No one wants to think about any health problems that may occur during a trip or business trip. However, the fact that we ignore them does not mean that they cannot happen to us. And although we sincerely pay tribute to the old faultless methods such as knocking on wood and turning three times on the left foot before leaving, we advise you to insure yourself in a more rational way.
Usually, when a person starts looking for information about the opportunities he has for his health insurance abroad, he comes across two options - medical travel insurance and a European health card. The truth is that both have their disadvantages and advantages. Therefore, before making a decision, it is good to get acquainted with their specifics.
European health card
Coverage
The European Health Insurance Card provides the traveler in Europe with coverage for medical care that has occurred unexpectedly and needs urgent care - that is, only when the patient's condition is judged to be serious and treatment cannot wait until he or she returns. in Bulgaria. And exactly what help will be provided is assessed by the doctor in the country where the patient is currently.
Expenses
The cost of treatment depends entirely on the laws of the country in which it is performed. In other words, if medical care is not paid for there, the EHR holder can also benefit from free treatment. However, in case the local health system requires some payment or a certain user fee, the patient must pay it on the spot, and after returning to Bulgaria to present the invoices for reimbursement.
Who is entitled to EHR?
Every person who pays health insurance has the right to obtain a European health card and it is continuous.
Term
1 year
Price
The European Health Insurance Card is issued free of charge, but can only be obtained from certain places in the major cities in the country.
Medical insurance
Coverage
Unlike PSCs, medical insurance abroad is taken out worldwide and covers all medical expenses. Exactly what events the policy applies to is explicitly mentioned in advance, and most often it includes emergency medical and dental care and reparation, but Covers such as theft of personal luggage, loss of ability to work, death, etc. can also be entered.
Expenses
The insurance company covers absolutely all costs up to a certain, pre-known amount. Many companies also have an "assistance" service - a partner company in the respective country, which takes care of the client's treatment and to which he must turn if necessary to guide and assist him. In this case, the patient does not have to look for a medical institution and a doctor and think about money and payment, and the assistance company does this for him and then contacts the insurance company in Bulgaria to cover the costs.
Who can take out health insurance?
All Bulgarian and foreign citizens can be insured. Most companies also offer options for collective and family insurance.
Term
At the client's request, the medical insurance can be concluded for a period of 1 day to 1 year.
Price
The amount of insurance may vary depending on the events it covers, the number of people who want to be insured, the period of insurance and the country to be visited.