Migrants without legal residency living in the Canary Islands will now be eligible for a public health card under new regulations introduced by the regional government, in a move to widen access to Spain’s national health system.
The Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) has confirmed that individuals without legal residency will be able to apply for an Individual Health Card, the official document required to access public healthcare. Officials say the policy is designed to ensure equal treatment for everyone, irrespective of their legal or administrative status.
The new instruction comes on the recommendation of the SCS’s Directorate for External Relations and Inspection, which oversees healthcare access for foreign nationals.
Digital Tools to Track and Deliver Care
As part of the rollout, the region has developed a new digital system to manage applications from undocumented migrants. The tool, called “Healthcare Provision for Foreigners”, will also be linked to Spain’s wider National Health System, helping to monitor who is receiving care and ensure it is properly funded.
The regional health department says it will carry out training and information campaigns to ensure healthcare providers across the islands understand how to implement the new rules.
Public Funding and Accountability
Officials also say the system will improve transparency, allowing for better control of healthcare billing and ensuring that care is paid for through public funds for those with recognised rights to treatment, including individuals still in the process of obtaining legal status.
The policy sets out a clear administrative path, from application to approval, aiming to simplify what has previously been a confusing and inconsistent process.
Health authorities argue the changes are not just about fairness, but also about public health, making sure everyone on the islands can access care when they need it.
The move positions the Canary Islands as one of the first regions in Spain to offer this level of healthcare access to undocumented migrants, and comes amid ongoing national discussions around healthcare, migration, and social inclusion.
