When and how to request the provisional replacement certificate?

The provisional replacement certificate is requested when you need public healthcare coverage while traveling and you don't have your European Health Insurance Card or it can't be issued in time. It is downloaded as a PDF after application and serves as a temporary equivalent document.

What is a provisional replacement certificate and what is it used for?

The provisional replacement certificate, also called CPS, certifies the right to receive medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland, according to the rules of the country of stay.

In practice, it serves as a replacement if you've lost or forgotten your card, or if it doesn't arrive before you travel. The European Commission describes it as equivalent to the European Health Insurance Card when an immediate substitute is needed.

When is it advisable to request the provisional replacement certificate?

It's advisable to request a temporary replacement certificate if your trip is very soon and the physical card won't arrive in time, or if you're already away and realize you don't have the card with you. It's a solution designed for logistical emergencies.

It can also be useful if you've applied for the card and it's being processed, or if you need to quickly prove your entitlement at a public healthcare facility. In the UK, the travel insurance agency explains a similar use for its PRC.

Where can I request a temporary replacement certificate in Spain?

In Spain, the most direct route is the Social Security online service for the European Health Insurance Card and the provisional replacement certificate, allowing you to obtain a PDF you can download at home.

The website itself indicates that obtaining the CPS requires a more secure level of identification than requesting the card. In its information guide, Social Security states that it can be obtained immediately after completing the application.

How long does the provisional replacement certificate last and what are its limits?

The validity of the CPS is printed on the document itself and can be issued for a maximum of 90 days, according to official Social Security information. It is important to verify that the period also covers the expected return date.

The CPS is used to document medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay, taking into account the expected duration of your trip and the rules of the country you are visiting. Generally, the regulations and co-payments of the country where you receive care apply, just as with a health insurance card.

This text is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult the official information from the issuing body and, if you have any questions about your coverage, contact Social Security or your insurance company.