Bulgaria healthcare survey reveals 53% of citizens pay out-of-pocket

A survey conducted by the Bulgarian Medical Union between September 10 and 16 reveals that 53% of Bulgarians paid out-of-pocket for healthcare services in the past year. The study, presented at the ‘Priority: Health’ forum, surveyed 1,000 adult citizens.

Patients identified high out-of-pocket costs, a shortage of doctors and medical specialists, and insufficient coverage by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as the three most serious problems facing the healthcare system. Those who reported additional payments most frequently cited costs for medicines, dental services, and consultations with general practitioners or specialists. Furthermore, 75% of respondents expressed a desire for a broader package of services covered by the NHIF.

In contrast, 63% of surveyed doctors assessed the state of the healthcare system as ‘very good’ or ‘good.’ However, medical professionals highlighted different systemic challenges, including the shortage of nurses and other specialists, low wages for medical labor, and the lack of a long-term strategy to retain young doctors in Bulgaria. Doctors noted that insufficient pay and staff shortages are the primary factors hindering their daily work.