Healthcare routes

Healthcare in Spain: which route?

Public card, private insurance, EHIC or an S1 — pick the route that matches how you will be covered.

2 min read

Which healthcare route is yours?

There is no single card for everyone. Start from your situation, then open the matching guide.

Public health card

In the Valencian Community the card is the SIP. Other regions use their own name, often TSI. SIP / public health card guide.

Private insurance

Often required for the non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa and study stays, usually with no copay and broad cover. Private health insurance guide.

EHIC / GHIC

For medically necessary care on a temporary visit, not for moving to Spain. EHIC guide.

S1 from your home country

Pensioners and some posted workers may be covered by an S1 issued by the country that pays them. Ask that country’s insurer before you assume Spanish public care.

EU citizens staying more than three months usually need EU registration as well. Workers are generally covered through Social Security once they are registered to work; see the Social Security number guide.