In the Valencian Community you can ask to be assigned a different family doctor (GP), a different paediatrician for your children or even a different health centre. It is a right set out in Decree 74/2015 of the Consell, which regulates free choice within the Valencian Health System. Many people never use it because they do not know it exists or think they need a serious reason. You do not: you simply apply, although there are some limits worth knowing first.
Who can change doctor
Anyone insured by or entitled to the Spanish National Health System who holds a Valencian health card (the SIP card) can apply. If you do not have one yet, you need to get it first: see our SIP card guide.
Free choice covers:
- A family doctor at your health centre or at another centre.
- A paediatrician for children.
- A health centre other than the one assigned to your address.
Inside or outside your health department
As a general rule you can choose among the doctors and centres of the health department that corresponds to the municipality where you are registered (empadronado). The region is divided into 24 departments, each with its own reference hospital and health centres.
Exceptionally, the decree allows you to choose a centre in another department in two cases:
- When you temporarily live somewhere else for more than six months for family or social reasons.
- When the centre is close to your workplace.
How to apply, step by step
- Choose the doctor or centre you prefer. You can ask at the reception desk which doctors have space on their list.
- Submit the free-choice application. You can hand it in at the Patient Care and Information Service (SAIP) or the reception of the health centre you are choosing, at any official registry, or online through the Generalitat e-office with a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
- Wait for the decision. The chosen doctor issues a mandatory but non-binding report, and the administration must reply within 15 working days.
- Check the change in the GVA +Salut app or at the centre: when you book your next appointment you should see your new doctor.
The official form is called «Solicitud de libre elección de centro o médico/pediatra en el ámbito de atención primaria» and is available on the Generalitat procedure page (GVA.es, procedure 2983).
Limits to bear in mind
- Six months between changes. You cannot request another change of doctor until six months have passed since the previous one.
- Home visits. If you choose a centre other than your assigned one, home visits, urgent or scheduled, are still provided by your original centre.
- Full lists. If the doctor you want has a full patient list, the application may be refused. You will be offered alternatives.
- Organisational changes. If the health department changed your doctor for organisational reasons, you can ask to return to your previous one after three months.
If the problem is getting an appointment, not the doctor
Sometimes the issue is not the doctor but the lack of free slots. Before changing, read our guide on what to do when there are no GP appointments: it explains the «front-desk schedule» and how to complain to the SAIP if you are not seen within a reasonable time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to explain why I want to change?
No justification is needed. It is a patient right, although you can add a comment to the application if you wish.
Can I choose a paediatrician for my child at another centre?
Yes, under the same rules: within your health department and, exceptionally, outside it for temporary residence or work reasons.
Do I lose my medical record if I change?
No. There is a single medical record across the Valencian Health System and your new doctor will have access to it.