LGBTQIA+ health on the Costa Blanca: testing, PrEP and support

Where can you get an HIV test without a SIP card? How do you access free PrEP? Who do you talk to when you start a transition? LGBTQIA+ healthcare is well organised on the Costa Blanca, but you need to know the doors in. Here is the guide, written with newcomers in mind.

Testing: free, anonymous, no papers

Remember one acronym: CIPS, the Centro de Información y Prevención del Sida e ITS. The one in Alicante offers a free, anonymous rapid HIV test, with no appointment and no health card or papers: you're identified by a simple code. It's the ideal first door if you've just arrived and don't yet have any Spanish documents. Contact: freephone 900 70 20 20 or 965 169 070 in Alicante. Check opening hours before you go, as they change.

PrEP: free since 2019

In Spain, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been covered by the public health system since November 2019. It's prescribed in a specialist unit and dispensed by a hospital pharmacy; the CIPS in Alicante is one of the centres that provides it. Eligibility is set nationally: in practice, if you're a man who has sex with men, or a trans person with recent risk factors, you qualify. To go through the public route you'll need a SIP card, meaning you're registered with the health system.

Trans pathway

The transition pathway (the UIG gender-identity unit) is part of the Valencian Community health service: you access it by referral from your GP, SIP card in hand, who points you to the reference unit via your health department. One documented caveat: the Valencian protocol still requires a prior psychological assessment before endocrinology, which the 2023 national law, built on self-determination, does not. The province's LGTBI associations support people through this pathway and will help you assert your rights if needed.

Mental health: support in your language

The Orienta service of the Valencian Community offers free psychological, social and legal support (900 10 10 15, Monday to Friday). Nationally, the 028 "Arcoíris" helpline from the Ministry of Equality answers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, free and confidentially, in several languages including English. If you're going through a hard time, those two numbers are exactly what they're for.

HIV: treatment guaranteed, including for foreigners

Access to antiretroviral treatment is universal and free in Spain, dispensed at hospital. Since March 2026, a decree further simplifies the process 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.

Vaccines: Mpox and HPV

Mpox vaccination is available at the CIPS and at hospital preventive-medicine departments 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. Ask for them when you visit the CIPS, it's the same desk.

In summary

No papers: the CIPS in Alicante, anonymous and free. With a SIP card: PrEP and the trans pathway via your GP. Need to talk: Orienta (900 10 10 15) or 028, in English. Keep this article in your favourites; it may help a friend one day.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a free, anonymous HIV test on the Costa Blanca? At the CIPS in Alicante: a free, anonymous rapid test, with no health card or papers, identified by a simple code. Contact 900 70 20 20 (free) or 965 169 070. Some associations also offer free rapid tests.

Is PrEP free in Spain? Yes, covered by the public health system since November 2019. The CIPS in Alicante is one of the centres that dispenses it; the public route requires a SIP card.

Who can I call for LGBTQIA+ psychological support in English? The 028 "Arcoíris" helpline from the Ministry of Equality: free, confidential, 24/7, in several languages including English. The Orienta service (900 10 10 15) offers free psychological, social and legal support.

Sources

• Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana
• Ministry of Health: PrEP and HIV prevention
• Ministry of Equality: 028 "Arcoíris" helpline

Information verified in July 2026. This is an informational article and does not replace medical advice: always confirm contacts and opening hours with the services concerned. The Daily Costa Blanca is an AI-assisted publication with human review. Spotted a mistake? Drop us a line and we'll fix it. How we work.