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Health insurance in Spain for foreigners

How to register for Spanish healthcare insurance

Anyone working in Spain receives a social security number to have a health insurance and must pay monthly contributions which are automatically deducted from their wages. The employers also contributing a percentage to the scheme for each worker.

If you are self-employed you are responsible for paying your own social security contributions, and you can apply for a social security number at your nearest Social Security Office.

Once you have been formally registered with the social security system in Spain, you will receive a document entitling you to medical assistance. This form can then be used to apply for a health card, known as a Tarjeta Sanitaria or TSI. You can receive your health card by applying at your closest state health centre, where you must present your social security and national insurance certificates, as well as your passport.

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The Spanish healthcare, amongst the best in the world

The Spanish healthcare system ranks amongst the best in the world and is funded by social security payments. All residents in Spain have access to the free public Spanish healthcare system, although most of them hire an extra private insurance cover necessary in certain situations.

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Additional health insurance in Valencia

Depending on your circumstances, however, some additional health insurance in Spain cover may be required, while private health insurance offers quicker medical treatment in private facilities. discusses the Spanish healthcare system and any changes that might apply to ex-pats.

If you require additional health services, Spanish private health insurance companies offer a range of packages which cater specifically to your age, health condition and other circumstances, some residents do opt for private healthcare in Spain to avoid the lengthy waiting times associated with the public service.

Foreigners may like to check if their package provides the same protection in Spain as it does in their country of origin, but the private health insurance is really NO expensive as in foreigners countries that we highly recommend to contract one.

A private health insurance plan can also enable you to select an English doctor speaker, which may be of particular importance to those who expect to be in regular contact with their doctors.

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European Health Insurance Card in Spain (EHIC)

If you have an EHIC issued by an EU-member state and you are in Spain on a holiday or other temporary visit – that is, you are not yet a resident in Spain – you can use your EHIC to access state healthcare in Spain. You can also use it if you are studying in Spain as part of a course based in your home country.

You cannot use the EHIC if you are coming to Spain specifically to get medical treatment or to give birth. If this is the case, you should seek advice from the health authorities in your home country before coming to Spain.

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EU/EEA/Swiss nationals

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals whom have reached retirement age in their home country are entitled to free health care in Spain. In order to qualify they must obtain a Form S1 from their country of residence. Acquiring this form prior to departure is advisable and will help simplify the registration process in Spain.

Third country nationals

Non-EU/EEA nationals may have to provide proof of private health insurance before being granted a Spanish visa. Some non-EU nations, however, do have an agreement in place with Spain so it’s important to enquire about your entitlements with the consulate or embassy in your home country prior to arrival.

Students

EU nationals studying in Spain will also be covered by their EHIC throughout their period of study. Non-EU students, however, may be required to take out a private health insurance plan prior to arrival, although their university can provide more detail.

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ASSISTyouUP, an expert Relocation company in Valencia will help you to hire the best insurance option for your health, a great assistance to make you feel safe in your new place of residence. Contact us; info@assistyouup.com.