Wheelchair Repair Covered by the NHIF: Conditions, Time Limits and Procedure
A wheelchair is used every day and, over time, its tyres, bearings, batteries or other components may need to be replaced or repaired. When the assistive device has been obtained through Bulgaria’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), certain repair services may be covered by the NHIF, provided that the applicable requirements and time limits are met.
In this article, we explain when you can apply for wheelchair repair covered by the NHIF, which repair services may be included and how the application procedure works.
Important: ANGELO has a contract with the NHIF and provides diagnostics, repair and maintenance services for manual and electric wheelchairs. You can find further information on our Wheelchair Service and Repair page.
When does the NHIF cover wheelchair repairs?
The NHIF may cover repair services included in the current specification for assistive devices. In general, the warranty period must have expired, and the assistive device must still be within its specified service life.
The following conditions are considered when a repair is assessed:
- the wheelchair was obtained through the NHIF;
- the warranty period has expired;
- the device is still within its specified service life;
- the required repair is included in the NHIF specification;
- the permitted repair service has not already been used during the applicable period.
Approval is granted by the relevant Regional Health Insurance Fund (RHIF). A service centre can inspect the wheelchair and provide initial guidance, but the final decision on whether the repair will be covered is made by the RHIF.
Which repairs may be covered by the NHIF?
The applicable time limits and permitted repairs depend on the type of wheelchair.
| Type of assistive device | Service life | Permitted repair services |
|---|---|---|
| Manual wheelchair | 4 years | One major repair during the specified service life and replacement of tyres and bearings once every 2 years. |
| Electric wheelchair | 6 years | One major repair, replacement of tyres and bearings once every 2 years, and replacement of one set of batteries once every 3 years. |
The specific repair must be technically necessary and must meet the conditions set out in the current NHIF specification.
How do you apply for wheelchair repair covered by the NHIF?
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1.
Identifying the required repair
The first step is to identify the problem and determine which repair service is required.
At the ANGELO service centre, we provide diagnostics for manual and electric wheelchairs, replacement of tyres and bearings, replacement of wheelchair batteries, preventive maintenance and servicing.
Our team can provide initial information on whether the required repair is included in the NHIF specification and whether the assistive device is still within its specified service life.
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2.
Submitting an application to the RHIF
The person with a disability or their authorised representative must submit an application for the required repair to the director of the relevant Regional Health Insurance Fund.
The application may be:
- submitted in person;
- submitted by an authorised representative;
- sent through a licensed postal operator with acknowledgement of receipt.
To confirm the exact documents required for your particular case, we recommend contacting the relevant RHIF in advance or contacting the ANGELO team.
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3.
Review and approval by the RHIF
After the application has been submitted, the relevant RHIF committee reviews the case. If all requirements are met, the repair is approved. If the application is rejected, the applicant should receive a reasoned decision.
Do not begin a repair under the NHIF procedure before the required approval has been issued.
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4.
Completion of the approved repair
Once the repair has been approved, you may choose a service provider that has a contract with the NHIF for the relevant repair service. Your choice is not restricted to the town or region in which the application was submitted.
ANGELO has a contract with the NHIF and operates its own service centre in Plovdiv for wheelchair diagnostics, repairs and maintenance.
What should you do if your wheelchair develops a fault?
If your wheelchair develops a technical problem, first contact a service centre and describe the fault. Prepare information about the wheelchair model, when it was obtained and whether it was provided through the NHIF.
If possible, send photographs or a short video showing the problem. This may help the service team make a faster initial assessment before the wheelchair is brought in for diagnostics.
Why choose the ANGELO service centre?
- our own specialised service centre in Plovdiv;
- extensive experience with manual and electric wheelchairs;
- diagnostics, preventive maintenance and technical support;
- replacement of tyres, bearings and wheelchair batteries;
- spare parts and consumables in stock;
- a contract with the NHIF for the relevant repair services;
- initial guidance and assistance with the application procedure.
Useful information
Note: This information is general in nature. The applicable conditions, time limits and required documents should be confirmed for each individual case in accordance with the current NHIF specification.
Do you need your wheelchair repaired?
Contact the ANGELO team for an initial consultation. We will help identify the problem, check whether the repair may be covered by the NHIF and guide you towards the most appropriate service solution.