Good to know · Health
Obtain the Madrid public health card (tarjeta sanitaria)
The Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual is the Madrid regional public-health card; it is issued once the INSS recognizes your right to public healthcare and you are registered (empadronado) in the Comunidad de Madrid.
- Why it matters
- It is what you use to book GP appointments and be treated in the Madrid public system, but it depends on INSS-recognized entitlement (for example via Social Security), not just on living in Madrid.
- When
- You are recognized by the INSS as insured or beneficiary and are empadronado in a Madrid municipality.
- How long it takes
- Approximately 3-4 weeks (official sede page).
- Official page
- Tarjeta sanitaria (sede electronica)
- Last checked
- 7 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 4 steps, what to bring (4 items), the office with addresses and hours, and 4 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
The padrón certificate (volante de empadronamiento) must have been issued by your town hall in the 90 days before you apply.