Applying for a Health Insurance Card as a Foreigner

Nothing is more important or causes us more concern than our health. That is why one of the first things we worry about when arriving in a new country is obtaining a health insurance card as a foreigner.
By understanding the requirements and registration process, you can access it more quickly and easily and thus take advantage of one of the most important social benefits in this country.

This card also entitles you to receive the European Health Insurance Card. With this second document, you can receive medical care in the 27 member states of the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
It is important to know that only people who reside in Spain and pay Social Security contributions—that is, workers, retirees, and those receiving Social Security benefits such as unemployment benefits—are eligible for this health card.

The Health Card and Access to It.

The first thing to know is that any immigrant, even an undocumented one, can go to a health center for help. In fact, hospitals are required to treat all emergency patients at their facilities.

Of course, this does not mean that follow-up care for your appointment is free or that simply visiting us entitles you to receive a health card. The health card is a document available only to people who normally reside in Spain.

So, what documents do I need to submit to apply for a health insurance card as a foreigner?
The health card is a document that certifies the health services and benefits to which each person is entitled. With this document, you will be assigned a health center in the municipality where you live.

To apply for this health card, you only need the following documents:

• Social Security number. To complete this preliminary step, you must have an identification document (DNI, NIE, or EU ID) and be registered as a resident in a Spanish municipality.
• A valid form of identification. This can be a national ID card, a residence card, or a European Union document.

If you are applying for this card so that your immediate family members can be beneficiaries, you will need to submit additional documentation proving your relationship with the beneficiary, such as the family register. In this case, to be eligible as a beneficiary, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Spouse or domestic partner of the account holder.
• Descendant under the age of 26

To complete this process, simply go in person to the municipal office in the town where you live with the documents listed above so they can issue your health card. This process is completely free.
And as we mentioned earlier, a health center and a family doctor will be automatically assigned to you during the registration process.

Validity of the Health Card

There are only two requirements for the health card to remain valid: the holder must maintain their Social Security status and have a valid national ID. As long as these requirements are met, we will have no trouble renewing our health care coverage.

Even if the card—that is, the physical document—expires, as long as you comply with the points mentioned above, it will be renewed automatically.

Medications

If you need to buy medication, as an immigrant you will pay the same price as Spanish citizens. You will be eligible for all the exemptions provided for in the various laws regarding medication copayments.
For undocumented immigrants, the situation is different, since they will have to pay the full cost, although fortunately there are a number of subsidies available so that they only have to pay about 40% of the medication prices, just like people with an income below 18,000 euros. Additionally, depending on the region, they may also be eligible for some type of subsidy or assistance program.

Conclusion

Spain and much of the European Union have a high-quality healthcare system that includes excellent public and private care. Applying for your health card as soon as possible will give you free access to Spain’s public healthcare system and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. After all, our health should always come first and be our top priority.