Medical Assistance in Bansko 2026: A Complete Guide for Tourists and Residents

I. Emergency medical care: When is it free?

In Bulgaria, emergency medical care for life-threatening conditions is 100% free for every patient, regardless of their health insurance status or country of origin. This is a fundamental right guaranteed by the state budget.

Critical conditions requiring urgent intervention:

• Severe injuries: Falls on ski slopes, fractures or car accidents.
• Heart problems: Severe chest pain, shortness of breath and suspected heart attack.
• Neurological symptoms: Loss of consciousness, sudden paralysis, or signs of a stroke.
• Allergic reactions: Anaphylactic shock after a sting or food allergy.

II. Where to find a doctor in Bansko?

When your condition is not life-threatening (cold, virus, minor sports injury), you have several basic courses of action:

1. Emergency Medical Care Branch (EMSC) – Bansko

Located at 10, Econom Chuchulain Street (Polyclinic building). It operates 24/7.

2. Private medical centers and offices

During the winter season, numerous private clinics operate in Bansko, located mainly around starting station of the cable car and in large hotels. They are extremely convenient, but the prices there are higher. Always check if your insurance works with the specific clinic.

3. Razlog Hospital

The Razlog City Hospital is only 6 km from Bansko. It has a full diagnostic base: X-ray, scanner, laboratory and specialized departments (surgery, traumatology, internal medicine). This is the main point of hospitalization in the region.

III. European Health Card (EHIC) and insurance

If you are an EU citizen, your European Health Insurance Card gives you the right to emergency treatment under the same conditions as Bulgarian citizens. However, it only covers state healthcare facilities.

Why do you need Mountain Insurance?
Rescue operations in Pirin are carried out by the Mountain Rescue Service (MES). Without valid insurance, the cost of transport by sled or helicopter can reach thousands of leva. Make sure your policy is active before your first lift ride.

IV. Pharmacies and medicines in Bansko

The pharmacy network in the city is well developed, but there are specifics that you should know:

• Location: Most of the sites are on Tsar Simeon Street and Pirin Street.
• Working hours: Usually from 09:00 to 20:00.
• 24/7 pharmacy: In Bansko no A permanent 24-hour pharmacy. The shifts change, and information about the pharmacy on duty is always posted at the entrance to each closed facility.

V. Important contacts in case of need