Bulgaria–First Rate, Low Cost Healthcare in Breathtakingly Beautiful Surroundings.
Situated in Southeast Europe, Bulgaria is a stunning country with a magnificent coastline, beautiful landscapes comprising rivers, valleys and mountains as well as cities and towns that just demand exploration. Bulgaria is not only a fantastic destination for those seeking a vacation spot, it also has an ever increasing Medical Tourism industry which offers visitors treatment of the highest quality whilst keeping costs low.
Why Choose Bulgaria for Travel and Treatment?
For many, Bulgaria retains an air of mystery and more and more tourists are choosing to explore this fascinating country, taking advantage of all Bulgaria has to offer visitors. For Medical Tourists, a trip to Bulgaria offers not only a fascinating vacation in a beautiful country full of culture and history but also low cost medical care where quality is never compromised. There is so much to see and do in Bulgaria pre or post-treatment. The Black Sea Coast is a must for visitors. Its sandy beaches and idyllic bays are perfect for a spot of sunbathing, surfing, diving or fishing. Bulgaria’s mountain ranges, such as those in the regions of Vratsa and Malyovitsa can be explored by foot or horseback and there are guest houses in many rural areas offering visitors the opportunity to experience Bulgarian village life. Bulgaria boasts many areas of historical interest including Roman city ruins, medieval fortresses and historical monuments dating back to the first and second Bulgarian kingdoms. Bulgaria’s cities also have much to offer tourists. The capital, Sofia, boasts great restaurants, nightlife and a wealth of museums and galleries. For Medical Tourists, Bulgaria really is a destination that has it all. A truly remarkable country!
Medical Facilities in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, the health system is overseen and organized by the Ministry of Health. Residents pay healthcare contributions which are managed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Those with insurance can use any medical facilities which are under contract to the NHIF. There are numerous private facilities and practitioners in Bulgaria including specialist clinics where patients can choose to pay for treatment. Most Primary Care in Bulgaria is undertaken by Private Physicians. Since the 1990s the private health system has grown substantially as has Bulgaria’s Medical Tourism Industry. The quality of care offered to patients is world class and facilities are equipped with the latest technology including state of the art equipment. Medical Providers in Bulgaria offer treatment for all fields of medicine with the most popular procedure areas being Dental work and Wellness and Spa thanks to the many Medical Spas available. Bulgaria offers fantastic value for money with very high standards of care provided at low cost to International Patients. The cost of Plastic Surgery can be up to 5 times lower in Bulgaria than in Western Europe or the USA. Procedures such as Breast Enlargement can cost 6,000 – 10,000 Euros in Western European countries but can cost under 3,000 Euros in Bulgaria and a Facelift can cost under 1,500 Euros! With low cost procedures and first rate care, Bulgaria is a perfect destination for Medical Tourists with a wonderful vacation being a great bonus!
Bulgaria Hospitals and International Standards of Care
Private hospitals and facilities in Bulgaria are well equipped with Medical Standards increasing dramatically since the post-communism restructuring of the country. Part of the process of reforming the Bulgarian Health Care System includes introducing accreditations to ensure the standard of care in Medical Facilities. Accreditation in Bulgaria is overseen by the Ministry of Health’s accreditation committee. Doctors and Dentists in Bulgaria are trained to exceptionally high standards. Medical School in Bulgaria takes 6 years to complete and only those who achieve the highest grades in the entrance exams are admitted. After Medical School, graduates can apply for a place on a specialization program. Specialization programs take 3 to 5 years to complete depending on the speciality.
Convalescence in Bulgaria
The number of people travelling to Bulgaria for treatment is ever increasing. In 2004 the number of Medical Tourists was 20% up from the previous year and is constantly growing. Medical Tourists can enjoy great medical treatment at low costs safe in the knowledge Bulgaria is a great place to convalesce. With its favourable climate, beautiful scenery, enchanting cities and towns, and welcoming locals, Bulgaria offers the perfect surroundings in which to relax and recuperate post-treatment. Many Medical Providers in Bulgaria offer patients packages which can include travel, transport, sight-seeing and accommodation and aftercare options. One of Bulgaria’s big attractions for Medical Tourists is the numerous medical spas dotted around the country. These world-famous facilities offer treatments such as Thermotherapy, Medicinal Water Bathing, Hydromassage and Mud Treatments. These fantastic spa’s offer patients a great place to unwind and get pampered after their medical treatment.
Bulgaria Travel Information
Many visitors do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria including citizens of the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. Bulgaria is well served by many airlines internationally. The cost of living in Bulgaria is low in comparison to many other European countries with a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costing an average of 4 Euros and the cost of local public transport being less than 0.5 Euros for a one way trip. Bulgaria has accommodation options to suit all budgets from B&Bs and Country Inns to self-catering apartments and luxury hotels. A budget hotel room outside the Capital can cost as little as 10 Euros per night with mid-range hotel prices starting from around 20 Euros.
Bulgaria Quick Facts
| Location:
|
| Languages |
Bulgarian |
| Population |
7,364,570 |
Currency |
Bulgarian Lev (BGN) |
| Capital |
Sofia |
| Major Airports |
Airport (SOF),
Burgas Airport (BOJ),
Varna Airport (VAR)
|
| Electricity |
230 volts 50 Hz |
| Time Zone |
UTC +2 (Summer +3) |
|