Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 112. Pirogov (Sofia) handles major trauma. Coastal areas: Varna and Burgas have public hospitals. EHIC covers public ER care for EU citizens.
Response time: Sofia: 10-20 min. Coastal resorts: 15-30 min. Rural areas: 30-60 min.
Cost: Public ER with EHIC: free or minimal co-pay. Without EHIC: BGN 50-300 ($27-163). Private ER: BGN 100-500 ($54-272).
Healthcare System
Bulgaria is an EU member, so EHIC/GHIC cards are valid for public healthcare. However, public hospitals are often underfunded and conditions can be basic, especially outside Sofia. Pirogov Emergency Hospital (Sofia) is the main public emergency facility. Acibadem City Clinic (Sofia) and Tokuda Hospital are excellent private options with English-speaking staff. Black Sea coast (Varna, Burgas) has seasonal tourist clinics. Bulgaria is also a popular dental tourism destination due to low costs and good quality.
Designed for: Residents (NHIF-insured). EU/EEA citizens covered by EHIC. Non-EU tourists should have travel insurance.
GP Access & Costs
Public GP (with EHIC) or private clinics (walk-in). English limited in public system.
Typical wait: Public: 1-4 hours. Private: same-day.
Availability: Good in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas. Limited in rural areas.
GP Visit
Public with EHIC: BGN 2-6 co-pay ($1-3)
Private GP
BGN 40-100 ($22-54)
ER Without Insurance
Public ER: BGN 50-300 ($27-163). Private ER: BGN 200-1,000 ($109-544). Very affordable by EU standards.
Medication
Medications very affordable. Pharmacies (аптека) well-stocked in cities. Many drugs available without prescription that would require one in Western Europe.
Health insurance is strongly recommended
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-2pm. 24h pharmacies in Sofia and resort towns.
OTC: Wide range. Many prescription drugs available OTC. Good availability.
Controlled substances: Follow EU regulations. Carry prescriptions for controlled medications. Schengen certificate for narcotics if applicable.
Practical Tips
- Pirogov Emergency Hospital (Sofia) — main public trauma centre
- Acibadem City Clinic (Sofia) — excellent private hospital, English-speaking staff
- Tokuda Hospital (Sofia) — another top private option, Japanese-founded
- Black Sea coast: seasonal tourist clinics in Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, etc.
- EHIC covers public care but consider private for better experience — prices are very low
- Dental tourism: Sofia and Plovdiv have many clinics catering to foreign patients
- Pharmacies marked with green cross (аптека). Staff often speak some English.
- Mountain rescue: call 112 for Bansko/Borovets ski resort emergencies
Who can get care in Bulgaria?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Bulgaria treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
Short-term visitors can use the public system broadly on the same basis as residents.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Public GP (with EHIC) or private clinics (walk-in). English limited in public system. Typical cost: Public with EHIC: BGN 2-6 co-pay ($1-3). Private: BGN 40-100 ($22-54). Typical wait: Public: 1-4 hours. Private: same-day.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
It depends on nationality and visa route — several routes require proof of medical cover.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport/EU ID
- EHIC/GHIC card (EU citizens)
- Travel insurance (non-EU)
- Prescriptions
Local contacts in Bulgaria
Emergency services
112 (EU emergency number)
Call 112. Pirogov (Sofia) handles major trauma. Coastal areas: Varna and Burgas have public hospitals. EHIC covers public ER care for EU citizens.
Pharmacies
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-2pm. 24h pharmacies in Sofia and resort towns.
Wide range. Many prescription drugs available OTC. Good availability.
What is the emergency number in Bulgaria?
112 (EU emergency number) in Bulgaria. Call 112. Pirogov (Sofia) handles major trauma. Coastal areas: Varna and Burgas have public hospitals. EHIC covers public ER care for EU citizens.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Bulgaria?
Public with EHIC: BGN 2-6 co-pay ($1-3). Private: BGN 40-100 ($22-54). Private consultations: BGN 40-100 ($22-54).
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Sources: Bulgaria Ministry of Health, WHO Bulgaria, European Commission EHIC, CDC Travelers' Health 2024, NHS GHIC Guidance
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
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