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sip card

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:16 am
by nickel
Can anyone tell me if a sip card which is registered in the Valencia region is valid in the rest of Spain
Many thanks

Re: sip card

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 10:31 am
by jpeg
It is valid all over Spain

Re: sip card

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 10:36 am
by nickel
Thanks jpeg

Re: sip card

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 11:12 am
by marcliff
Except for the Balearic Islands (mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca etc) and Catalonia. The old SIP cards were valid in your own region (ie, Valencia) but are being issued (since 2013) to cover all of Spain. Those two areas have not integrated their computer system so have not yet been included in the scheme.
Payment for prescriptions is also different in each of Spain's regions so you may find yourself being charged for them if you go to a doctor elsewhere despite getting them free here.

Re: sip card

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:12 pm
by nickel
Hi Marcliff
I am going to catalonia for a few days so does that mean if i need to see a doctor or have an accident needing hospital treatment i won't be covered by my sip card.

Re: sip card

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:46 pm
by marcliff
The original article was from 2013 and mentioned Catalonia as not being part of the system. However, a newer article states "a healthcard valid throughout Spain" so they may have come on to the system. I can find nothing else about this at the moment except for links that put me back to the original site where Catalonia is not covered.
Maybe ask at the health centre before you go?
Still, looking on the dark side a bit if you're only going for a few days. Better safe than sorry though, I suppose.
Oh, and like all of Spain, everyone is entitled to free emergency care so, if you have an accident, you will be treated for free. Just make sure they take you to a state hospital, not a private one (bit gloomy for the end of the week).

Re: sip card

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:57 pm
by nickel
Thanks again Marcliff,