Registering with a family doctor (GP)

At a glance

Total time: Register any time; change in June or December
Official fees: Small fee per visit with NZOK
Where: Any GP who works with NZOK
Bulgarian needed?: Many GPs speak some English

In the Bulgarian state health system, everything starts with your family doctor, the GP (личен лекар). They treat everyday illnesses, write prescriptions and give you referrals to specialists. You can only register with one if you are in the state health insurance system (NZOK).

Before you register

You need a Bulgarian personal number: an LNCH or EGN.
You must be paying health contributions, through your employer, as self-employed or on your own. See our health insurance guide.
Check your status on the NAP website, or ask at the NZOK regional office.

How to register

Find a GP who works with NZOK and has places free. Ask neighbours and other expats, or search the NZOK list for your area.
Visit the practice and ask whether they accept new patients. Ask whether the doctor speaks English.
Fill in the GP registration form (регистрационна форма) in three copies. The practice usually has it.
Bring your ID or residence card. The doctor signs the forms, and you are on their list.

You can choose your first GP at any time of the year.

What your GP does

Service	How it works
Visits	Free with NZOK, apart from a small fee per visit for most adults
Prescriptions	Electronic. Any pharmacy can see them. See our pharmacies guide
Specialists	Usually need a referral (направление) from your GP
Sick notes	Your GP issues them for your employer
Vaccinations and check-ups	Including a free yearly check-up for adults

Some specialists can usually be seen without a GP referral, including gynaecologists, eye doctors, dermatologists and psychiatrists, and paediatricians for children.

Changing your GP

You can change GP twice a year, in June and December. Fill in a new registration form at the new practice, and ask your old GP for a copy of your medical file.

Common mistakes

Registering with a GP far from home. You will need to visit often for referrals and sick notes.
Thinking private health insurance gives you a state GP. It doesn’t: you need NZOK.
Waiting until you are ill to register.

Need care in English quickly? See our English-speaking doctor guide.

Sources

General information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 112.