My Experience of Bulgaria Never go to Bulgaria

This is an older thread, but it seems to still get a bit of attention, but the controversial title helps. :-)

I've been here 2 months shy of 7 years, and I'm a Permanent Resident with a 10-year card that's (almost automatically) renewable indefinitely.

Sooooo...

My Experience of Bulgaria: Never LEAVE Bulgaria! :-)

I love this country more than my own (UK), and we have a great life here. I still have residence permits for Cyprus and Spain, but they're of almost zero practical value as I now spend most of my time here.

Bulgaria is much more expensive than it used to be, but EVERY country has experienced significant inflation over the last years. More expensive is NOT the same as expensive. Bulgaria is still the poorest EU country, with one of the lowest minimum wage, one of the lowest income tax rates. And the lowest cost of living, especially in relation to property (property tax, HOA, utility bills).

Please ignore the HATERS that post that Bulgarian properties are worthless junk, and that you can buy property cheaper elsewhere in the EU, and live better there on your income/pension. If you strictly compare like-for-like, it's simply not true.

Even if you're currently a prime physical specimen who hasn't visited your GP for 10 years, the health facilities in Bulgaria are simply (overall) OUTSTANDING!

There are multiple ways to get enrolled in the social security system and make your contributions to NHIF and the public health system. Either as an employee or self-employed, as a pensioner (with an S1), or (as we do) unemployed. The cheapest, unemployed, is a mere 20 euros per month. All get you free or nearly-free access to a GP and all health services at your local public hospital. And an EHIC for when you travel elsewhere in the EU.

In Bulgaria, you also have access to private care. Unlike all (or most) other EU countries, the private hospitals here are not separate (i.e. full price), but affiliated with the public system, and get reimbursed by it for your treatment. Hence, you can get high-quality, VIP treatment, immediately you want it. All for a minimal (private hospital) surcharge.

Bulgaria also has plenty of dentists, and it's easy to find one for your twice-annual check-ups. This too is very inexpensive.

If you have to (or want to) have private insurance, this too is cheaper than elsewhere in the EU. And even cheaper (for obvious reasons), if you're making your regular NHIF contributions, as above.

So far, I've barely NEEDED anything. But I enjoy the luxury of having a great GP (better than my UK ones) who I can see pretty much when I want (the wait time at his surgery is minimal), and who spends as much time as you need (not the 10 minutes appointment time that's standard in the UK). If he wants to check on something he writes a referral, points me at the correct place, and, without exception, it has been dealt with THAT SAME DAY (usually within 30 minutes).

I have a great dentist too (better than my UK ones) who routinely spends whatever time is needed, and doesn't delegate ANYTHING to a lowly hygienist.

Even if you don't NEED anything, the above factors make it easy and inexpensive for you to do sensible annual self-checks (consults/scans/blood tests).

In any case, prevention is always better than cure, and Bulgaria's good for your health. The low cost of living and the plentiful local markets (and garden produce) mean you can eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies, nice local cheeses, fresh fish and good quality meats. The low population and abundant green spaces mean you will always have the chance for some fresh air and daily (dog) walking.