Living wills on the Costa Blanca: making decisions for emergencies

No one likes to think about emergencies, but that is precisely what a living will is all about: you specify in advance which medical measures you want – and which you do not want – if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. In the Comunidad Valenciana, there are clear procedures for drawing up and registering a living will, also known as „Voluntades Anticipadas“, in a legally valid manner. Here you can find out how to do this and why it is particularly important for residents and long-term visitors to the Costa Blanca.

Why have a living will?
Spanish Law 41/2002 gives every citizen the right to determine their wishes regarding medical treatment in advance. This includes decisions about life-prolonging measures, organ transplants or alternative therapies. With a living will, you retain control over your medical care.

At the same time, the directive relieves your relatives, as they have clear instructions in difficult emergencies. Doctors and family members know how you want to be treated and do not have to make stressful decisions.

Who can draw up a living will?
Anyone who is at least 18 years of age and has legal capacity can draw up a living will. You can appoint a representative (representante) to represent your wishes. This person must expressly agree to take on this role and may not act as a witness at the same time.

When is a living will applied?
The document only comes into effect if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself due to an emergency or illness. It is important that the instructions comply with applicable laws and medical practice. Any instructions that contradict these are invalid.

How to create Your living will in the Valencian Community

• 1. Registration in the official register for living wills
  In the Valencian Community, registration in the central Advance Directives Registry is recommended. This ensures that your wishes are accessible to medical staff in an emergency. You can submit your directive at your local health centre (Centro de Salud) or to the health authority (Conselleria de Sanitat Universal i Salut Pública).

  Required documents:
  ▶ Valid identity card, NIE or passport.
  ▶ SIP card (Spanish health card).
  ▶ The living will form, which you can download at the following link: www.san.gva.es/documents/3003935/3080978/voluntades_anticipadas_es.pdf

  If you appoint a representative, they must also be present and present their identification.

• 2. With witnesses
  You can draw up your living will yourself and have it confirmed by the signatures of three witnesses. The following applies:
  ▶ At least two of the witnesses must not be related to you or have any business connection with you.
  ▶ All witnesses must be of legal age and have legal capacity.
  You can submit the signed document at a Centro de Salud or online. Further information can be found on the website: www.san.gva.es/es/web/portal-del-paciente/voluntades-anticipadas
• 3. At the notary's office
  Alternatively, you can have your living will certified by a solicitor. The solicitor will automatically register the document in the central register.

Can the living will
be changed?
Yes, you can change, revoke or update your living will at any time. To do so, create a new document to replace the old one. These changes must also be entered in the register. The form for changes can also be found at: www.san.gva.es/documents/3003935/3080978/voluntades_anticipadas_es.pdf/ce3f3fb9-9338-331f-66ed-6b0c40243075

Why is registration
important?
Registration ensures that your living will can be accessed by the attending physicians in an emergency. Without registration, there is a risk that your document will be overlooked.

Registration can be done online with a digital certificate or in person at the relevant health centres. A list of service centres can be found here:
www.san.gva.es/es/web/portal-del-paciente/saip

Further information
Detailed information and support in drawing up your living will can be obtained from:
www.san.gva.es/es/web/portal-del-paciente/voluntades-anticipadas

A living will ensures that your wishes are respected – regardless of what life brings. It gives you the reassuring feeling that everything has been taken care of and relieves your family in difficult moments.

The Valencian Community offers a clear and straightforward procedure for drawing up and registering your living will. Don't wait any longer – take care of your medical affairs today.