All About Social Security in Spain

Expat life can be a bit confusing sometimes, but, don't worry; Caser Expat Insurance is here to help you. Whether you are planning to move to Spain or are already here, there are a few things you need to know. Things like how to get your NIE or get registered in your community, for example. Or, one of the things we want to share with you today is how to get Social Security in Spain and what benefits it provides. Are you ready? Let's go for it.

Overview of Social Security in Spain

The Social Security system in Spain covers all citizens living in the country. Or, as its laws say:

“The Social Security System is a set of schemes through which the state guarantees the people included in their scope of application, due to carrying out a professional activity or meeting the requirements for the noncontributory level, as well as their dependent family members or Assimilated family members, suitable protection for the contingencies and situations defined by the law.“

According to the government, the number of foreign workers contributing to the Social Security system has increased a lot in recent years. There are nearly 2 million foreign citizens registered, including hundreds of thousands of UK citizens living and working in Spain. For those unfamiliar with the Social Security Number, let’s begin this guide with the basics.

Who can apply for Social Security in Spain?

To be part of the Social Security System in Spain, you need to be identified with a Social Security number. Every working citizen, whether self-employed or working for others may apply for a Social Security Number. In fact, companies must apply for the Social Security Number of the employee they are hiring in cases where they do not have one.

Here is the list of documents you will need. As you can see, there are not many:

• Fill out and sign the MODELO TA1
• NIE
  
• Valid Passport

Where to apply?

There are different ways of doing this. You just have to choose the one that is most comfortable for you.

You can do it face-to-face or on the official website. If you’re going to present it face-to-face you will need to head to the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social near the place you’re living, or where the company is located. You will probably need to make an appointment, so check before you go.

In case you don’t have much time and you want to do it online, you will need to have a digital certificate and go to the official web page. This is a more practical option, but it depends on how comfortable you feel doing this kind of procedure yourself.

Who must pay Social Security in Spain?

All citizens working for a company in Spain must pay taxes. In other words, if you work for a company here, you pay here. Easy. They have to be registered in the social security system, and in order to access the benefits of the Spanish social security system, the citizens must pay contributions. To be covered for injuries or illness, any accident that can happen at work, maternity or paternity time, those citizens have to be registered and must pay their taxes.

It may be a little different for you if you are self-employed. In the case of those citizens that are self-employed, they will also have to pay Spanish taxes and must pay their own Social Security contributions, but at a lower percentage compared to those citizens who are working for a company.

For those EU citizens who have been working for over a period of two years in EU countries and have been paying their social security contributions, they may enjoy (depending on their particular cases) healthcare. You must get in touch with the Social Security authorities to find out more.

We know, paying is not pleasant, but in return, you will find multiple benefits, such as the right to:

• Free healthcare
• Retirement and pension
• Maternity, paternity care and child allowance
• Disability benefit

Spain has a great public health system, take advantage of it. You’re covered for state healthcare if you pay your contributions and taxes. But you will also need to have the health card.

Private Insurance in Spain for Expats

For those foreign citizens who are looking for more personalized attention, with 24-hour customer service where you can get help in English, we invite you to visit our Caser Expat Insurance website. We are a company with over 75 years of experience, providing the best service, more than 45,000 professionals at your service working to look after all of you. We also offer straightforward, good-value insurance provided by English-speaking staff. And the best part: we not only offer you health insurance; we also cover car, home, dental, and more!
Among our insurance, you will find different plans to suit you and your family. Health insurance services in Spain that meet every need, such as medical specialties, second medical opinion, emergency home visits, and special treatments, among others.

Are you interested in our insurance? If you need to get an idea, you can go to our price calculator and calculate the price of your Health Insurance without compromise and without wasting a lot of time. It will only take a minute, promise!

In addition, with the health insurance quote calculator, you will be able to calculate the price for your whole family, as it allows you to include up to 8 people in the same policy, which gives you discounts. It sounds good, doesn't it? And of course, once you finish you will have total discretion.
 
In conclusion: feeling safe and knowing that your family's health is covered is essential, especially when you live in a different country. Whatever health system you choose, private or public, we hope your life in Spain will be great and Caser Expat Insurance will be there to help you with any problems that may arise.