In Spain, public healthcare is accessible to all Spanish residents who pay into the Social Security system, and to other specific individuals. In this blog post, we will break down exactly how to access this public healthcare and also provide helpful tips and tricks regarding the process.
Who Qualifies for a Card?
One must have a Tarjeta Sanitaria Europa (TSE) in order to access public healthcare. To qualify for the card, an individual has to:
- Be a resident in Spain, working in Spain, and contributing to Social Security
- Be a resident in Spain and collecting benefits from the state
- Be a resident in Spain who recently divorced or separated from a partner who contributes to Social Security
- Be a child and Spanish resident
- Be under the age of 26 and a student in Spain
- Receive pension payments from the state, or
- Be a temporary visitor with an EHIC card
How to Get a Card
Once you are certain that you qualify for a TSE, the process to receive one is quite simple. First, be sure to gather the following documents:
- A certificado de empadronamiento (padrón) as your proof of address
- To receive a padrón, consult your local council office.
- Your social security number and proof of social security rights (both original copies and photocopies)
- Find your nearest social security office here
- Your Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE), if applicable
- Your passport (both original and photocopies)
- And your employee contract, as some centers may require this information.
After you have gathered all the necessary documents and materials, you must then go to the closest medical center to your residence. After you hand over all necessary documentation and information, the medic will fill out a form and ask for your signature. From there, all of the bureaucratic jargon is finished, you will receive a piece of paper which states your right to use the health center, and the official TSE will be sent to the address provided on the padrón. You can expect to receive the card in about a month’s time; however, in the meantime, you can use the piece of paper given to you immediately to receive healthcare.
Summary
All in all, receiving a Spanish healthcare card, or TSE, is quite simple. The only difficulty in the process is making sure that you have performed all of the steps necessary to receive the required documentation, such as a padrón and a social security number. The key is to stay organized and stay informed. With this blog post and our support, you will be able to do both!
Our goal at MTS is to provide you with the knowledge and support you need to stay healthy and safe! Schedule your free consultation, we will arrange all the required documentation for you.
Read all there is to know about the Spanish healthcare system here.