What legislation regulates access to healthcare services in the Velencian Region?

• Both Spanish and foreign citizens that require access to healthcare in the Valencian Region are required to follow legislation as set out in Law 6/2008, dated 2 June, under Healthcare Protection offered by Public Healthcare System of the Valencian Region.

What are foreigners residing in the Valencian Region entitled to with regard to healthcare services?

Foreign citizens residing in the Valencian Region who are registered with the municipality (empadronamiento) where their permanent residence is located are entitled to healthcare under the same conditions as all Valencians.

Foreign citizens living in Spain are entitled to public health emergency care in cases of serious illness or accident, whatever the cause, and any follow-up treatment until they are officially discharged from medical care.

Who is entitled to receive healthcare services free of charge?

1. Individuals ascribed to any Social Security Healthcare scheme, except those individuals who are ascribed to MUFACE, MUGEJU or ISFAS private insurance schemes who have opted for healthcare assistance from private healthcare centres.
2. 1^st or 2^nd degree relatives who depend economically on and share residence with an individual ascribed to the Social Security scheme, provided they are both registered with a municipality of the Valencian Region.
3. Individuals who established permanent residence in the Valencian Region and have foregone the right to healthcare from their origin country, according to the European Union legislation or any bilateral agreements in existence, which in either case exist regarding healthcare provided by Social Security.
4. Individuals registered with a municipality (empadronamiento) and legally reside in Spain who have contributed to the Social Security scheme and are presently unemployed and are not covered by any other contributor, and their dependents.
5. Pregnant women residing in the Valencian Region throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartal care.
6. Individuals who lack sufficient economic resources who are not covered by any other contributor to Social Security, who reside in the Valencian Region.
7. Minors (under the age of 18) who reside in Valencian Region who are considered to be at risk or are under guardianship of the state.
8. Special groups which, according to agreements and other treaties with the Health Council which have been granted special status and are entitled to healthcare services.
9. Individuals not registered with the municipality (empadronamiento) who hold a personal health card issued by another Spanish Autonomous Region or other entitlement document issued by INSS (National Social Security Institute).
10. Individuals who hold a valid and current European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or temporary replacement certificate or E106 form validated by the INSS.

What SIP (Personal Health Card) documents exist and who is entitled to holding them?

• The SIP Personal Health Card (permanent, replacement or temporary) is the document issued by the Valencian Public Administration which identifies and accredits the holder as being entitled to public health services provided by the National Health System.

Who is eligible for an SIP Personal Health Card?

- Individuals who are registered with the municipality (empadronamiento) included in section 1, group a), on a temporary basis until their personal details have been checked on other databases.

- Individuals included in section 1, groups b), c), d), e), f), g) and h), on a temporary basis.

The SIP Inclusion Document is only valid in the Valencian Region and is issued for administrative purposes, with an aim to guarantee access to health services, SIP management and the set of all information systems of the Health Council. This document does not ensure the right to healthcare in and of itself. Individuals who show this document must also provide another document which certifies their entitlement to healthcare: a document from another Autonomous Region, European Health Insurance Card, etc.

Who is eligible for an SIP Inclusion Document?

-         Individuals included in section 1, groups i) and j).

The SIP Personal Health Card and the SIP Inclusion Document are to be used solely by the holder of said documents. Health centres and institutions have the right to request further documentation that certifies the identity of the holder.

The misuse of the SIP card will result in the card being temporarily retained and/or confiscated.

The Personal SIP Card will no longer be valid beyond the date of expiry or when a new card is issued.

Where do I apply for an SIP document?

To apply for an SIP document, you’ll need to visit the Health Centre (Centro de Salud) that corresponds to your place of residence.

To find out which Health Centre corresponds to your area, call INFOSALUT at 900 161 161.

For any other information regarding the SIP document/card please contact the Health CENTRO DE ATENCIÓN TELEFÓNICA CALL CENTRE at 900 662 000, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In case of emergency, the telephone number is 112.

PLEASE REMEMBER:

That it is important to ensure that the personal information existing on the SIP (Citizen Information System) is up-to-date.

Please visit any Health Centre (Centro de Salud) if you need to update your personal details, especially for change of address, and before your SIP document expires to renew your card, if necessary.

What services does the CIPS-AIDS Information and Prevention Centre provide?

Run by the Public Health Services and the Health Council, these health centres offer medical care through appointments for HIV positive patients and users at risk for AIDS; they also organise informational talks about AIDS and provide confidential advice.

For more information, call: 900 70 20 20

What services does a Reproductive and Sexual Health Centre provide?

Part of the Public Health System, these Centres are run by the Health Council. To access these centres, you can either access them directly or with a referral from your nearest Health Centre. These centres provide information on the following:

• Contraceptive Methods, prevention of undesired pregnancies
• Prevention of sexually-transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS
• Advice on sex-related topics
• Help with specific sexual health-related problems

Sex information for youth: 900 25 20 20 Website: www.san.gva.es