How can you access free healthcare in Spain?
How do you qualify?
I explain the ways to apply for state healthcare and go into details about the Convenio Especial.
Prefer to watch the video? Click the picture below.
I’m going to guide you through the various ways that you could possibly access the Spanish Public Healthcare System. And I’ll take you through what one of them, the Convenio Especial, is all about and give you all the information you need about it.
Is this official information?
Absolutely, I’ll be quoting from the official government website, and explaining what it all means in a down to earth way you’ll all understand.
There will also be links to all of the source material.
Who needs health cover?
Everyone needs some kind of healthcare cover in Spain, whether it’s the state system or the private system.
None of it is completely free, because even ‘free’ healthcare depends on payments of some kind, like social security contributions.
Even with the S1 from the UK, for example, you’ve been paying for that previously through contributions, and then effectively the UK pays Spain.
Who is eligible for free state healthcare?
If you have a job, or you’re self-employed, you’ll be paying social security contributions, and that automatically entitles you to state healthcare.
Basically it’s just a matter of being registered and getting your health card. Your local health centre is the place to fill in the form for that, and if you’re new to Spain, perhaps your Gestor will help you jump through the hoops.
The S1
Another way to access free healthcare is with the S1, or whatever is the equivalent system in your country of origin.
This is basically a confirmation that your country will be paying Spain for your healthcare. Generally speaking it’s for retired people and their partners.
If you need more information about the S1, HERE is a link to a live Q&A where you’ll find the answers to all of your questions.
What’s the Convenio Especial all about?
It’s literally a special agreement!
This particular agreement for healthcare is a Social Security scheme that allows for people that don’t otherwise qualify for state healthcare to make voluntary payments.
Who can sign up? Who is eligible?
You need to have been resident in Spain for at least 12 months to apply.
You must have no other means of accessing state healthcare.
What does it cost?
If you’re under 65 years old, it’s €60.
If you’re 65 or over, it’s €157.
That’s until you reach pension age, because after that, you get full access.
So that’s the other way of getting healthcare?
That’s correct.
What if I have existing medical problems?
That’s one of the big advantages of this system, it doesn’t matter if you have pre-existing conditions.
So you only pay the standard price no matter what. There are no restrictions or extra premiums.
Does the Convenio Especial cover everything?
Not quite, you do have to pay for your general prescriptions, any ortho-prosthetics, dietary prescriptions and non-urgent medical transport.
And also you can’t get the TSE Spanish European health card, that’s the equivalent of the EHIC. So if you’re travelling outside of Spain you’ll need full holiday insurance.
Can I replace my private healthcare cover with it for residency?
Yes, it covers the basic requirements for residency, so if you’re having trouble paying for private healthcare, it’s worth considering.
Can I use it to apply for my Non Lucrative Visa?
Not on your initial application, because you need to have been resident for at least a year before you can apply.
But you can switch to it after your first year.
How do I apply?
Switching after year one is a little tricky, because as I said you need to have been resident for at least a year before you can apply, but you need healthcare coverage to apply for your Year 2 & 3 residency renewal.
This takes time to apply for and get confirmation back, so you won’t be covered before your renewal deadline.
So what you should do is renew your private policy, and unless there are favourable rules and terms for cancellation partway through the year, you’ll have to wait until a few months before your private policy is next due for renewal to apply for the Convenio.
You need to time it just right if you don’t want to be paying for both at the same time.
How do you apply?
Here’s a list of what you need.
1/ The Convenio Especial application form
That’s different for every region. Make sure you get the form for the right autonomous region!
2/ Your passport.
3/ Your up to date Padron certificate.
No more than three months old!
4/ Your TIE card or EU residency card.
Depending whether you’re an EU passport holder or not.
5/ Proof that you can’t get healthcare cover from another country.
So if you were resident in the UK, for example, and were entitled to NHS cover before you emigrated, you’ll need a letter from them to show you’re no longer covered.
And you can get that HERE from the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
Don’t forget to get the letter translated. And it’s worth checking with the NHS about whether it will affect your healthcare in the UK.
Now, if you’re not from the UK, or you’ve worked somewhere else since emigrating, then you’ll need to get proof from the healthcare provider in that country.
Remember, each autonomous region has its own application process which may vary a bit, but it’s basically the same. Check with your local health centre for more details.
How do you submit your application?
If you have a Digital Certificate, you can apply online through the Social Security online portal.
HELPFUL TIP! Get a digital certificate, they’re very handy.
I made a video all about that, HERE is a link.
If you don’t have your digital certificate or you’d prefer to be old school, you can apply by post or in person at your local health centre or the local provincial office, or even at the post office because they check them there before you send them off.
How long until you get a response?
It depends! If your details and documents are all in order, your confirmation could be within a few weeks. Although in some regions it can take 2 or 3 months.
So if you’re applying in advance of your residency renewal, make sure you leave enough time.
You’ll be sent copies of the agreement, one to sign and return, along with proof of payment of the first monthly payment from your bank. Take another copy for your own records. And scan it into your computer for digital records too, the same as all of your important documents.
Any questions?
Ask in the comments below.
Peace and love!
Peas & Fluff!
Let’s dance!
Article by Skatz
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
Application form Andalucia:
Appointments in Andalucia:
https://tuturno.juntadeandalucia.es/citaprevia/?tenantId=998#no-back-button
Health Centres in Andalucia:
Info in Spanish about the Convenio Especial:
NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA)
Overseas Healthcare Services
Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 6SN
Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 1999
Email: nhsbsa.ohsregistrations@nhs.net
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday, 9am to 3pm
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