The EHIC card

European Health Insurance Card in Spain: what is the EHIC and how do you get it?

The EHIC card is a free health insurance card that gives you access to medically necessary care within the public health system during a temporary stay in the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The EHIC card gives you access to health care in the countries where this coverage applies, just as you would get in your own country. Medical bills are paid by the tax system of the country you come from, not the country where you receive medical care.

Cards are issued by the health insurance agency in your own country.

You can apply for the card in the country where you are registered as a resident. If you are registered in Spain (i.e. you have the residence), you can apply for the card through the Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (TSE) website or through the Seguridad Social.

Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (TSE): https://seg-tarjetasanitariaeuropea.es/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpMOIBhBAEiwAy5M6YBEBwole8MZ9x1hZ9TCF0x24qVTFmrcLFGh9UCQEXWAB_VqkZrWgoBoC__IQAvD_BwE
Seguridad Social: https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/Trabajadores/PrestacionesPensionesTrabajadores/10938/11566/1761

What health problems does the EHIC cover?

Firstly, it is important to know that the EHIC is not a substitute for private travel insurance. It does not cover private health care or costs such as repatriation or the loss or theft of your luggage.

It does not cover your expenses if you travel with the express purpose of receiving medical treatment

It does not guarantee that the service is free of charge - this depends on the country of destination

The card is intended for urgent medical assistance for illnesses or accidents as well as for the exacerbation of chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, cancer, etc. If you travel during pregnancy, the EHIC/TSE covers the necessary treatment, including giving birth abroad in the EU.

Also see our FAQ in the menu bar for more information on the EHIC.

FAQ overview