Valid health insurance is required for Bulgarian visa, type D visa and residence permit applications. For a short-stay (type C) visa, travel health insurance valid throughout the Schengen area with cover of at least 30,000 euros is mandatory. For long stays the policy must cover the whole period you will stay in Bulgaria. A policy with the wrong duration or insufficient cover can lead to the application being returned.
Health insurance is one of the documents most often missing or incorrect in visa and residence files. Through our partner insurers, we arrange a policy suited to the type and duration of your application and add it directly to your file.
Which insurance for which application?
| Application | What is required? | Point to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist or business visa (type C) | Travel health insurance valid in the Schengen area with at least 30,000 euros cover | The policy must cover all travel dates |
| Type D national visa | Health insurance covering the stay in Bulgaria | A policy shorter than the visa causes problems |
| First residence application and renewal | Health insurance valid for the residence period | The policy must also be renewed at renewal |
| Family reunification | A separate policy for each family member | Everyone, including children, must be insured |
| Travel for citizenship and document matters | Travel health insurance for the trip | A short policy is enough |
You can see our packages and prices for short-stay visas on our travel health insurance page.
Health insurance for residence permit holders
For foreigners living in Bulgaria long term, health cover is provided in two ways:
- Private health insurance: for the type D visa and the first stages of residence, a private policy valid in Bulgaria is usually submitted.
- Bulgarian public health insurance (NZOK): depending on the type and duration of residence, foreigners can join the Bulgarian public health system by paying contributions. People working in Bulgaria join through their employer.
Which option suits you depends on the basis of your residence (family, representation, retirement, work). We determine the right insurance route together with your residence file. You can compare the residence routes on our Bulgarian residence permit page.
What we do
- We choose the right policy: according to your application type, duration and number of people.
- Fast issue: we prepare the policy quickly with your passport details and travel dates.
- File compliance check: we check that the cover, duration and territorial validity meet consulate or Migration Directorate requirements.
- Renewal reminder: we remind you in advance to renew your policy at residence renewal time.
Information needed for a quote
- Passport copy
- Date of birth and address
- Application type (visa, D visa, residence, family reunification)
- Start date and duration of the policy
- Details of the other people if a family policy is required
Common mistakes
- The policy is shorter than the visa or residence period
- Applying for a Schengen visa with a policy valid only in Bulgaria
- Cover below 30,000 euros
- Forgetting to renew the policy at residence renewal
- Not taking out separate policies for children in family reunification
Related pages
- Travel health insurance packages and prices
- Bulgarian tourist visa (type C)
- Type D visa (national visa)
- Bulgarian retirement residence permit
Frequently asked questions
Is my private health insurance from Türkiye enough?
Usually not. The policy must be valid in Bulgaria or the Schengen area, meet the required cover and cover the application period. Send us your current policy and we will check whether it is suitable.
How long must the policy be for a residence permit?
The policy should generally cover the period for which the residence permit will be issued. At renewal the policy must also be extended.
How quickly is the policy issued?
If your information is complete, the policy is usually issued the same day or the next working day.
Is the insurance fee refunded if the visa is refused?
Refund conditions depend on the insurer and the policy. We state the refund conditions clearly with the quote.
Fill in the form; we will prepare an insurance quote suited to your application right away. For short-stay visa insurance packages, see our travel health insurance page.