EU/Non-EU Citizens Right to Apply for the EHIC

All citizens who are insured for public healthcare or have healthcare cover by a European member state including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Spanish equivalent is the Tarjeta Sanitaria Europeo (TSE). The health insurance institution of the country where you are insured  (the one that pays for your healthcare)  will provide the card.

Non-EU citizens who are covered by a state social security scheme are also eligible. These nationals cannot use their EHIC in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

If your EHIC is not recognised by the authorities of any EU country – or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you can request your home insurer to contact the doctor or hospital abroad.
If this does not solve your problem, you can ask SOLVIT for help.

Applying For a TSE Card in Spain

Further Information on the EHIC

Reminder for UK state pensioners who are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement.  You no longer need the EHIC for insurance cover for UK visits. You can now use the S1 for medical care as though you still reside in the UK.

Note for those subscribing to the Convenio Especial, this is not equivalent to paying into the Spanish Social Security system and therefore does not entitle you to a TSE card.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.