How to Get Your Health Card in Spain: Essential Guide (TSE)

Table of Contents

Description

What is it?

The Health Card, or the ‘Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea’ (TSE), is a personalized and individual document which certifies your rights to receive necessary health care benefits in Spain.

Who needs it?

The health card is essential for anyone residing in Spain, whether a citizen, permanent resident, or a digital nomad with a visa.

Procedure

First, you need to request your Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIE). You can request it online here .
To request your health card, you need to make an appointment at your local Social Security office. You can do this online here .
When going to the Social Security office, bring all required documents. They will process your request. After a few days, you can collect your card from the same office.

Required Documents

Your NIE card certifying that you’re legally residing in Spain.
Documentation proving that you’re working in Spain.
If you’re a resident family member of an EU citizen, you need your residency card.

Providers that can do it for you

(We are currently curating the best providers. If you are or know a provider, please contact us or edit the page directly)

Provider	Website	Timelines	Cost

Additional details

Healthcare in Spain is generally free for permanent residents.
If you’re a freelancer, you have to contribute to Social Security to qualify for the Health Card.
If you’re a temporary visitor (tourist), you should apply for the European Health Card (EHIC) from your home country before your visit.
Digital nomads with a visa must also apply for the health card.

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