number of various factors that will affect you to live in Bulgaria.  Basically as a foreigner in the country you will need healthcare insurance as you are below retirement age.  The cost of insurance is quite low, but I don't know the specifics if you have health problems.  You could make some inquiries before coming to live here.  I know on here there is some information on health insurance so check that.  My wife says that a monthly premium is around 20 lv per month.  Hope this helps but if you need any more info. do ask, as I am a UK citizen and have only lived in Bulgaria since May this year I am well up to date with most of the issues for UK people coming to live here.

Dave

Thanks Dave
I have been checking the NHIF website for information which is based in Sofia so I may call into their office to see what info I can find out about prescriptions etc
I checked out the cigna website for a quote for insurance but it came out at over £200 per month, but hopefully I will find something lees costly , it seems from the information I have read that once you reach retirement age you get some form of cover ,but I will have to check if the uks position in EU will have any effect on this
Any Thanks for the reply and good luck for your new life in Bulgaria
Les

The free healthcare is terrible, the doctors and equipment are from the Soviet era and nobody cares. Anyone young and competent has moved to Europe or to a private hospital. For anything serious you need to pay at a private hospital, I recommend Tokuda, however its expensive (55-100 leva to see a specialist doctor) and if you need to stay and paying out of pocket its about 800-900 leva for three nights. So if you think youll need it, get health insurance, but make sure you check which hospitals they cover!

Hello- I am also interested in health insurance issues- I am retired and in very good health at present. I have looked at the official websites, but the information is not completely clear to me. Any thoughts or tips?