Who Can Get Spanish Public Healthcare, and How

A tarjeta sanitaria gives you access to Spain’s public health system, including your own family doctor. You can get one if you work and pay social security, receive a state pension through an S1, or are the registered dependant of someone who does.

Step one: the INSS

First, social security (the INSS) has to recognise your right to healthcare, so you’ll need your social security number. Apply online through Tu Seguridad Social with Cl@ve, or at a social security office. Pensioners with an S1 register it with the INSS at this stage.

Step two: your health centre

Your health centre, the centro de salud (or CAP in Catalonia), is assigned by your address, so you need to be on the padrón. Bring your TIE or passport, padrón certificate, social security number and the INSS document. You’ll be assigned a family doctor, the médico de cabecera.

While you wait

Regional cards arrive by post, so use the receipt in the meantime, and download your region’s health app to book appointments and see prescriptions. If you don’t qualify through work or a pension, you can join the convenio especial, a paid public scheme, after a year of residence.

Follow our tarjeta sanitaria checklist step by step.