In the Republic of Bulgaria, there are two types of public insurance - health insurance and social security. They are provided by the National Health Insurance Fund and the National Social Security Institute.

Do you know what your rights and obligations are regarding them, depending on whether you live in Bulgaria or abroad?

We will take a deeper look at the main types of public insurance and answer the most important questions related to them.

Monthly Insurance Contributions

What insurance contributions are paid?

Social security and health insurance contributions are divided into funds and are paid by the employer and the employee, with the larger part covered by the employer.

These are monthly contributions for the following funds:

• "Pensions";
• Mandatory supplementary pension insurance;
• "General illness and maternity";
• "Unemployment";
• Work accident and occupational disease;
• Health insurance.

Note: Self-insured persons are not insured for unemployment.

Public Insurance Contributions in Bulgaria

What changes occurred in public insurance contributions in 2024?

• The monthly minimum wage in the country increased to 933 BGN. Thus, the minimum monthly insurance income for self-insured persons also increased to 933 BGN.
• The minimum insurance income for registered farmers and tobacco producers increased to 933 BGN.
• The maximum monthly insurance income remained 3750 BGN.
• The rates and distribution of contributions to the "Pensions", "General Illness and Maternity", and "Unemployment" funds, as well as the health insurance contribution, remained unchanged.
• The minimum insurance income for major economic activities and professional qualification groups changed.
• For days of unpaid leave, a higher health insurance contribution is now due - on the basis of 466,50 BGN.
• For days of temporary incapacity for work due to illness, pregnancy and childbirth, and child-rearing, a higher health insurance contribution is also due from the employer - on the basis of 933 BGN.
• Contributions to the "Work Accident and Occupational Disease" fund changed by groups of major economic activities, while maintaining the minimum and maximum limits (0.4 - 1.1 percent).
• The zero contribution to the "Guaranteed Claims of Workers and Employees" fund remained unchanged.

Health Insurance Contributions

There are specific cases where health contributions are not due. For example, the unemployed receiving unemployment benefits do not pay such contributions. Their health contributions are covered by the state budget.

If you are interested in who exactly should pay health insurance contributions, see our article on health insurance contributions. There we explain who owes health insurance contributions, how they are paid, within what timeframe, the consequences of non-payment, and more. In our publication on the topic, you will also learn about the latest changes in health insurance contributions. You can also book a consultation with us here.

Health Insurance Contributions for Bulgarians Abroad

The country where a person is insured depends on:

• the country of residence (not their citizenship)

and

• the employment status.

It is important to be informed and take care of your health insurance, regardless of which country you are in.

Regarding the health insurance of Bulgarian citizens living abroad, the law states: 

Bulgarians Residing Abroad

Bulgarians with or without dual citizenship who reside abroad for more than 183 days a year can be exempted from paying health contributions until the end of the respective calendar year, starting from the date of their departure from Bulgaria. This also applies to each subsequent calendar year, but they must submit a prior application to the National Revenue Agency (NRA).

These individuals regain their health insurance rights:

• after 6 consecutive months during which they are insured

or

• immediately. with a one-time payment of 12 health contributions on the basis of the minimum monthly income for self-employed persons, determined at the time of payment.

Until their health insurance rights are restored, these citizens pay for any medical assistance received in Bulgaria.

Bulgarians Living Abroad

For Bulgarians who work and live in EU member states and are insured in the respective country, there is a special procedure to certify this fact to preserve their insurance rights.

Bulgarians with dual citizenship who do not permanently reside in Bulgaria are not subject to mandatory health insurance here. They can submit documents to NRA offices in person or through an authorized representative, send them by mail, or online with an electronic signature.

Every Bulgarian citizen who pays health insurance contributions in an EU member state can prove their continuous health insurance rights through a unified European form.

If, despite living outside the country, you want to be insured in Bulgaria, you can do so.

It is important, if you live and work abroad, to register in the health and social security system of the host country.

If you are working for a short period in another EU country, you can remain insured in your home country’s system. However, it may be necessary to issue Form A1 - see more on the matter in our article.

If you need a consultation with a good lawyer on these and other issues, contact us.