| Medical staff in Bulgaria are trained to a very high | | | | standard prescription drugs in Bulgaria, the |
| standard, though hospitals and clinics in general | | | | consensus is that most can be obtained easily, |
| may not have all the equipment and facilities we | | | | though antibiotics may be stronger than expected. |
| expect in Western Europe or the USA. Despite | | | | Some private clinics are now so highly regarded |
| this, standards of healthcare have improved | | | | that Northern Europeans increasingly choose |
| dramatically since the post-communist restructure. | | | | Bulgaria for "Hospital Holidays" - receiving excellent |
| The National Health Insurance Fund has a direct | | | | treatment at a very reasonable cost (compared, |
| contract with medical institutions to provide | | | | for example, to Germany or Switzerland), |
| medical services to patients, those who pay | | | | followed by recuperation in Bulgaria's clean air and |
| contributions to the fund - these services include | | | | pleasant climate. |
| general and specialist care at health centres, | | | | Dental services |
| hospital outpatient departments and at home, plus | | | | Most dentists are private and of a generally high |
| hospitalisation, prescription medicines and dental | | | | standard. Note for UK nationals - the UK has |
| care. | | | | reciprocal healthcare agreements with Bulgaria, |
| There are a growing number of private hospitals | | | | covering you for emergency treatment at little or |
| and clinics across Bulgaria offering affordable | | | | no cost. |
| treatment and medicines, though these are | | | | Traditional medicine |
| unregulated. Be aware that doctors and hospitals | | | | Bulgaria has some famous spas and springs |
| may expect immediate payment in cash for | | | | (among them Hissar, near Plovdiv and Bankya, |
| health services. | | | | near Sofia), thought to bring relief to arthritis and |
| For expats concerned about the availability of | | | | rheumatism sufferers. |