Health advice for holidays in Bulgaria or living in Bulgarian property
For most healthy people, taking holidays in Bulgaria or living in Bulgarian property poses no particular health risk. However, the unexpected has a habit of happening, so the best advice is to set off with adequate travel or health insurance.
Vaccination recommendations
According to the International Travel and Health 2005 manual published by the World Health Organisation, travellers taking holidays in Bulgaria or emigrating to their Bulgarian property do not require any vaccinations.
However, depending on your personal health status, your health care provider in the UK may suggest vaccination against hepatitis A and B, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis and typhoid if you will be living in your Bulgarian property on a permanent basis. A flu jab might also be appropriate.
The same vaccinations may be suggested if you are planning to enjoy your holidays in Bulgaria off the beaten track.
Insect borne diseases
Malaria is not present in Bulgaria and the country does not generally have a problem with insect borne diseases. However, ticks can transmit encephalitis and Lyme Disease, and they can be picked up when walking in fields and forests. Specially formulated creams and sprays should be used for protection by those on activity holidays in Bulgaria´s hinterland.
Water and food contamination
Many diseases and ailments are caused by unsanitary handling procedures and contamination. Exercising caution when choosing where to eat and drink should reduce your chances of illness, but food hygiene and general sanitation are no worse than in the UK. If you are unsure of a source of water, do not drink it.
Avian influenza (Bird Flu)
There has been a confirmed case of the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza in wild birds in the Vidin area of northwest Bulgaria. Measures have been taken to contain the outbreak and no human infections have been reported.
The Foreign Office consider the risk from Bird Flu to be very low. However, they advise Brits taking their holidays in Bulgaria or residing there to avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may make contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. They also advise that travellers to Bulgaria should ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Entitlement to free treatment
Under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement, UK nationals have to pay for all healthcare in Bulgaria except emergency medical and dental treatment. This is the case whether you are a resident living in Bulgarian property or are travelling on your holidays in Bulgaria. For further details of entitlements, see our Healthcare in Bulgaria page
