Renewing Your EHIC in Spain – A Guide for Expats

Renewing Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Spain

Whether you're traveling or living temporarily in another European country, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is essential for accessing public healthcare. If you’re an expat in Spain, renewing your EHIC ensures uninterrupted coverage for emergency medical needs while abroad. For more comprehensive long-term coverage, Caser Health Insurance, available exclusively through 24/7 Expat Insurance, provides tailored plans for expats.

What Is the EHIC?

The EHIC provides temporary access to public healthcare across the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, on the same terms as local residents. However, it doesn’t replace private health insurance, which is essential for long-term residents in Spain.

Renewing Your EHIC in Spain

The renewal process depends on whether your healthcare is still registered in your home country or in Spain:

If Your Healthcare Is Tied to Your Home Country

1. Check Eligibility:

   • You must be insured under your home country's healthcare system.
   • Post-Brexit, UK nationals require a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC.

2. Renew Through Your Home Country:

   • UK Residents: Apply online via the NHS website.
   • Germany: Contact public health insurance providers like TK or AOK.
   • France: Renew through the Ameli website.

3. Gather Required Documents:

   • Expired/current EHIC.
   • Proof of identity (e.g., passport).
   • Residency details, if necessary.

4. Submit the Application:
   Complete your application online or by mail, ensuring your address in Spain is correct for delivery.

If Your Healthcare Is Registered in Spain

1. Confirm Eligibility:
   Ensure you're registered with the Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social) and have a valid NIE (Foreigner Identification Number).

2. Apply Online:
   Use the Seguridad Social Online Services portal, logging in with a digital certificate, Cl@ve PIN, or social security credentials.

3. Request Your EHIC:
   Follow the instructions to complete your renewal request.

4. Receive Your EHIC:
   Your renewed card will be mailed to your address within 10 working days.

What If You’re Not Eligible for an EHIC?

Expats who have officially moved to Spain permanently may not qualify for an EHIC through their home country. In this case, enrolling in private health insurance is essential.

Why Pair EHIC with Caser Private Health Insurance?

Even with an EHIC, private insurance offers additional benefits:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Includes dental, specialized care, and elective procedures.
• Extensive Network: Access to leading healthcare providers across Spain.
• No Waiting Times: Immediate access to specialists without delays.
• Multilingual Support: Customer service in your preferred language.

Caser’s plans, such as Adapta + Sonrisa Esencial, are designed to provide expats with complete peace of mind.

Conclusion

Renewing your EHIC ensures access to public healthcare during short-term travel across the EU, but it’s not enough for long-term medical needs. Partnering it with Caser Health Insurance, available through 24/7 Expat Insurance, guarantees comprehensive protection for expats in Spain.

Contact us today for personalized advice on securing health insurance tailored to your needs.