Advice on changing SIP card and Residencia address

Have you got an old blue SIP or a new one? If it's one of the new ones, then that is valid in all of Spain. Otherwise, I'd have thought that if you just ask at your new medical centre, then they should be able to issue a new SIP.

As regards changing residencia address, then you'll have to complete an EX-18, ticking the change of address box, and go through the application procedure again at a national police station.

Hi Jim,thanks for that.We have the new SIP card which we got in May.When we went to the doctors,which is in Barinas,Murcia the receptionist went ballistic,waving the card about and waffling in Spanish that the was from Valencia not Murcia.Even though I know she does speak some English,as we have been there before,and saw a doctor less than 4 weeks ago,she wasn't having any.

 Regards Gerry

I don't know what else to suggest, Gerry, I'd have thought she could just issue you with a new card with the same number if she doesn't like it.

Our old style blue SIP cards have details of our medical centre on the back. If that's the same with the new red cards, then the health centre should issue new ones anyway.

I wouldn't expect you to need a new SIP number, as they're issued by INSS, who are a national organisation.

I've just found this on the cita-previa.es website:

Para solicitar una nueva tarjeta sanitaria cuando ha cambiado su residencia a otra comunidad autónoma debe dirigirse al centro de salud más próximo a su nuevo domicilio. Aquí obtendrá información sobre la documentación necesaria para tramitar su nueva tarjeta sanitaria. Cuando haya aportado esta documentación, efectuarán los trámites necesarios para asignarle un médico de familia, pediatra (en caso de ser necesario) y enfermera. 

To request a new health card when you have changed your residence to another autonomous community you should go to the health centre closest to your new address. Here you will obtain information about the documentation needed to process your new health card. When you have provided this documentation, they will carry out the necessary procedures to assign a family doctor, pediatrician (if necessary) and a nurse.

I can't find anything specifying the documentation required, but I'd guess this probably includes a padron as proof of address. Until they issue the new card, they still have to treat you simply because you've got a valid SIP card.

Hopefully someone else will help.

Does a sip card if on holiday in ibiza?

If you are asking if a SIP card is valid if you visit the Balearics or Canaries then, yes, it is.

It's easier for the medical centre or hospital if you have the newer red SIP card, but the old style is still acceptable.