Good to know · Health
Obtain the Cantabria public health card (tarjeta sanitaria)
The tarjeta sanitaria is issued by the Servicio Cántabro de Salud (SCS) to people who are registered residents (empadronados) in a Cantabrian municipality and who are insured or beneficiaries of the Spanish public system.
- Why it matters
- It is the document that identifies you in the Cantabrian public health system, and entitlement depends on Social Security status, not just living in the region.
- When
- You have recognized insured/beneficiary status (for example through employment, self-employment or a Social Security pension) and live in Cantabria.
- Official page
- Tarjeta sanitaria
- Last checked
- 7 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 3 steps, what to bring (5 items), the 2 offices with addresses and hours, and 2 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
A spouse or partner counts as a beneficiary only by proving the official registration of the relationship, and beneficiaries must live in Spain.