Young people from across Bulgaria were recognised for their analyses of the motor and health insurance markets in the country as part of the National Insurance Competition for pupils and university students. The official award ceremony took place on 9 March 2026 at the University of Insurance and Finance (VUZF) and was attended by the Chair of the Management Board of the Association of Bulgarian Insurers (ABZ), Nikolay Stanchev.
The competition was organised by VUZF with the institutional support of the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) and ABZ, in partnership with Groupama Insurance.
Welcoming addresses were delivered by VUZF Rector, Corresponding Member Prof. Dr. Boris Velchev; FSC Deputy Chair in charge of Insurance Supervision, Plamen Danailov; ABZ Chair Nikolay Stanchev; and Maria Marinova, Director of Insurance Services and Health at Groupama Insurance.
Prof. Velchev highlighted the importance of the initiative in promoting insurance as a перспективна career path and in stimulating young people’s interest in the sector. Plamen Danailov emphasised the role of insurance in maintaining economic stability and the need for well-prepared professionals in the field.
Nikolay Stanchev thanked participants for their efforts in analysing two key areas—motor and health insurance in Bulgaria.
“Insurance is one of the most fascinating professions. It is a cause in itself. With a relatively small amount, you can protect your home, your assets and your health. It is also among the most innovative sectors, where new technologies and artificial intelligence are already part of everyday work. Choosing insurance offers real opportunities for growth and development,” he said.
Maria Marinova also welcomed participants and expressed Groupama Insurance’s support for initiatives that encourage young people to pursue a career in insurance.
The competition was held between 20 November 2025 and 20 February 2026 in three stages—registration, preparation of an analysis and interview. More than 60 high school students (11th and 12th grade) from across the country and university students took part, with 17 participants reaching the final stage.
In the Students category, first place was awarded to Martina Rangelova (UNWE), second place to Viktoria Zhekova (UNWE), and third place to Petya Georgieva (UNWE). A special award was presented to Dimitar Yovkov from the University of Economics – Varna.
In the Pupils category, first place went to Teomir Genchev (National Finance and Business High School – Sofia), second place to Tsvetelina Georgieva (National Finance and Business High School – Sofia), and third place to Venelin Milkov (Varna Commercial High School “Georgi S. Rakovski”). Special awards were presented to Vanessa Andonova (Commercial High School – Burgas) and Natali Petrova (Secondary School “Velizar Peev”, Svoge).
The winners were selected by a jury chaired by Prof. Dr. Irena Markova (VUZF), with members representing the FSC, ABZ and Groupama Insurance.
The competition aims to highlight the importance of the insurance sector and the career opportunities it offers to young people in Bulgaria.
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