In Andalusia the public health card (tarjeta sanitaria) is issued by the Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS) at the health centre (centro de salud) that matches your registered address. You usually need your NIE/TIE or passport, a recent padrón certificate, and proof of your right to public healthcare: a Social Security number if you work, or an S1 form registered with the INSS if you are an EU or UK state pensioner. Emergencies are always treated: call 112.
Where to apply
Go to the centro de salud that corresponds to your address on the padrón (the town hall register). The process is the same in Almería city, Roquetas de Mar, El Ejido, Vícar, Níjar or Mojácar: ask at the front desk (atención a la ciudadanía) to be registered as a user and assigned a family doctor. Some centres give appointments for this, so ask first.
Documents you need
- Identity document: NIE certificate or TIE card, plus your passport.
- Padrón certificate (certificado de empadronamiento), recently issued by your town hall.
- Social Security number if you work in Spain or are the dependant of someone who does.
- For dependants: proof of the family relationship (translated and legalised if requested).
Each centre may ask for something extra depending on your case. Bring copies of everything.
Pensioners and early retirees
If you receive a state pension from another EU country or from the UK and live in Spain, you usually register an S1 form with the Spanish Social Security (INSS) first, and then take the INSS document to your health centre. Early retirees and people living on savings, for example on a non-lucrative visa, normally rely on private health insurance; some can join the public system through the convenio especial. Ask the INSS which route applies to you.
If you are not covered yet
Spanish law (Royal Decree-law 7/2018) recognises the right to healthcare of foreigners who live in Spain without another source of coverage, under certain conditions. Your health centre's social worker can explain how it works in Andalusia. Emergency care is always provided: call 112.
While you wait for the card
The process can take weeks. In the meantime I can help you, in English, with:
- Online or home consultations for symptoms, test results or ongoing conditions.
- Private prescriptions when appropriate, for example to continue a treatment from your home country (bring the active ingredient and dose).
- Medical certificates for gyms, clubs, schools or paperwork: see medical certificate in Almería.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get a health card in Almería?
At the health centre (centro de salud) that matches your address on the padrón, at the citizen service desk of the Servicio Andaluz de Salud.
Do I need to be on the padrón to get a health card?
In practice yes. The padrón certificate is one of the documents usually required to assign you a health centre and a family doctor.
I am a UK pensioner living in Almería. How do I access public healthcare?
Usually by registering your S1 form with the INSS and then taking the INSS document to your health centre. Check your case with the INSS.
Can I see a private doctor in English while I wait?
Yes. You can book an online, home or in-person consultation with Dr Guillermo Martínez by WhatsApp.