The individual health card identifies and accredits citizens as users of the public health system. The first card that is processed is free and facilitates access to the centers of the public health network.
In the case of being in Barcelona, this card can also be presented to pharmacies to obtain medicines financed by the Catalan Health Service. In our video, we show you step-by-step how to apply for a Spanish health card within Catalonia:
Tutorial Video: How to Apply for the Spanish Health Card?
Also, to access the Catalan Health service, click on the image:
However, be careful, the Spanish Health card is personal and non-transferable and each family member must have their own Spanish Health Card, regardless of their age; since this card contains a personal identification code (CIP).
Below, in this blog, we show you how you can apply for the Spanish Health Card. Keep reading! And if you have any questions, you can contact Entre Trámites and we will resolve them for you. You can manage your Social Security with us, and schedule an online consultation!
What do I need to apply for the Spanish Health Card?
To apply for a Spanish Health Card, it is mandatory to be registered and join the Social Security system, regardless of whether you are in an irregular situation or not.
The steps to follow to obtain the Spanish Health Card are the following:
- Go to the General Treasury of the Social Security closest to your home to register with the Social Security and request your Social Security affiliation number:
- You must fill out the Form TA1: Social Security Affiliation (free download here) and present:
- An official identification document.
- Original registration certificate or receipt. When applying for it, you must indicate the reason for requesting it, so that it appears on the certificate itself.
Once the procedure is completed, they will give you a Social Security affiliation card with your name. If you have no idea where to get your affiliation card, you can consult the directory of Social Security centers, click here.
- Go to the Health Center closest to your home to request a family doctor. There you must fill out the corresponding form and present:
- Copy and original of the Social Security affiliation card.
- Registration certificate or receipt (it must be original and when requesting it you must indicate the reason for requesting it so that it appears on the certificate itself).
- An official identity document (passport, residence card, student card, asylum seeker card, registration card, etc.)
Finally, they will give you a stamped document with the name of the doctor assigned to you. This paper will help you go to your doctor until you receive the Spanish health card by mail.
What does the health system in Spain include?
In the following table, we show you what the Spanish health system includes:
| PRIMARY CARE | It is the gateway to Health Services. It ranges from health promotion and education activities to disease prevention. |
| ATTENTION TO URGENCY AND EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE | – It can be provided both at the Health Center and at your home. Find out more at your Health Center. – For medical assistance in the event of serious and/or acute processes. – Avoid overwhelming emergency services: before going to the emergency room, think about whether your problem could be solved in another way (primary care, consultation by appointment, etc.). |
| SPECIALIZED CARE | Your family doctor will always be the one to refer you to this type of care: gynecology, cardiology, traumatology, psychology, dentistry, etc. |
| HOSPITAL CARE | Hospitals are accessed by an indication of a specialist doctor, whenever a surgical intervention (operation) is necessary. |
What should you keep in mind:
- It is not necessary to be in a regular situation or present financial means to access health care.
- To access non-emergency healthcare and process your health card, you must be registered.
- Finally, you have the right to request sign language interpreter service. You can find out more at your nearest Federation or Association of Deaf People.
Do you need more information about the European health insurance card?
We want to listen to you and know what your questions are about the procedures you have to carry out. Count on the advice of our experts to clarify all your doubts. At Entre Trámites we invite you to learn about our services. Fill in our contact form and we will call you to help you as soon as possible, schedule a free online consultation, or simply text our WhatsApp.
