Health System > Public Healthcare > EU > Temporary Stays
 Healthcare for temporary stays by EU nationals
 Who may need assistance and why? Foreign nationals of a European Union country temporarily staying in Catalonia (less than three months). The information provided here applies to workers from the following countries: Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Turkey.
Institution/Support Centre
 CatSalut. Catalan Health Service
www10.gencat.net/catsalut/eng/index.htm
Travessera de les Corts, 131-159 Edifici Olímpia.
08028 Barcelona.
Tel: 93 403 85 85. Fax: 93 403 89 25
atencioalciutada@catsalutcat.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 9.00 to 14.00.
Summer opening hours (1 June - 30 September): Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 14:00.
What to do?___________________________________________________________________
What should I do in my country of origin? Apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) . The EHIC is a document that certifies that an EU citizen is covered by and entitled to public health insurance. In Spain EHICs are issued by the National Social Security Institute (INSS)www.seg-social.es/Internet_6/index.htm?ssUserText=.
If you have not applied for an EHIC, click here: Non-holders of an EHIC.
Where can I obtain an EHIC? Official documentation must be issued by the competent body in your country of origin. A list of liaison offices for countries where the EU scheme applies can be consulted at: www.seg-social.es/Internet_6/index.htm?ssUserText= .
What documentation is required?
 The documentation required depends on your country of origin.
 In Spain, applicants must present a national identity card or other recognised identification document.
Holders of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)___________________________________
What should I do once in Catalonia? Holders of the EHIC should simply present their card when they wish to receive medical care. Cardholders will be able to receive any immediate medical attention they require while in Catalonia, and will be entitled to exactly the same public healthcare as available to Catalan citizens.
The guidelines that apply to the prescription and dispensing of any necessary drugs and health materials are the same as those in effect for users covered by CatSalut.
Where should I go if I need medical attention? If you need medical care, you should contact a healthcare centre directly or visit the healthcare service website:www10.gencat.net/pls/catsalut/cawpk500.inici 
What documentation is required?
 The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
An identity document (passport, identity card, etc.).
Where can I obtain further information?
 Social Security:http://www.seg-social.es/Internet_6/Trabajadores/PrestacionesPension10935/
Asistenciasanitaria/DesplazamientosporE11566/index.htm?ssUserText=
Non-holders of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)_______________________________
What should I do once in Catalonia? Without a European health card, you cannot prove that you are entitled to medical care. Anyone in this situation should apply from Spain to have a card issued in their country of origin.
Where should I go to do this? You need to contact the appropriate provincial directorate of the National Social Security Institute (INSS) http://www.seg-social.es/Internet_6/Internacional/Formulariosdetrabaj38626/
ApaisesdelaUnionEur39549/index.htm?ssUserText=,. to have your insurance coverage verified. This involves submitting an application to obtain a European health card from your country of origin.
What documentation is required?
An identity document (passport, identity card, etc.).
When should I start the process? Start as soon as possible so that you will have the card when you need it.
Additional Information___________________________________________________________
Emergencies
Patients without an EHIC who need emergency care will be given medical care at the emergency services of public medical centres. In such cases, the hospital's administrative service will request payment of the amount owing for services provided.
If admission to hospital is necessary, the patient or a family member will need to sign a guarantee of payment. If the patient has not received an EHIC prior to discharge from hospital, he/she will be required to pay the full amount owing.
Updated July 2008 |
