Getting your SIP health card in Valencia

What it is

In the Valencian Community your public health card is the tarjeta SIP (tarjeta sanitaria individual). It gives you access to your GP, local health centre and public hospitals.

Before you apply

You need two things in place first:

1. Registration on the padrón in a town in the Valencian Community.
2. Your right to public healthcare, recognised by the Social Security Institute (INSS), usually because you work, are registered as autónomo, or are the family member of someone who is.

What to bring

• Your passport or TIE (and NIE).
• Your padrón certificate.
• The INSS document showing your right to healthcare.
• Your Social Security number.

Steps

1. Find your health centre (centro de salud). It's assigned by your address.
2. Apply at the admissions desk with your documents.
3. Get a provisional document at the desk so you can see a doctor straight away.
4. Receive your SIP card. The GVA+Salut app can also show a virtual SIP card.

Cost

Free.

Common pitfalls

• Padrón first, then the SIP card. The health centre checks your registration.
• Keep your INSS document; you may need it again if you change health centre.

When to ask a helper

If you're not working, retired, or on private insurance and unsure whether you qualify, ask someone in Valencia who's done it recently.