Medical staff in Bulgaria are trained to a very high standard, though hospitals and clinics in general may not have all the equipment and facilities we expect in Western Europe or the USA. Despite this, standards of healthcare have improved dramatically since the post-communist restructure.

The National Health Insurance Fund has a direct contract with medical institutions to provide medical services to patients, those who pay contributions to the fund - these services include general and specialist care at health centres, hospital outpatient departments and at home, plus hospitalisation, prescription medicines and dental care.

There are a growing number of private hospitals and clinics across Bulgaria offering affordable treatment and medicines, though these are unregulated. Be aware that doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash for health services.

For expats concerned about the availability of standard prescription drugs in Bulgaria, the consensus is that most can be obtained easily, though antibiotics may be stronger than expected.

Some private clinics are now so highly regarded that Northern Europeans increasingly choose Bulgaria for 'Hospital Holidays' - receiving excellent treatment at a very reasonable cost (compared, for example, to Germany or Switzerland), followed by recuperation in Bulgaria's clean air and pleasant climate.

Dental services

Most dentists are private and of a generally high standard. Note for UK nationals - the UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with Bulgaria, covering you for emergency treatment at little or no cost.

Traditional medicine

Bulgaria has some famous spas and springs (among them Hissar, near Plovdiv and Bankya, near Sofia), thought to bring relief to arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

Added by Andy, 29/8/05 - I recently stayed at a hospital in Burgas which was unbelievable, it was totally not up to European standards, with a lack of basic hygiene I couldn't believe! The staff were good but a lack of even the most basic commodities surprised me.