When we travel abroad many times we consider making travel insurance so that, in the face of any unforeseen event, we can rest assured that we will be covered for any problem. But, what if we tell you that when you travel through Europe you can have the guaranteed health care if you apply for the European Health Card?
What is the TSE?
The European Health Card, also known as the TSE, is a personal and non-transferable document that proves the right to receive the health benefits that are necessary during a temporary stay in the territory of the European Economic Area, as well as in other states, in accordance with the legislation of the country of stay. You can use the TSE regardless of the reason for your trip: either for tourism, studies or a professional activity. In some cases, the beneficiary must assume a fixed amount or a percentage of the expenses derived from healthcare, on equal terms with the citizens of the state to which he / she is traveling.
On the other hand, the TSE is not valid when the purpose of the displacement is to receive medical treatment or when we move our residence to the territory of another Member State.
How is it requested?
The TSE may be requested by the holders of the right and beneficiaries under their charge who meet the requirements required by Spanish legislation and by the Community Social Security Regulations. There are two ways to obtain this document: in person or through the Internet. If we choose to apply for the TSE in person, we must go to a Social Security Information and Assistance Center (CAISS), but not before having requested an appointment, through the Electronic Social Security Office. Whatever the application form of the TSE, the process is completely free and you will receive your card within a period not exceeding ten days at the address shown in the Social Security Databases.
In case you need this documentation urgently and you can not wait for ten days, you can request the Provisional Substitute Certificate of the TSE, which is obtained immediately. You can obtain it in person at the CAISS or print it from your home if you have requested the card through the electronic office (but only if you have a valid digital certificate to access the procedure through the Internet).
The TSE and its Provisional Substitute Certificate have the same legal validity to access public health care under the same conditions and with the same extension as the citizens of the country that is visiting.
Validity
The TSE is valid for two years, while the provisional certificate is issued, as a general rule, for a period of less than or equal to thirty days. The period of validity is stated in the document itself. It is advisable to check that these documents cover the expected date of return.
The European Health Card (TSE) is valid in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Romania and Sweden) as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
It is important to remember that the use of the TSE during its period of validity is conditioned to the holder continuing to meet the requirements that led to its collection. For more information about the European Health Insurance Card and the Provisional Replacement Certificate, you can consult the following Internet address http://ec.europa.eu/social or call the attention number 901 166 565 (from 9 a.m. until 8 in the afternoon).
It is important that before starting your trip you check that everything is correct: the suitcases are prepared, you have all the necessary documentation, your TSE is safe in your wallet and your car guarded 24 hours in WePark.
