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Everyone living in Barcelona has the right to free access to healthcare services, with CatSalut being the official name of the Catalan Health Service that regulates and manages this right. Today, I’ll try to explain to you in detail the CatSalut system, how to register, and the services it provides.
What is CatSalut and Who Can Benefit?
CatSalut is the comprehensive healthcare insurance system provided by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia to all residents of the region. As part of Spain’s social security philosophy, this system views healthcare as a fundamental human right and aims to provide equal healthcare services to everyone. The only requirement to benefit from the system is to legally reside in Catalonia. So if you have a work permit, student visa, or residence permit, you can register immediately.
In Which Cities Is CatSalut Valid?
CatSalut is a system valid only in the Autonomous Region of Catalonia. This means it can be used in Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona cities and all settlements connected to these cities.
Different healthcare systems exist in other regions of Spain:
- SERMAS (Servicio Madrileño de Salud) in Madrid
- AVS (Agència Valenciana de Salut) in Valencia
- Osakidetza in the Basque Region
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saúde) in Galicia
Important note: Your CatSalut card is only valid in emergency situations in other regions of Spain. For example, if you experience a medical emergency while on holiday in Madrid, you can receive free treatment with your CatSalut card. However, for planned treatments, you need to use the health centers located in your own region.
How to Register to CatSalut?
As a first step, you need to go to the CAP (Centro de Atención Primaria) – the family health center in your area. Documents you need to bring with you:
- Passport or ID card
- NIE (foreign identification number)
- Empadromiento (residence registration)
- Residence permit or visa
After your application is approved, your health card called TSI (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual) will be sent to you by mail. This card acts as a key providing access to all health services.
Those who don’t want to bother going to CAP can apply for the TSI card online and complete their CatSalut registration. You can do this by following the instructions on gencat.cat to complete your registration and request your CatSalut card to be delivered to your address.
What is a Health Card (TSI) and How to Use It?
The TSI card is a plastic card containing your personal information and a special code called CIP (Código de Identificación Personal). You will use this card for hospital appointments, prescription medications, and all health services.
What Services Does CatSalut Offer?
Basic services provided to you under CatSalut:
- Family physician and specialist doctor examinations
- Emergency services
- Laboratory tests and diagnostic services
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Dental services (basic procedures)
- Mental health services
- Pregnancy and childbirth services
Prescription Drugs and Copayments
For medications, you generally need to pay a copayment of between 40% and 60%. However, this rate can be lower for retirees, chronic patients, and low-income individuals. In some special cases, medications are provided completely free of charge.
How Does the Appointment System Work?
Hospitals and health centers providing 24-hour service are available for emergencies. In these cases, you can receive service without needing an appointment. For other situations, you need to make an appointment using one of the following options:
- Through the La Meva Salut application
- Through the CatSalut website
- By phone (061 CatSalut Respon)
- By going directly to the CAP
Why is CatSalut Free?
Spain’s social state philosophy ensures that healthcare services are seen as a right. The system is financed through taxes deducted from workers’ salaries and allocations from the general budget. This guarantees everyone’s access to quality healthcare.
If you’re living in Barcelona, I recommend registering for CatSalut immediately and downloading the La Meva Salut application.
