Do I need travel insurance to go to Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s up-and-coming holiday destinations thanks to its unique combination of landscapes, old and new. You can enjoy a city break in Sofia, and take in the bustling nightlife and stunning Orthodox churches and cathedrals. Alternatively, its Black Sea coast offers a taste of the Mediterranean as it once was - unspoiled by mass tourism. Tree-covered mountains dominate beauty spots like the Central Balkan National Park, while ski resorts offer a cheaper alternative to the pricier climes of The Alps. Parts of Bulgaria are so unspoiled that you may feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The coastal town of Nessebar is a stunning example - the UNESCO World Heritage site boasts 44 churches, Roman ruins, and traditional Bulgarian houses.
Bulgaria is part of the European Union. AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to Bulgaria - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000. This meets the requirements for traveling to Bulgaria, which requires you to have coverage up to €30,000 - the same as other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application.
What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Bulgaria cover?
Starting at around $35 per week of your trip, our Europe Travel insurance covers:
● Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses
● Medical repatriation & transport
● 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
● Up to 180 days of coverage
● All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
● Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
● No age limit
● Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim
Is travel insurance required for Bulgaria?
Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a visa for Bulgaria. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.
Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus?
We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice.
All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection.
Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Bulgarian visa application?
AXA have been leading experts in delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years. All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application - it’s that easy! Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.
What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Bulgarian visa?
To obtain a visa to Bulgaria your insurance must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
- It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.
I don’t need a visa to visit Bulgaria - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?
Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken limb or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. Particularly if you’re taking on some of the more adventurous pursuits Bulgaria has to offer!
What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen or Europe Travel insurance?
1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.
Why should you trust us?
● Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
● Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845
Which insurance plans to consider?
| Coverage duration | Max. Coverage |
Countries Covered | Average price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe Travel | Up to 180 days | €100,000 | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
33€ per week (approx. US$ 35) |
| Multi Trip | Illimited number of stays of 90 days max. during 1 year |
€100,000 | 328€ per year approx. US$ 349) |
|
| Low Cost | Up to 180 days | €30,000 | Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland |
22 € per week |
What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Bulgaria?
Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.
The following information must be given to the call center:
● The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
● The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
● The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.
IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.
What should I know when preparing for my trip to Bulgaria?
Security: Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare. However, you should take care of yourself and your belongings in the same way as you would when out in your home country and take precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities. Tourists are particularly targeted by thieves and pickpockets in resorts.
Opening hours: Shops usually open weekdays from 9 or 10am to 7pm, and on Saturdays, 9am to 1pm. On Sundays, most shops are closed - but may be open in cities or resort towns.
Public transport: Public transport in Bulgaria is dependent on rail and road services, which connect most of the country. The most comprehensive and inexpensive way to travel is by bus - but this may be slow. Rail services cover most major cities but reach few Black Sea resorts and can be very slow compared to Western Europe, especially on local lines. The capital, Sofia, also has a metro system.
Driving license: If your national driving license does not have photo identification, you will need to have an International Driving Permit.
Restaurants: Something rare about Bulgarian restaurants is that they don't define lunch or dinner time - most open from around 11am until late in the evening.
Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Bulgaria and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Bulgaria you can find out more here.