Once you have registered your S1 with the Social Security office, you will receive an official document called the DOCUMENTO ACREDITATIVO DEL DERECHO A ASISTENCIA SANITARIA.
Step 1: Check Your Details
This is a very important first step. Before heading to the health center, carefully review the information on your letter to ensure it is accurate:
Full Name: Ensure your name and surname are spelt correctly.
NIE Number: Check your NIE (Identification Number for Foreigners).
Date of Birth: Check that your birth date is correct to avoid administrative delays.
Social Security Number: Note that by receiving this letter, you have been assigned a Spanish Social Security number.
Step 2: Visit Your Local Public Health Centre
This document entitles you to public healthcare only; it is not for use at private clinics. To finalise your registration and get your doctor assigned, you must visit the Centro de Salud (Health Centre) that corresponds to your home address.
What to bring with you:
ORIGINAL Passport (plus a photocopy of the photo page).
ORIGINAL TIE Card or the resguardo (white receipt) from your fingerprint appointment.
Padrón Certificate (must be dated within the last 90 days).
A printout of this letter (the Documento Acreditativo).
Tip: If you don’t speak Spanish, it is a very good idea to bring a translator with you. While some centers offer translation services on certain days, this cannot be guaranteed.
Step 3: Accessing Care
Once the health centre processes your documents, you can usually start using the doctor’s services straight away. However, do not expect your physical plastic health card (the Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual) immediately. It is typically sent to your home address via post a few weeks later, or you may be asked to return to the centre to collect it.
Important: The “Expiry” Date
At the bottom of your certificate, you will notice a note regarding a specific date.
The document states: “La autenticidad de este documento puede ser comprobada hasta la fecha…” (The authenticity of this document can be verified until…).
This does not mean you will lose healthcare on that day. It simply means the digital verification code on that specific piece of paper is valid for checking its authenticity until that date. However, for your NLV (Non-Lucrative Visa) renewal, it is best to order a fresh version of the letter before that date arrives to show continued healthcare if asked. You can do so at this link: Social Security Download Portal.
Top Tips for NLV Holders
Keep a Medical Log: For those living in Spain on an NLV, keep a record of all the appointments you have attended. We have seen immigration ask for this in the past when renewing.
Report Changes: You are legally obligated to notify the Social Security office (Dirección Provincial) if you move to another country, or if your pension is suspended or suppressed.
Address Updates: If you change address, it is best to report the change to both the British and Spanish authorities to ensure your records remain synchronised.
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