Getting Health Insurance
Everything you Need to Know
What is it?
Understanding Health Insurance in Spain
Health insurance in Spain includes two main options: public and private. Public healthcare is free for residents and offers universal coverage. Private health insurance, widely used by expats, provides faster access to services and additional benefits like dental care and home visits. Your health insurance is tied to your residency card, so it’s important to keep it updated.
Public Healthcare
Accessing Free Public Healthcare
Residents in Spain can apply for free public healthcare with a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI). This card allows you to:
- Access public health centres and hospitals
- Register with a local doctor
- Purchase prescriptions with coverage
To apply for a TSI, you’ll need:
- Passport or ID
- NIE/TIE
- Empadronamiento
- Social Security Number (SSN)
You’ll receive a provisional card, and the original will arrive in 2–3 weeks.
Private Healthcare
Benefits of Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance offers:
- Faster access to healthcare
- Additional coverage for dental and mental health services
- Access to private hospitals
- Home visits for children’s illnesses
Around 25% of Spain’s population supplements public healthcare with private insurance for greater flexibility and convenience.
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