Bulgaria (BG)
Bulgaria is the oldest state in Europe (founded 681 AD), a member of the European Union since 2007, and one of the most affordable countries for expats in the EU.
Insurance Guide
Which insurances you actually need in Bulgaria, prioritised.
Insurance culture in Bulgaria is developing but remains less comprehensive than in Western Europe. The mandatory insurances are health (via NHIF contributions) and third-party motor liability (Гражданска отговорност — "GO"). Other types of insurance are optional but strongly recommended. Prices are significantly lower than Western European equivalents.
Legally Mandatory
- - Health insurance contributions to NHIF (задължително здравно осигуряване) — for all employed and self-insured persons
- - Third-party car liability (Гражданска отговорност / "ГО") — required for all registered vehicles
Health Insurance (NHIF)
Mandatory state health insurance covering GP visits, specialist consultations, hospitalisation, medications, and emergency care.
Who needs it: All employed persons, self-employed, retirees. Mandatory by law.
Annual cost: Employee: ~3.2% of salary. Self-insured: ~1,032 BGN/year (8% of min income × 12 months).
Having uninterrupted NHIF coverage is critical — gaps in coverage create healthcare access issues and potential fines. Pay contributions monthly even between jobs.
Third-Party Car Liability (Гражданска отговорност)
Mandatory third-party liability insurance for all registered motor vehicles. Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others.
Who needs it: Every registered vehicle owner in Bulgaria. Driving without it is a criminal offence.
Annual cost: 200–600 BGN/year depending on vehicle type, engine size, and driver age.
Purchase at insurance offices, online at застрахователи.бг or comparison sites. Insurance card (зелена карта) must be in the vehicle at all times. Also required for international travel within Green Card system.
Comprehensive Car Insurance (Каско)
Comprehensive vehicle insurance covering own damage, theft, fire, natural disasters, and third-party liability (GO usually included in full Kasko).
Who needs it: New or valuable vehicle owners, financed vehicles (banks require it), expats unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
Annual cost: 500–2,000+ BGN/year depending on vehicle value, age, and driver history.
Compare at comparison sites. Policies vary significantly — check exclusions for natural disasters and theft. No-claims discount applies after first claim-free year.
Supplementary Private Health Insurance
Top-up health insurance providing access to private hospitals, specialist consultations without referral, English-speaking doctors, faster diagnostics.
Who needs it: Expats and professionals who want fast access to quality care without NHIF waiting times and language barriers. Highly recommended for families.
Annual cost: 360–960 BGN/year (basic comprehensive). Family: 700–2,000 BGN/year.
Many private health insurance plans include access to Acibadem and Tokuda — the best private hospitals in Bulgaria. Compare policies carefully for annual limits and covered services.
Property/Home Insurance (Имуществена застраховка)
Covers the structure and/or contents of your home against fire, flood, theft, natural disasters, and third-party liability for tenant damage.
Who needs it: Property owners (essential for mortgaged property). Renters who want to protect valuable personal belongings. Landlords.
Annual cost: Tenant contents insurance: 80–200 BGN/year. Property owner insurance: 200–600 BGN/year depending on property value.
Banks require property insurance for mortgage properties. Earthquake coverage is important — Bulgaria is seismically active. Many standard policies exclude earthquake — check carefully and add if needed.
Travel Insurance (Застраховка "Пътуване")
Covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss for international travel.
Who needs it: Anyone travelling outside Bulgaria, especially outside the EU. Required for Schengen visa applications.
Annual cost: Single trip: 20–60 BGN. Annual multi-trip: 100–250 BGN.
EU EHIC covers emergency medical care in EU countries. Travel insurance provides additional coverage including repatriation, trip cancellation, and baggage. Annual multi-trip policies are excellent value for frequent travellers.
Life Insurance (Животозастраховане)
Term life insurance providing death benefit to beneficiaries. Some policies include disability and critical illness coverage.
Who needs it: Breadwinners with dependants. Mortgage holders (banks often require it). Business owners.
Annual cost: 300–1,200 BGN/year depending on coverage amount, age, and health.
Life insurance in Bulgaria is very affordable. Premiums for 500,000 BGN coverage for a healthy 35-year-old: ~500–800 BGN/year. Credit life insurance required for mortgage loans.
Personal Liability Insurance
Covers legal liability for accidental damage or injury you cause to third parties in everyday life.
Who needs it: Less common in Bulgaria than in Western Europe but increasingly available. Useful for parents of young children, cyclists and sports participants.
Annual cost: 50–150 BGN/year
Not widely purchased in Bulgaria compared to Western Europe, but recommended for expats with higher risk of liability claims.
Comparison sites
Always read the policy exclusions carefully — Bulgarian policies can have significant exclusions for pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, and specific activities
Earthquake coverage must be specifically added to home insurance — it is not standard in most basic policies
For car insurance, bring evidence of no-claims history from your previous country — most Bulgarian insurers accept foreign NCB certificates
Annual payment is usually cheaper than monthly premium payments
Insurance brokers (застрахователни брокери) operate in Bulgaria and can help find the best policy — fee-free as they earn from insurers
Keep all insurance policy numbers and 24-hour claim lines saved in your phone
Insurance
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