Getting your public health card in Palma

What it is

In the Balearic Islands the tarjeta sanitaria individual (TSI) is issued by the Balearic health service (IB-Salut). Without it you can't have a regular GP, get electronic prescriptions or use public hospitals such as Son Espases routinely.

Before you apply

You need two things in place first:

Your padrón certificate, showing you live in the Balearic Islands.
Your right to public healthcare, recognised by the Social Security Institute (INSS). You usually have it if you work or are registered as autónomo in Spain, receive a Spanish pension or an EU pension registered with an S1 form, or are the family member of someone who does. Get the INSS document that proves this.

What to bring

Your passport or TIE (and NIE).
Your padrón certificate.
The INSS document showing your right to healthcare.
Your Social Security number.
A recent colour photo, 26 × 32 mm (like an ID photo).

Steps

Find your health centre (centro de salud). It's assigned by your address.
Apply at the admissions desk with your documents. Book first through INFOSALUT CONNECTA (971 220 000). With a digital certificate, electronic DNI or Cl@ve you can apply online instead.
Get assigned a GP at the same time.
Receive your card. If you applied online, you're told which health centre to collect it from.

Cost

Free.

Common pitfalls

Register on the padrón and sort Social Security first. Without both, the health centre can't issue the card.
Moved house? Update your padrón and your health centre so you're assigned the right GP.
Your residence required private insurance? With a non-lucrative or student permit, or an EU registration based on your own insurance, you usually don't qualify through the INSS. After a year living in Spain you can ask about the paid convenio especial (€60 a month under 65, €157 from 65).

When to ask a helper

If you're retired, not working, or on private insurance and unsure whether you qualify for public healthcare, ask someone in Palma who's been through it.