Request the Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (TSE) from the Seguridad Social

What you need to have to hand

1. Cl@ve, certificado digital or DNIe that works.
2. DNI/NIE and your Número de Afiliación (NAF).
3. Postal address correct in the Seguridad Social (where they will send it).
4. If you’re travelling now: decide whether to ask for a CPS as a quick fix.
5. If someone else handles it: autorización and copies of DNI/NIE.

Documentation

• DNI or NIE of the holder. For beneficiaries, their details and identity document if they have one.
• Número de Afiliación a la Seguridad Social of the holder.
• Proof of beneficiaries (if they aren’t recorded in the INSS: resolution or libro de familia). If they already appear, the system will show them.
• Postal address updated in Tu Seguridad Social (if not, update it first).
• If you request CPS in an office, they may ask for proof of travel (ticket or booking). Online they rarely ask for this.

Step by step

1. Go to https://sede.seg-social.gob.es > Ciudadanos > Asistencia sanitaria > Solicitar Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea. ID yourself with Cl@ve, certificado or DNIe.
2. Choose TSE física or CPS (if you’re leaving now). Select who it’s for: titular and, if relevant, beneficiarios.
3. Check the postal address shown. If it’s wrong, open a new tab, go to Tu Seguridad Social, correct the address, and return to the procedure.
4. Confirm the request and save the receipt. If you chose CPS, download the PDF and keep it on your phone.
5. If online gives you trouble or you don’t have Cl@ve, book cita previa CAISS at: https://sede.seg-social.gob.es/wps/portal/sede/sede/Ciudadanos/cita-previa. Go with DNI/NIE; they will process the TSE there or print a CPS instantly.
6. Wait for postage: the TSE usually takes 5-10 días. If it doesn’t arrive, check the status in Tu Seguridad Social and, if you’re travelling soon, get a CPS.

Time-saving tips

• CPS to the rescue: if travel is imminent, don’t rely on the postman. Get a CPS and travel covered.
• Address first: update your address before you hit “Confirm”. If you don’t, the card gets lost and you’ll have to repeat the process.
• Beneficiaries must show up: if your kids/partner don’t appear, stop. Register them as beneficiaries first, then request the TSE.
• Avoid peak times: CAISS citas fly off the shelf on Mondays and early hours. Try mid-morning or mid-week.
• Mutualistas: if you’re with MUFACE/ISFAS/MUGEJU, deal with your mutualidad. The Seguridad Social Sede won’t process it for you.

Common mistakes that mess up the procedure

1. Asking for the TSE expecting it to cover the UK: it doesn’t. It’s for EU/EEA/Switzerland only.
2. Confusing the TSE with your regional health card: they’re different; this is handled by the INSS.
3. Thinking it covers residency or planned treatments: it doesn’t. Only for temporary stays and necessary care.
4. Outdated address: the card won’t arrive. Update your address first.
5. Turning up without Cl@ve/certificado and without a CAISS appointment: you’ll waste a morning.
6. Assuming it replaces travel insurance: it doesn’t cover repatriation or private care; in many countries you’ll need to pay up front and claim later.