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Private Health Insurance

jeanmandredeix

Any tips on best health insurance companies?

See also

Giving Birth In BulgariaHealthcare in BulgariaHealth care privateYellow fever certificate?Talking of the Joys of the BG Health Service
gwynj

@jeanmandredeix


Almost any insurance broker can help you get a policy, and I doubt there's much to choose between the options.


You can get a Health Insurance for Foreigners policy which is accepted by immigration (necessary if you don't have an EHIC/GHIC or S1). This is an accident/emergency/repatriation policy only.


You can also get proper private health insurance from multiple providers. Obviously this will be much more expensive than the above policy. You should note that this policy will cost less if you are covered in Bulgaria's public health system (NHIF). And it will cost substantially more according to your age and preexisting conditions.


There are some restrictions on which new residents can access NHIF. If/when you're eligible, I strongly encourage you to take up this option. Public health care coverage (like the NHS) does not have the exclusions, age limits, and deductibles typical of private policies. I pay 20 euros per month as unemployed, and it's a fabulous deal. I don't bother to purchase additional private insurance as the private surcharge is typically fairly small, and I'm happy to pay as it arises. But you can, if you prefer.

janemulberry

Jean, am I correct that you are retired? If you get your UK OAP, you can apply for an S1 form and use that to apply for the Bulgarian equivalent of the NHS. I think that the S1 also satisfies the requirements for the D visa. More info here:

jeanmandredeix

Thanks Jane. Yes we are retired. That is very useful information.