For information on the European Health Card see HERE but it cannot be used in Bulgaria because it is not in the EU.

You will all need full travel insurance, which the card does not replace in the EU either.

Peter

As Peter says, the EHIC is not valid in Bulgaria. But according to the Department of Health, you should carry your passport and NHS medical card if you wish to obtain free medical, dental or hospital treatment in Bulgaria. However, the DOH points out that recent changes suggest that the state healthcare sector is very limited and as with most countries, medical insurance is strongly recommended.

David

Oh my god! I applied for the health card, but it completely didn't click that bulgaria is outside the EU. I think that could be classed as a complete and utter blonde moment...

Thank god for the forums, I couldn't organise the proverbial piss up in a brewery so I'd be a bit stuffed without all the advice!

At the risk of sounding really dumb, when you say :

medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Do you mean the sort of medical stuff that's covered by travel insurance?

This is my first holiday on my own (cos I'm a grown up), so you can forgive me for being a bit wet behind the ears, right?

Love,
Marianne