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European Health Card: What it is and how to apply

You're traveling outside Spain and need medical assistance if you get sick. Here, we explain what the European Health Card is, exactly what it covers, and how to apply for it without any hassle.

What is the European Health Card and what is it for

The European Health Card, known as EHIC, is a personal and non-transferable document. Best of all, it is free of charge.

This document certifies your right to receive the necessary medical benefits during a temporary stay abroad.

The reason for your trip doesn't matter. You can travel for tourism, professional activities, or studies, as the card is valid for all these scenarios.

• It is a personal and non-transferable document
• It is completely free
• It is valid for temporary stays for tourism, studies, or work

What the card covers and what it doesn't

With the card, you can receive healthcare under the same conditions and at the same cost as residents of the destination country. In some countries, healthcare is free, while in others, there is a copayment according to their legislation.

It covers medical expenses incurred during your temporary stay due to health problems. It also includes necessary assistance for chronic or pre-existing conditions, such as kidney dialysis, oxygen therapy, special asthma treatment, echocardiography for autoimmune diseases, and chemotherapy. However, for the latter, there must be a prior agreement between you and the unit providing the treatment at the destination.

On the other hand, there are clear limits you should be aware of before packing your bags.

• It does not cover assistance if you travel with the primary purpose of receiving medical treatment
• It does not include private healthcare under any circumstances
• It does not cover the costs of repatriation or transfer to Spain in case of serious illness or death
• It is not valid in countries that are not part of the European Union, EEA, United Kingdom, or Switzerland, such as Andorra

How to apply for the card in Spain step-by-step

You can apply for and renew the card online through the Electronic Headquarters of the Social Security or via the Tu Seguridad Social portal.

To identify yourself on the website, you can use a digital certificate, electronic DNI, Cl@ve Permanente, Cl@ve Móvil, or SMS identification. To use the SMS option, it is essential that your phone number is previously registered in the Social Security database.

If you need to apply for the card for dependents who are your beneficiaries, the right holder must do so, explicitly stating it in the application.

• Apply via the Electronic Headquarters or Tu Seguridad Social
• Use your digital certificate, Cl@ve, or SMS
• The right holder must apply if including dependents

How to receive the card and how long it takes

Once the application is completed, the physical card is sent directly to your home address. The address used is the one registered in the Social Security Affiliation databases.

If you prefer to receive it at a different address within Spain, you can indicate this using a code sent via SMS to your registered mobile number. Keep in mind that the card is never handed over in person.

The estimated time to receive it at your home by postal mail is about five days, and never longer than that.

Validity of the card and the provisional certificate

The physical card generally has a validity of up to five years, according to the regulations indicated by the Social Security. Remember that its use during this period is conditional on you continuing to meet the requirements that entitled you to obtain it. If you cease to meet them, the expenses incurred may be claimed as undue benefits.

What happens if your trip is imminent and the card won't arrive in time? In that case, you can obtain the Provisional Replacement Certificate.

This alternative document is issued with a maximum validity of ninety days and can be downloaded directly after completing your online application on the Electronic Headquarters or Tu Seguridad Social.

• General validity of up to five years for the physical card
• Usage depends on maintaining affiliation requirements
• The provisional certificate is valid for a maximum of ninety days

Countries where the health card is valid

The European Health Card is valid in a large number of countries in our region. Specifically, you can use it in the twenty-seven member countries of the European Union.

These countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Additionally, the card is also valid in the countries of the European Economic Area, which are Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, as well as in Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

«Health is not to be trifled with, so apply for your card from Social Security before you pack your bags and travel with complete peace of mind.»

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