Health insurance

The Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI) in Varna conducted an investigation following reports that Dr. Zdravko Damyanov, a physician at a medical center in the "Central" hotel in the "Golden Sands" resort near Varna, charged nearly 1,500 leva (750 euros) for an examination.

A family from Lithuania paid nearly 1,500 leva (750 euros) for an examination and treatment for their 9-year-old daughter at a private medical practice in the "Golden Sands" resort near Varna. While not illegal, as these are commercial entities that can set their own prices, the fees must be advertised so patients are aware. The Lithuanian family claims they were unaware of the cost.

Over one million Bulgarians are currently not paying their health insurance, a situation that poses significant challenges. The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is running an information campaign urging people to carry their health insurance cards while traveling during the summer. This is to ensure they receive adequate and timely medical care if needed.

Greeks spent 5.9 billion euros out of pocket for medical services in 2022, when the public spending was €10.9 billion.

This puts Greece at the bottom of the EU rankings, with state healthcare expenditure at 61.8% of total health spending, but at the top of the rankings in private health expenditure at 33.4%.

Expenditure through private insurance was limited to €712.4 million.

Pharmacists are protesting for the second consecutive day. The dissatisfaction stems from a draft regulation proposed by the Ministry of Health, which aims to alter the dispensing of medicines under the Health Insurance Fund. This morning, pharmacy managers are anticipated to submit their one-month notices to terminate their contracts with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Pharmacies across Bulgaria are facing temporary closures on July 3 due to planned protests by pharmacists against proposed changes to their payment structure by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Medical laboratory scientists working in the private sector will be walking off the job on Wednesday, the first day of what may turn out to be a protracted strike that will affect diagnostic clinics and labs, but is not expected to have a significant impact on public hospitals.

The Minister of Health emphasised growth in public expenditure in healthcare

It has been revealed that by 2027, Bulgaria will witness a significant increase in its elderly population, with individuals over the age of 65 constituting nearly a quarter of the total populace. This revelation emerged during a Round Table discussion organized by "Caritas Bulgaria" focused on the challenges surrounding long-term care for the elderly.

The National Assembly has given its nod to crucial financial amendments and budgets for the upcoming year, introducing significant changes to social security and health insurance provisions.