Healthcare & health card

Documents to prepare

• Own identity and address evidence accepted by the competent body.
• Current entitlement decision or S1, if applicable; a Social Security number alone is not the entitlement decision.
• For family members, their own identity and any requested evidence of relationship/beneficiary status.
• Regional health-card application and contact/address details requested by the health service.

Steps in order

1. 1Identify the current coverage basis and the institution responsible for recognizing it; do not infer coverage from the padrón or NUSS alone.
2. 2Obtain confirmation of entitlement through the applicable route before treating the card application as the next step.
3. 3Ask your regional health service or assigned health centre which evidence, application channel and address rules apply.
4. 4Prepare each family member separately; confirm whether they are a holder or beneficiary.
5. 5Submit the regional card request once the required coverage evidence is available. Keep proof and ask how to access care while the card is pending.
6. 6Check the assigned health centre, personal data and card delivery/collection route. Ask how to arrange the first appointment.

After submitting

• Keep entitlement and card records separately; notify the responsible body about changes.
• Use the regional service for card errors, a lost card or a change of health centre.

Useful question in Spanish

Quisiera confirmar mi vía de acceso a la asistencia sanitaria. ¿Qué documentos necesito para reconocer el derecho y solicitar la tarjeta sanitaria en esta comunidad?