This guide is for compulsory medical insurance for foreign nationals in Bulgaria and the Schengen Area. It is a practical summary, not a replacement for the terms of your specific policy.
Assistance companies and insurers may arrange direct payment with a clinic, but this is not guaranteed. Be prepared to pay yourself, keep the documents and request reimbursement if necessary. Keep your policy number and the insurer’s assistance phone number available at all times.
What to do when you need medical care
- Call the assistance number within 24 hours. Give the policy number or the insured person’s name and date of birth. Ask for and save the Claim ID. If you call before visiting a clinic, the assistance company may direct you to a suitable provider and direct payment may be possible.
- For an emergency, call 112. If an ambulance is not needed, you can go directly to the emergency department of a hospital or clinic.
- If you pay yourself, collect documents at the time of payment. Request an invoice and cash receipt for every medical service, examination, procedure, medicine or medical item. The invoice should identify the insured person or their parent/representative.
- Buy prescribed medicines within three days of the doctor’s visit. Ask for an invoice when buying them. Non-medicinal products are not covered.
If the insured event happens in the Schengen Area
The steps are the same, with three important points. Direct payment to clinics outside Bulgaria may not be available, so be prepared to pay the expenses after collecting the documents from the clinic. Obtain every document in English; otherwise, you may need to pay for an official translation. The medical documents must include a description of the case using the ICD (International Classification of Diseases).
Documents for reimbursement
- Application for payment on the insurer’s form.
- Copy of the insurance policy.
- Copy of the foreign passport.
- Copy of the residence permit, if available.
- Bank statement with account details. A European IBAN can be used.
- Original sick leave certificate, outpatient certificate or medical certificate — at least one of these documents is required.
- Prescriptions for medicines.
- Original receipts and invoices for examinations, tests, procedures, medicines and emergency services.
- X-rays, test results, medical records and other documents provided by the medical institution.
For a minor, also provide the parent’s passport and residence permit, where applicable, plus a birth certificate or other proof of the relationship.
Need help with reimbursement?
Incomplete documents, missing invoices or delayed notification can complicate a claim. We can help organise and submit the documents to the insurer. Email [email protected] with the documents and your policy details. Requests from customers who purchased a policy through us are handled first.
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