Accessing public healthcare in Spain is a regulated right under national and regional laws. In the Canary Islands, as in the rest of the country, the requirements for obtaining a health card depend on the applicant’s employment status and migration status.

In this article, we explain who is eligible for the health card, what documents are required, and the steps to apply for it in the Canary Islands.

1. Who Is Eligible for the Health Card in the Canary Islands?

Citizens of the EU, EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), and Switzerland

• Workers and taxpayers: Can access public healthcare if they are registered with the Spanish Social Security system.
• Pensioners: Must submit the S1 form (formerly E121) issued by their country of origin.
• Non-workers and non-pensioners: Do not have automatic access to public healthcare and must obtain private health insurance with full coverage and prove sufficient financial resources.
• Students: Must be enrolled in a recognized study program and have valid health insurance.

British Citizens (Post-Brexit)

• Residents covered by the Withdrawal Agreement: If they were living in Spain before December 31, 2020, and registered correctly, they retain their access to public healthcare.
• Workers and taxpayers: Must be registered with Spanish Social Security.
• Pensioners: Need the S1 form.
• Non-workers and non-pensioners: Do not have automatic access to public healthcare and must obtain private health insurance with full coverage and demonstrate sufficient financial means.
• Students: Must be enrolled in a recognized study program and have valid health insurance.

2. General Requirements to Apply for the Health Card

To apply for the health card in the Canary Islands, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

1. Be registered in the Canary Islands: The certificate of residence (empadronamiento) is mandatory to prove residency.
2. Have a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number): This document is essential for any administrative process in Spain.
3. Provide proof of Social Security registration (if applicable):
   • Workers must present a document proving their registration with Social Security.
   • Pensioners must submit the S1 form.
4. Demonstrate sufficient financial means and private insurance (if applicable):
   • Those who do not work or contribute to Social Security must provide proof of health insurance with full coverage (no copayments or exclusions) and demonstrate sufficient economic means.

3. Steps to Apply for the Health Card in the Canary Islands

The process may vary slightly depending on the island or municipality, but generally, these are the steps to follow:

1. Obtain the Residence Registration (Empadronamiento)

• Visit your local town hall to request a residence certificate.
• This is an essential requirement to prove residency in the Canary Islands.

2. Gather the Required Documentation

• Identification document (passport or national ID).
• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number).
• Certificate of residence (empadronamiento).
• Proof of Social Security registration or S1 form (if applicable).
• Private health insurance (for those who do not have automatic access to public healthcare).

3. Visit the Corresponding Health Center

• You must go to the health center assigned to your residential area in the Canary Islands.
• In some cases, you can schedule an appointment online through the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) website or by phone.

4. Fill Out and Submit the Application Form

• At the health center, you will need to complete the health card application form and submit the required documentation.

5. Receive Your Health Card

• Once your documents are verified, you will be informed about when to collect your health card, usually within a few business days.

4. Special Considerations Based on Regional Regulations

Each Spanish region has autonomous powers over healthcare, meaning that the Canary Islands may have specific requirements or procedures that differ from other regions.

Situations That May Require a Detailed Review

• Some communities have special programs for certain groups, such as long-term unemployed individuals or people in vulnerable situations.
• In complex or exceptional cases, it is advisable to check directly with the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) or seek legal advice.

5. Practical Tips to Speed Up the Application Process

• Check local requirements before visiting the health center: Although the process is similar across Spain, each region may have minor differences.
• Schedule an appointment if possible: Some health centers allow online appointment booking, reducing waiting times.
• Ensure all your documents are up to date: Especially your NIE, passport, and residence certificate.
• If you are a foreign pensioner, request the S1 form in advance: It may take several weeks to process from your country of origin.
• If you need private health insurance, choose a policy with full coverage: It must have no copayments or exclusions to meet the residency access requirements.

6. Benefits of Having a Health Card in the Canary Islands

Having the health card allows you to access public medical care, including:

• Free medical consultations at public health centers and hospitals.
• Access to prescription medications with partial funding from the public system.
• Emergency care without the need for upfront medical expenses.

For those planning to live long-term in the Canary Islands, having a health card ensures peace of mind and security regarding healthcare coverage.

Conclusion

Applying for the health card in the Canary Islands as a foreigner is a straightforward process if the correct requirements are met. EU, EEA, Swiss, and British citizens (post-Brexit) have different access options to public healthcare, depending on their work and residency status.

With valid residency registration, the required documents, and compliance with specific requirements, obtaining the health card is quick and hassle-free. If you do not have automatic access to public healthcare, having adequate private health insurance is key to ensuring healthcare coverage in Spain.

For more information or specific inquiries, you can contact the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) or visit your nearest health center.