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
| Status | Base | Monthly contribution 2026 | Who pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee under an employment contract | gross salary (min. €620.20) | 8% — 4.8% employer + 3.2% employee | the employer |
| Self-insured person | chosen income €620.20–€2,300 (from 1.08.2026) | 8% = €49.62 at the minimum | self-paid, by the 25th |
| Unemployed without benefits | half 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, child | covered by the state budget | — | the 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 you have paid all health insurance contributions due for the last 60 months (Health Insurance Act, Art. 109(2)–(3)) — with no option to spread out the reinstatement itself. Late-payment interest runs daily at the statutory rate, which since 1 January 2026 is the ECB main refinancing operations rate plus 8 percentage points a year (Council of Ministers Decree No. 347 of 2025). 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
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
File Declaration 7
Unemployed persons who pay their own contributions file Declaration form 7 once, by the 25th of the month following the month in which the obligation arose.
- 3
Pay under code 56 11 11
To the NRA account for health insurance contributions, payment type code 56 11 11. Since 2 October 2023 the NRA accounts are the same for the whole country, whichever regional office you are registered with; the IBANs are listed on nra.bg. 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?
+−
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?
+−
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
Health Insurance Act (Закон за здравното осигуряване), Art. 40, 40a, 103, 104, 109; Social Insurance Code (КСО); NHIF Budget Act 2026 and State Social Insurance Budget Act 2026 (SG issue 68/28.07.2026): 8% contribution, minimum insurable income €620.20 and maximum €2,300 from 1 August 2026; Council of Ministers Decree No. 347 of 2025 (statutory interest from 1 January 2026); nra.bg: health insurance of unemployed persons, Declaration form 7, payment accounts and codes. Checked on 3 September 2026; payment details and interest rate rechecked on 22 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.