European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued free of charge by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF, НЗОК) to anyone insured in Bulgaria with uninterrupted rights. You apply at one of 120 First Investment Bank points or online. The card covers necessary treatment during a temporary stay in another EU country on the same terms and at the same cost as for local insured people.

fee

free

for all insured people

issue

up to 15 days

calendar days

validity

1 year

adults; pensioners — 10 yrs

replacement certificate

2 months

from the regional fund

Who is entitled

Anyone insured with the NHIF whose rights are not interrupted — that is, who has not missed more than three monthly contributions in the last 36 months. The card is personal: every family member, children included, needs their own.

If you live abroad and are insured there, your EHIC comes from the insurer of that country, not the NHIF. If you used the exemption from contributions while living outside the EU, you have no NHIF rights and cannot get a Bulgarian card until they are restored.

Where and how to apply

1. Choose how

   In person or through an authorised person at one of 120 First Investment Bank distribution points (listed on the NHIF website). Or online — through the Secure Electronic Delivery System (ССЕВ) or the e-service on egov.bg; both need a qualified electronic signature.

2. Fill in the application

   Get the form at the point or download it from the NHIF website. Adults show their ID card and a disability assessment (TELK) decision, if they have one. For a child without an ID card — a passport or birth certificate and a parent’s ID card.

3. Wait

   The card is produced within 15 calendar days. Ask how and where you will receive it when you apply.

Validity

• Adults who are not pensioners: 1 year.
• Adults with a TELK decision who are not pensioners: until the decision expires.
• Pensioners: 10 years.
• Children under 18: until they turn 18, but at least 1 and at most 5 years.

What it covers and what not

The card is valid in the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. According to the NHIF it is also accepted in Serbia and North Macedonia. Planned treatment abroad requires prior authorisation from the NHIF on form S2 (formerly E112).

Provisional replacement certificate

If you are leaving at once and cannot wait for the card, ask for a provisional replacement certificate. It gives the same rights, is valid for 2 months and is free. Submit the application with a copy of your ID card to the regional health insurance fund (РЗОК) — in person, by post or through an authorised person; there is also an e-service on egov.bg.

If you paid for treatment

If a doctor or hospital does not accept the card, or you do not have one, you may have to pay on the spot. Keep all documents. If the care was urgent, you can ask the NHIF to reimburse the costs. NHIF helpline: 0800 14 800.