This document identifies and validates citizens as users of the public health system in Spain. Below, we show you how you can apply for a Health Card (Tarjeta Sanitaria) in Spain.
What is a Health Card?
An Individual Health Card, (“Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual”) identifies and validates citizens as users of the public health system. The first card is free and makes it easier to access the centers of the public health care system.
Also to present to pharmacies in order to obtain medicines financed by the Catalan Health Service (it is applicable to any other Autonomous Community in Spain as well).
The card is personal and non-transferable, and each family member must have their own Health Card, regardless of how old they are. It contains the Personal Identification Code (CIP).
What do I need to apply for a Health Card?
To be able to apply for a Tarjeta Sanitaria in Spain it is mandatory to have an Empadronamiento certificate and be registered in the Social Security system, regardless of whether you are in an irregular situation.
The steps to follow to get your Health Card are the following:
- Go to the closest General Treasury of the Social Security so you can register in the Social Security system and request your NUSS (Social Security Number):
You must fill in the TA1 Form for the Social Security Affiliation and present:
- An official identification document
- Empadronamiento certificate. It must be original and when requesting it, you must indicate the reason for your application, so that it appears on the certificate itself.
Once the procedure is complete, you will be given a Social Security Membership Card with your name on it.
To access the directory of Social Security centers, click here.
- Go to the closest Health Center to request a family doctor.
There you must fill out the appropriate form and submit:
- Original Social Security Membership Card, and a copy
- Empadronamiento certificate (it must be original and when requesting it, you must indicate the reason for your application, so that it appears on the certificate itself.).
- An official identity document (passport, residence card, student card, asylum seeker card, registration card, etc.)
Finally, you will be given a sealed document, with the name of the doctor assigned to you. This paper will be used to visit your doctor until you receive your Health Card by mail.
The Health Care System in Spain:
| PRIMARY CARE | It is the gateway to health services. It ranges from health promotion and education activities to disease prevention. |
| EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE | – It can be provided both in a Health Center and at home. Ask your local Health Center for more information. – For medical assistance in case of serious and/or acute conditions – avoid overcrowding 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 HEALTH CARE | It will always be your family doctor who refers you to this type of care: gynecology, cardiology, traumatology, psychology, dentistry, etc. |
| HOSPITAL CARE | Hospitals are accessed by indication of a specialist doctor, whenever a surgical intervention is needed (surgery) |
Please note that:
- It is not necessary to be in a regular situation or to have a certain amount of economic means to access health care.
- To access non-emergency health care and process your Health Card, you must be registered.
- Finally, you have the right to request a sign language interpreter service. You can find out about it at your nearest Federation of the Deaf.
Applying for the Health Card in Catalonia:
To access the Catalan Health Service, click on the image
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