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Health insurance contributions 2026: rates, deadlines and how to pay

The health insurance contribution is 8% for everyone, but the base it's calculated on — and who pays it — depends on your status. Here are the 2026 figures, and what to do if you've missed payments.

Updated · Author: Hristo Ivanov, chief accountant · about the author

In brief

  • The health insurance contribution is 8% across all statuses.
  • Unemployed persons without benefits owe €24.81 per month from 1 August 2026 (€22.03 through 31 July).
  • More than 3 unpaid contributions within 36 months — rights are suspended until the full amount is paid.

Who owes how much: €24.81 for the unemployed, 8% for everyone

StatusBaseMonthly contribution 2026Who pays
Employee under an employment contractgross salary (min. €620.20)8% — 4.8% employer + 3.2% employeethe employer
Self-insured personchosen income €620.20–€2,300 (from 1.08.2026)8% = €49.62 at the minimumself-paid, by the 25th
Unemployed without benefitshalf of the minimum insurable income for self-insured persons = €310.10€24.81 (€22.03 through 31.07.2026)self-paid, by the 25th
Pensioner, student, childcovered by the state budgetthe budget

What happens if you miss contributions

Health insurance rights are suspended after more than three unpaid monthly contributions within the last 36 months. They're restored from the date all outstanding contributions are paid in full — with no option to spread out the reinstatement itself. The late-payment interest is the statutory rate (base interest rate + 10 points) per day. Company owners: your contributions as a self-insured person already include the health insurance element — see the calculator and our article on dividend tax if your income comes only from dividends.

How to pay

  1. 1

    Check your status

    In the NRA portal with a PIC or a qualified e-signature — the "Health insurance status" section. You'll see the months without contributions.

  2. 2

    File Declaration 7

    Unemployed persons who pay their own contributions file Declaration form 7 once, within 25 days of the obligation arising.

  3. 3

    Pay under code 56 11 11

    To the account of the competent NRA regional office, payment type 56 11 11 (health insurance). You can pay by card through the NRA portal at no fee.

Common mistakes

  • Paying into the wrong account (social insurance instead of health insurance) — the payment doesn't register against your health status.
  • Not filing Declaration 7 — the NRA doesn't know you're liable, and your status stays suspended.
  • Forgetting to notify before moving abroad — contributions keep accruing; you need to file an exemption application under Art. 40a of the Health Insurance Act.

Frequently asked questions

Do I owe health insurance contributions if I live abroad?

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No, if you have been absent for more than 183 days in the year and you file an application under Art. 40a of the Health Insurance Act before leaving. Without the application, contributions continue to accrue.

Can my employer skip paying my health insurance contributions?

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No, they're obligated to pay. Check with the NRA; if they don't pay, file a report — your rights aren't interrupted because of your employer's failure to comply.

Sources

Corporate Income Tax Act; Personal Income Tax Act; VAT Act (SG issue 115/30.12.2025); Public Social Insurance Budget Act for 2026; Health Insurance Act; nra.bg. Checked on 3 September 2026.

Important

Bulsmetka is a private accounting firm, not a government body. This information is general in nature and does not replace individual advice. Government fees are billed at cost.

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