Health, vaccinations and medical care in Bulgaria

Cover

• EU and EEA visitors: carry your EHIC. It gives access to state healthcare on the same terms as a resident.
• UK visitors: the GHIC does the same job. Neither card is travel insurance, and neither covers repatriation or a private clinic.
• Travel insurance still matters for anything the state system does not cover.
• Private clinics in Sofia are inexpensive and quick, and are what many residents use for anything non-urgent.

Ticks

• Tick-borne encephalitis is present in Bulgarian forests and the season runs spring to autumn. The vaccine is worth discussing if you are hiking or camping.
• Lyme disease is the commoner infection. Cover up, use repellent, check yourself after a day outdoors.

Everyday health

• Tap water is safe in the cities; in remote villages ask.
• Pharmacies (apteka) are well stocked and pharmacists advise on minor problems.
• Bring enough prescription medicine for the trip plus a margin, in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.