One of the great strengths of the European Union is being able to travel without the need for a passport or unbearable paperwork. But, it is important to carry out a procedure before traveling through the old continent and that is to obtain the European sanitary card. It is important to receive healthcare outside of Spain and we must say that obtaining this document is extremely simple.
We are talking about a personal and non-transferable document to receive health care. This card covers all countries in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Not having this card can be a big problem, as it can mean having to pay hefty bills otherwise.
How did I apply for a health card without leaving home?
Obtain this health card It’s simple, but there is a non-negotiable requirement. It is required that the applicant have the right to health care, either because they are Spanish or are contributing to Social Security through a job. If you are a minor and you are a beneficiary of another person, such as your parents, this procedure must be carried out by one of the two parents, since they will be the owner.
Because I am of legal age and I quote, I have obviously requested it in my name. To do this I have simply accessed the website of the Ministry of Social Security, but you can do it from here. To access the procedure we have these three entry options:
- Without certificate: This method is only valid if we are not in a hurry to access this card. You should know that through this process we will receive it at home and it may take a long time.
- Via SMS: It is only valid if we have updated Social Security data. Obviously, if they have our current mobile phone there, we should have no problems. Otherwise, we will have more problems.
- Digital certificate: The last option is to do it with the digital certificate or the Cl@ave PIN. This is the best option, since it is the fastest and most comfortable of all.
You can choose the process you want to apply. I have to say that I have done it by SMS and I will receive it at home. What this method allows us to do is change the address if the one that appears is incorrect. If you need it quickly, you should use the certificate or Cl@ve PIN.
These are the steps I followed:
- I have entered the Ministry’s website.
- Now, I have opted for the “request with certificate or SMS”.
- The next thing is to go down to the end of the web page. Here I have selected the “In my own name” option and then clicked on “Get Access”.
- It took me to the Social Security page to obtain our European health card.
- The next step has been to request it in my name, although I could also request that of my son.
- I have had to change the address, since the one shown is old and I would never have received it.
- Finally, I clicked on “Request card”.
Now I just have to wait for it to arrive at my home by regular mail. If you were in a hurry, there are different options on the right. Within the “Related” section we have the option to “Download Provisional Replacement Certificate for the European Health Card”.
If you click on this option, it will clearly tell you that “you need a more secure level of identification.” Come on, to access this option you can only do so using a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN.
These are the different options to obtain the European health card. As you can see, the process is not complicated, although it has some somewhat complicated aspects and is not the most comfortable option in the world.
