Free guide for Madrid
Access to healthcare in Madrid
Find out how you are entitled to public healthcare in Madrid. Then prepare the document that proves it, before you ask for the health card.
The Social Security number, the padrón and the health card are different things. If you first know who gives you cover, you will not start the card the wrong way.
The essentials
- What it costs
- According to the official information we checked, asking for access has no fee. But being registered does not mean everything is free: it depends on your cover.
- How long it takes
- There is no single deadline: it depends on your case and the office. Write down the date you apply. If they ask for more documents, meet the deadline they give you.
- To prepare it
- 15 min to find your way
Is it for you?
People who live in Madrid and need to know how to access public healthcare.
- Has the INSS recognised your right, or does another country cover you?
- Are you here for a while, or do you now live here normally?
- Do you have no cover at all and need it assessed?
What to bring
Tick each document when you have it ready. Ticks are not saved.
Step by step
- Write down where your cover comes from: the INSS (Social Security), another country or another region of Spain. Or whether you have none and need it assessed.
- If the INSS has already recognised your right, ask for the card at your health centre. If you do not have legal residence, there is a separate procedure: the DASE (Healthcare Document for Foreigners).
- Bring the documents they ask for and confirm that you are now registered in the health card register.
- Keep the receipt. Ask how they will treat you while the procedure is being completed.
Afterwards
- Ask for the health card or the document that applies to you.
- Confirm which health centre is yours and how to book an appointment.
Common mistakes
- Thinking that having a NUSS already gives you healthcare.
- Asking for the card without first knowing how you are entitled to it.
- Not saying that you have cover from another country.
What this guide does not decide
This guide helps you with the steps, but it does not decide whether you have the right: the health service decides that. The European Health Insurance Card for short stays is not enough if you have moved here to live.
Official links
- Access to healthcareOfficial instructions from the Madrid Health Service.
- Health card applicationOfficial instructions from the Madrid Health Service.
- Acceso a la asistencia sanitariaComunidad de Madrid
- Solicitud de tarjeta sanitariaComunidad de Madrid
- Libre elección sanitariaComunidad de Madrid
- Trámites administrativos de Atención PrimariaComunidad de Madrid