Healthcare in Spain and European Union Cards
Public Healthcare Card (Tarjeta Sanitaria)
- What it is: Your regional health service card for access to doctors and public hospitals in Spain.
- When: After you are a registered resident and signed up for public healthcare.
- Why: For your day-to-day healthcare in your region of Spain.
- Visual: Regional health card (e.g., Andalusia SAS card).
TSE – Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (European Health Insurance Card)
- What it is: A free card that gives you access to necessary state-provided healthcare temporarily in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland on the same terms and cost as citizens of that country.
- When: After you are registered in the Spanish public healthcare system. You can request it online once you have your digital certificate.
- Why: For travel within Europe. It covers you for medical emergencies if you travel from Spain to Germany, France, Italy, etc. It is NOT for use within Spain.
Visual: Blue plastic card with the EU flag.
Key Distinction Health Card vs. TSE
- Tarjeta Sanitaria (Regional Health Card): For using healthcare INSIDE Spain.
- Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (TSE): For using healthcare OUTSIDE Spain (within the EU) when you are a resident of Spain.
