Tutorial: How to Apply for the European Health Insurance Card?
Uncover the seamless process of applying for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Spain with our step-by-step tutorial. Follow the step-by-step instructions to ensure you obtain this essential card for your health coverage.
Traveling without a European Health Insurance Card is not an advisable option and requesting or renewing it only requires a few minutes of processing. Below we show you step by step how you can apply for the European Health Insurance Card online. In addition to some practical information: what is it, how to order it, how long does it last, how to renew it, etc.
To access the Social Security Electronic Headquarters, click on this link.
What is the European Health Insurance Card?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a personal and non-transferable document that certifies the right of European citizens to receive the medical and health benefits that are necessary during a temporary stay in any of the member countries of the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
Therefore, while waiting to find out how Brexit affects healthcare, this card is valid in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
This means that any European citizen in possession of the European Health Insurance Card will receive, in the aforementioned countries, the same medical benefits as residents of the country where medical assistance is required, whether the reason for the trip is for tourism, studies, or work and business.
Important: The EHIC is not valid if the reason for the trip is to receive a specific medical treatment, or when you have moved your habitual residence to another country.
Below we will explain in more detail what are the conditions and requirements to request the European Health Insurance Card. However, you can see a summary of them in this video:
Who can apply for the European Health Insurance Card?
To be eligible for an EHIC, the applicant must be insured or covered by the Spanish Social Security system or any other Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
In other words, in the case of Spanish citizens, all people who:
- Are employees or self-employed and are affiliated with Social Security (registered in its System).
- Are pensioners of the Social Security System.
- Are recipients of any periodic Social Security benefit: unemployment benefit (Paro), non-contributory unemployment benefit (subsidy), or similar.
The European Health Insurance Card can also be applied for by dependents (spouse, children, etc.) of the worker, pensioner, or unemployed person who is entitled to it. However, it is important to emphasize that each family member must have their own card.
When to apply for the European Health Insurance Card?
Although the European Health Insurance Card is valid for 2 years (the expiration date is indicated on the card itself) it is important to note that the return date of your trip must be within its validity period.
That said, and taking into account that this card is received at home within a maximum period of 10 days from the date of application, it will be enough for you to apply for the EHIC 15 to 20 days before starting your trip, to be on the safe side.
Where to apply for the European Health Insurance Card?
You can apply for the European Health Insurance Card both in person, by phone, or on the Internet. In all cases, the time it takes for the card to arrive is always the same: about ten days from the date of application.
However, if you have an unforeseen trip or are going to travel urgently and you don’t have time to apply for it, you can request and download the European Health Insurance Card Provisional Substitute Certificate (CPS).
The Provisional Replacement Certificate is valid for a maximum of 90 days but its main advantage is that you can print it directly from home. In the following link, you can see more information about the Provisional Replacement Certificate.
Apply for the European Health Insurance Card at the Social Security Offices (INSS)
You can ask for the EHIC by requesting an appointment in advance at one of the Social Security Attention and Information Centers (CAISS), the Provincial or Local Directorates of the Social Marine Institute (ISM).
You can find the nearest center to request an appointment for the European Health Insurance Card by clicking here.
It should be noted that it is mandatory to request it in person for all those people who:
- Apply for the European Health Insurance Card for the first time.
- Are collecting the unemployment benefit (Paro) or non-contributory unemployment benefit (subsidy).
- Work on a temporary contract.
- Collect a non-contributory pension.
Apply for the Health Card on the Internet
You can also request the EHIC from the Electronic Offices of Social Security, it is not necessary to have a digital certificate to access this service.
Apply for the European Health Insurance Card by phone
To request the EHIC by phone, you must call the number 901 16 65 65 and indicate your personal data.
The opening hours are from Monday to Friday (non-holidays) from 09:00 to 20:00 hours, uninterrupted.
How to renew the European Health Insurance Card?
The process of renewing this card is very simple. In fact, to renew the EHIC you must follow the same procedure as those who request it for the first time, that is, fill out the European Health Insurance Card request form with your personal data and wait for the new card to arrive by post.
How does the European Health Insurance Card work?
With the EHIC, medical assistance is received on the same terms as the insured residents of the country where you traveled, that is, you will be treated in the same way as them when you need health assistance.
However, we think it is important to emphasize that having a European Health Insurance Card does not mean that medical care is necessarily free at the time you receive it. You should bear in mind that each European State has its own regulations and that (in some countries) medical consultations must be paid at the moment. What the EHIC does guarantee is the reimbursement of the medical expenses assumed once you return to Spain and upon request to Social Security.
Anyway, to know how to act and where to go to receive medical assistance with the European Health Insurance Card, you just have to click on the following link and choose in the drop-down menu the country that interests you:
Medical assistance coverage with the European Health Insurance Card (by country)
If you prefer, you can take with you all the information about the EHIC (emergency telephones in each country, hospitals and medical appointments, treatments included, etc.) by downloading the Official Social Security App or by scanning the QR code below with your mobile.
FAQs: Frequently asked questions about the European Health Insurance Card
Does the European Health Insurance Card have any cost?
No. Both the application and the renewal of said card are free of charge.
How long does the European Health Insurance Card last?
The EHIC is valid for 2 years. However, its validity period may vary from one person to another, being conditional on its holder continuing to meet the requirements that allowed them to obtain it. In any case, the expiration date of the EHIC is indicated on the card itself.
What are the ways to get the European Health Insurance Card?
The European Health Insurance Card can be requested online, by phone, and in person at the Social Security offices (INSS).
Where to apply for the European Health Insurance Card online?
The European Health Insurance Card can be applied for online through the Social Security Electronic Office.
What is the Social Security number on the European Health Insurance Card?
The Social Security number is indicated on the EHIC as the Personal identification number.
How long does it take for me to receive the European Health Insurance Card?
The EHIC is received at home within a maximum period of 10 days from the date of application.
What is the Provisional Replacement Certificate?
The Provisional Replacement Certificate is a kind of temporary European Health Insurance Card. The Provisional Replacement Certificate is valid for 90 days, while the European Health Insurance Card is valid for 2 years.
Is the European Health Insurance Card an alternative to travel insurance?
The European Health Insurance Card is NOT an alternative to travel insurance since it does not cover private healthcare or other extraordinary expenses, such as theft or loss of luggage, cancellation fees, delays or cancellation of transportation, etc.
For this reason, we recommend that you take on good travel insurance (which includes the necessary coverages depending on the destination or the characteristics of your trip) in addition to asking for the EHIC (it is free).
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