What is voluntary medical insurance?
This page explains voluntary medical insurance in Bulgaria with territorial cover in Bulgaria, Europe or worldwide.
Voluntary medical insurance is a paid service provided by an insurance company under an insurance contract (policy). It is also called supplementary medical insurance because it is separate from compulsory health insurance. Foreigners who are not entitled to state-funded healthcare need compulsory medical insurance; they may also choose to buy voluntary medical insurance.
For Bulgarian citizens and foreigners with permanent or long-term residence status who have an EGN personal identification number, compulsory health-insurance contributions are paid to the Bulgarian public system. Voluntary medical insurance can provide broader cover and more convenience when using healthcare services — for example, care without referrals, cover for expensive medical services and faster access to care.
Voluntary medical insurance has several advantages:
- You choose the cover you need.
- You choose the territory where the policy applies.
- You may be able to pay the premium in instalments.
- You can have faster access to leading medical facilities.
- The insurer may pay healthcare providers directly, offer a simplified reimbursement process and provide a 24/7 assistance line, depending on the programme.
Who can be insured?
Foreigners without an EGN
Insurance may be individual for one person, family insurance, or group insurance for people connected by a social or other characteristic, for example through an employer.
Bulgarian citizens and other people with an EGN
In this case, insurance may also be individual, family or group insurance.
How to buy voluntary medical insurance
- Send us a request so we can help select the cover you need.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the premium in one payment or, where available, in instalments.
Please note that these policies have a waiting period. After that period ends, the cover included in your policy starts to apply.
Territorial cover options
- Voluntary medical insurance valid in Bulgaria.
- Voluntary medical insurance valid in Europe, including Bulgaria.
- Voluntary medical insurance valid worldwide.
Are there tax benefits?
Yes. As an individual, you may use a tax relief of up to 10% of your total annual tax base for personal contributions to voluntary medical insurance made during the year. The amount reduces your taxable income. To use the relief for contributions paid during the year, you must declare them to the National Revenue Agency (NAP).
A company may also use a tax benefit — exemption from tax on expenses — when it pays premiums for voluntary group medical insurance for its employees. Under the Corporate Income Tax Act, these premiums are treated as social expenses and are exempt from the 10% tax.
