Universal health care

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.

European Union member-states will follow a collaborative model in 2025, with the aim of identifying emerging health technologies and to respond to the major challenges posed to the health systems by the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools.

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.

The tension between the health minister and the Panhellenic Medical Association is an acute symptom of a chronic ailment - the lack of organization in the public health system and the absence of necessary coordination with the private sector. And so, the National Health System (ESY) finds itself without the necessary medical personnel, without having a way to call on private doctors for help.

The year's first five months showed an increase in the insurance business by 12.1%, compared to January-May 2023, part of which is fueled by the increase in premiums, as well as the growth in sales for residential and business insurance after the catastrophic advent of Storm Daniel last September. 

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.

The Ministerial Decision defining the terms, conditions and procedure for the possibility of private practice for doctors, dentists and medical specialists of the National Health Service signed by the Minister of Health , Adonis Georgiades and the Deputy Minister of Health, Marios Themistocleous.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides individuals with access to emergency and urgent medical or dental care while traveling for tourism, study, or work. It is valid across all European Union member countries, as well as in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Serbia, and North Macedonia.

The Minister of Health emphasised growth in public expenditure in healthcare