Work out who provides your cover
| Situation | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Working or self-employed in Spain | Check Social Security registration and recognition of healthcare entitlement, then ask the local health centre about SIP registration. |
| Eligible for healthcare from another European system | Ask the responsible institution whether an S1 or another arrangement applies and how it is registered in Spain. Nationality alone does not determine entitlement. |
| Applying with private insurance | Get written confirmation that the policy meets the exact requirements of your residence route, with the needed cover and exclusions addressed. |
| Visiting temporarily | An EHIC can cover medically necessary public care during a qualifying temporary stay. It is not a substitute for arranging coverage after moving permanently. |
Get connected to your local health centre
The Valencian public health card is known as SIP. Consult GVA’s current procedure and take the identity, address and coverage evidence requested for your situation. Ask which health centre you are assigned to and how appointments and prescriptions work. Registration in SIP and the basis of funded coverage should both be confirmed.
The GVA health-card site links to procedures and the regional health app. Keep a record of your SIP details and ask about your options if your coverage is still being processed.
Questions to ask a private insurer
- Are pre-existing conditions, ongoing treatments and prescribed medication covered?
- Are there waiting periods, co-payments, exclusions or annual limits?
- Which hospitals and specialists in Valencia are actually in the network?
- Does the policy cover mental health, maternity, dental care or rehabilitation where needed?
- Will the insurer supply the certificate required for your residence application?
Bring continuity, not just a suitcase
Ask your clinician for a concise medical summary, generic medication names, dosage details, allergies and important test results. Check the rules for carrying your medicines before travel, especially controlled medicines. Arrange how to obtain your next prescription in Spain rather than assuming a foreign prescription will be accepted.
Go directly to the source
Official requirements, prices and availability can change. Open the relevant source before applying, booking or paying.