Where to apply for a health insurance card?

If you are a foreigner and need to apply for a health card in Spain, you should go to your nearest Citizen’s Advice Bureau or to a Social Security Advice and Information Centre (CAISS). These centres are located in different cities and municipalities in Spain.

When you go to the office, you will need to present the necessary documentation to apply for the health card. The requirements may vary depending on your particular situation, but generally the following is required:

1. Valid passport or identity card.
2. Document proving your legal status in Spain (e.g. student visa, residence permit, etc.).
3. Empadronamiento, i.e. a document proving your residence in a given locality.
4. Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), if you have one.

It is important to bear in mind that the procedures and requirements may vary depending on the Autonomous Community in which you are located, so it is advisable to check with the corresponding office or look for information on the website of the Ministry of Health or the Autonomous Community in question.

If you are in a regular administrative situation

Follow these steps:

1. Locate the corresponding health centre by calling 012 and asking which one corresponds to you.
2. Go to your assigned health centre and ask for an application form.
3. Fill in the application form with your personal details.
4. Gather the following documentation required for the procedure:
   1. Photocopy and original of your Foreigner Identification Card (TIE).
   2. Proof of recent census registration (requested within the last 15 days) indicating that you need the document for the health card.
   3. Document accrediting your right to receive health care, which you must obtain from the National Social Security Institute (INSS). You can consult the INSS offices to find the one nearest you.
   4. If you have children, you must also present the family book and identification documents of the children over 14 years of age.
5. Once the above steps have been completed, the health card will be sent to your home address by post.

By following these steps, you will be able to apply for the health card in a more concrete and understandable way, making sure that you have all the necessary documentation for the procedure.

If you are in an irregular administrative situation

Follow these steps:

1. Go to the health centre and fill in the application form.
2. Gather the following necessary documentation:
   1. Passport or valid photo ID from your country of origin.
   2. Document proving that you have been resident in Spain for at least 3 months. If you are a registered resident, provide the certificate of registration. If you are unable to register, you can present other documents such as proof of your children’s schooling, documents from social services, etc.
   3. Certificate of non-export of health care if you come from a country of the European Union or Chile. This certificate must be issued by the administration of your home country and can be obtained through your consulate.
   4. Declaration that you do not have private health insurance. This point is included in the application form.
3. If your application is approved, please note that you will have to renew the card every two years.
4. Once you have obtained residency, you will have to go to the health centre again to apply for a resident’s health card.

By following these steps, you will be able to apply for a health card in an irregular administrative situation in a more concise and understandable way. Remember that the availability of health services may vary in this type of situation, so it is important to seek legal advice and be aware of the rights and health care options available.

Levels of health care

1. General practitioner: Once you are registered in the system, you will be assigned a general practitioner. You must make an appointment at the health centre so that the doctor can see you and take care of your medical follow-up;
2. Emergencies: In case of emergency situations or accidents, you do not need to make an appointment. You should go directly to the hospital emergency room for immediate medical attention.
3. Specialists: If you need to be seen by a specialist, you should first consult your family doctor. He or she will determine whether a referral to a specialist is necessary and provide you with a referral.
4. Hospitalisation and surgery: If your health condition requires hospitalisation or surgery, this specific treatment will be determined and arranged by the medical specialist;

By following these levels of care, you will receive the right care and treatment for your health. Always remember to contact your GP as a starting point and follow their instructions to get the care you need.

Remember that at Asilux Care we are always here to help you with administrative procedures.