LGBTQIA+ health in Valencia: testing, PrEP, transition, the complete guide

Where can you get an HIV test without a SIP card? How do you access free PrEP? Who do you talk to when you begin a transition? LGBTQIA+ healthcare in Valencia is well organised, and much of it is free and universal, but you need to know the way in. Here is the guide, checked address by address, written with expats in mind.

Screening: free, anonymous, no papers needed

Start by remembering one acronym: CIPS, the Centro de Información y Prevención del Sida. The Valencia one is on calle San Lázaro, inside the grounds of the Doctor Peset hospital. HIV, hepatitis, syphilis: everything there is free and anonymous, by appointment (963 131 616). You are identified by a code, with no ID document and no SIP card. If you have just arrived and do not yet have any Spanish paperwork, this is your way in.

Three association-run alternatives, free and confidential: Lambda (avenue Primer de Maig 55) offers a rapid oral-fluid test with real time for support, by appointment on 96 334 21 91. The Comité Antisida de Valencia runs rapid HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C tests at the CIBE Marítim centre, calle de la Reina 261, in the Cabanyal, with online booking. And AVACOS-H (calle Gabriel y Galán 24) tests on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

PrEP: free since 2019

In Spain, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV has been covered by the public health system since November 2019. It is prescribed in a specialist unit and collected from a hospital pharmacy. In Valencia, the authorised STI-prevention unit is at avenue Blasco Ibáñez 17 (consultation 120, 961 973 500). Eligibility criteria are set nationally: in practice, if you are a man who has sex with men or a trans person with recent risk factors, you qualify. You will need a SIP card, meaning you must be registered with the health system: our guide to the Spanish health system explains how.

Trans healthcare: the Doctor Peset unit

The Comunitat Valenciana's reference unit for transition pathways (UIG) is at the Doctor Peset hospital, avenue Gaspar Aguilar 90: endocrinology and hormone therapy, gynaecology, chest surgery, voice support, paediatrics. You access it through a referral from your GP, SIP card in hand.

One point to be aware of, documented by the specialist press: the Valencian protocol still requires a psychological assessment before endocrinology, which the 2023 national law, based on self-determination, does not call for. Associations, Lambda first among them through its Grupo Trans, support people through this pathway and will help you assert your rights if needed.

Mental health: help in your own language

Lambda's Orienta service offers free psychological, social and legal support (900 10 10 15, Monday to Friday). At national level, the Ministry of Equality's 028 "Arcoíris" line answers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, free and confidentially, and works in six languages, including English. If you are going through a hard time, these two numbers are there for exactly that.

HIV: treatment guaranteed, including for foreigners

Access to antiretroviral treatment is universal and free in Spain, dispensed at hospital. Since March 2026, a decree has further simplified the steps for foreigners, including those without legal residence: a responsible declaration and proof of presence (empadronamiento, bills) are enough to obtain a provisional document giving immediate access to care. In Valencia, Lambda (SAVIH service), the Comité Antisida and AVACOS-H support people living with HIV.

Vaccines: Mpox and HPV

Mpox vaccination is available at the CIPS and hospital preventive-medicine services for priority groups. The HPV (papillomavirus) vaccine is free for men who have sex with men up to age 45: one dose up to 25, two beyond that. Ask for them when you visit the CIPS, it is the same desk.

In short

No papers: CIPS, anonymous and free. With a SIP card: PrEP on avenue Blasco Ibáñez, trans healthcare at the Doctor Peset via your GP. Need to talk: Orienta (900 10 10 15) or the 028, in English. Save this article to your favourites, it may help a friend one day.

Sources

• CIPS València - Centro de Información y Prevención del Sida, Generalitat Valenciana.
• Ministerio de Sanidad - PrEP public coverage (since November 2019).
• Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset - Unidad de Identidad de Género (UIG).
• Ministerio de Igualdad - Servicio 028 Arcoíris; Lambda València (SAVIH, Orienta, Grupo Trans).

Information verified in July 2026. The Daily Valencia is an AI-assisted publication with human review. Health provision can change; confirm details with the service before you rely on them.