Incoming researchers who are employed in Spain will be automatically registered in the National Social Security System, along with eligible dependants. Those who are not eligible for coverage may access the national health system via voluntary insurance cover from the competent authorities in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.

As indicated on the website of the European Commission on Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, a series of requirements must be met to receive coverage (or enjoy beneficiary status). Once these requirements have been met, the researcher will have the right to receive health care in Spain, which includes medical care, emergencies, rehabilitation and medicines (free medicine, partial cost medicine, full cost medicine).

To register with the National Social Security System, you should contact your nearest Social Security Office. The main offices of the National Social Security Institute (INSS) are located at Avenida de Madrid 70 in Jaén (23009) and at Plaza Alfonso XII 4 in Linares (23700). You will need to make an appointment before visiting the office.

Once the INSS has confirmed that you are eligible for coverage, you can visit the nearest health centre to your home and obtain your personal health insurance card. A list of health centres belonging to the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) network in Jaén or Linares can be viewed on the Andalusian Regional Government website (dependants may also visit the paediatrician). It is recommended that you make an appointment with your doctor using the SAS Salud Responde application. Coverage under the National Social Security System also entitles you to receive a European Health Insurance Card.

Please bear in mind that none of the services described are a substitute for private health and travel insurance, so we strongly recommend taking out full coverage before you arrive in Spain (with a company such as Allianz Assistance). Private insurance will be compulsory for researchers who are participating in a mobility programme (e.g. Erasmus+) and are not entitled to coverage under the Spanish National Social Security System. This private insurance should cover you for travel cancellations or interruptions, medical emergencies (including transport), loss, damage or delay to luggage, delay to transport, foreign exchange risk, 24-hour online assistance, etc.

Finally, regardless of their entitlement to coverage under the Spanish National Social Security System, researchers must take out international repatriation and evacuation insurance to ensure that their relatives in their countries of origin are not burdened with complex, expensive procedures in the event of their death.