What to do in an Emergency in Bulgaria
It’s always useful to know where to find the right information when travelling, particularly when it comes to healthcare, emergency services and important contact numbers.
In Bulgaria, the main number to remember is 112, which covers emergency medical assistance, police, fire and rescue services throughout the country.
Emergency Number: 112
112 is Bulgaria’s national emergency number. It’s free to call, available 24 hours a day and you don’t need an area code.
The same number is used for emergency medical assistance, police, the fire service and rescue services, including mountain rescue, so it’s really the only emergency number most visitors need to remember.
Medical Help
For emergency medical assistance in Bulgaria, call 112 for an ambulance.
In Sofia, if you are able to make your own way to an emergency hospital, Pirogov Emergency Hospital would be our first choice. Pirogov is one of Bulgaria’s main emergency hospitals and provides emergency care around the clock. The building itself is quite old and perhaps isn’t what some international visitors might expect from a major hospital, but don’t let appearances put you off. It has highly experienced doctors and specialists and is where we would choose to go for emergency treatment in Sofia.
Pirogov Emergency Hospital
21 General Totleben Boulevard, Sofia
Elsewhere in Bulgaria, hotels and accommodation providers can usually help with directions to the nearest hospital, medical centre or pharmacy if you need some local guidance.
Road Accidents
For road accidents requiring emergency assistance, 112 is again the number to call.
When renting a car in Bulgaria, it’s also worth saving the rental company’s assistance number in your phone. The rental documents should explain who to contact in the event of an accident or breakdown.
Driving in Bulgaria – What You Need to Know.
Mountain Rescue
Bulgaria has some fantastic hiking and skiing areas, from Vitosha just outside Sofia to the Rila, Pirin and Rhodope mountains.
For mountain emergencies, 112 can coordinate assistance with Bulgaria’s Mountain Rescue Service.
When heading into the mountains, it’s a good idea to know the name of your route or trail and keep your phone charged. If assistance is needed, being able to explain your location can make things much easier.
Health & Travel Insurance
It’s worth arranging medical cover before travelling to Bulgaria. Visitors who are eligible for an EHIC or UK GHIC should bring it with them. These cards can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay in Bulgaria, subject to the applicable rules and eligibility.
We would still recommend having good travel or private medical insurance as well. An EHIC or GHIC isn’t a replacement for travel insurance, and additional insurance can provide cover for costs and situations that aren’t included under state healthcare arrangements. Keep your policy details and the insurer’s assistance number somewhere easy to access while travelling.
Passports and Important Documents
For a lost or stolen passport, the local police and your country’s embassy or consulate in Bulgaria are the best places to contact. Your embassy or consulate can advise on the process for replacement documents or emergency travel documentation where necessary. It’s also useful to keep a digital copy of your passport and travel insurance details somewhere secure and accessible while travelling.
Useful Information to Save Before Travelling
A few details are worth saving on your phone before a trip to Bulgaria:
- 112 – emergency services
- Travel insurance policy and assistance number
- EHIC or GHIC details, where applicable
- Embassy or consulate contact details
- Car rental assistance number, if applicable
- Accommodation contact details
Hopefully most visitors will never need any of this information, but we think it’s useful to have it all in one place.
