How and Where Can I Apply to Purchase Healthcare? (Convenio Especial)

Purchasing public health insurance

If you are not covered for state-run healthcare through any other means, the Spanish regional health authorities offer a special pay-in scheme (convenio especial). This is a public health insurance scheme available nation-wide where you pay a monthly fee to access state-run healthcare. The scheme is managed by each autonomous region. Before application, you must have been a resident for at least one year. Please note that some regions such as Murcia, Balearic Isles and Madrid do not stipulate registered residency but are using the padron as proof of the one year residency. Valencia forms mention residencia but appear to also be using the padron.

Policy holders pay on an individual basis for access to public healthcare, regardless of pre-existing conditions, anywhere in Spain. Children do not have to join the Convenio Especial as they are protected under Spanish law and can access state healthcare for free.

The basic monthly fee is 60€ for the under 65s and 157€ for those aged 65 and above. However, prescriptions and prosthesis are not subsidised so you would pay 100% of prescription costs. This form of cover doesn’t give holders the right to an EHIC at this time, so if you wish to travel, you will need to take out private travel insurance. The scheme is now available in:

IMPORTANT *Since August of 2018 the convenio was terminated in Andalucia. This was due to a new royal decree which was to provide healthcare for all those residing in Spain. The royal decree was not implemented by the various regions and we await further news.

UPDATE 03/07/2019* The Convenio Especial for Andalucia has been reinstated.

Application form Aragon

Application form Asturias

Application form Balearics

Application form Canaries

Application form Castilla y Leon

Includes forms to download.

Application form Galicia

Application form Valencia

Updates for the other regions will be provided as and when the schemes are launched.

CAB Spain thanks the Gov.uk site for some of the information above. CAB Spain would like to advise that we have now added Aragon, Asturias and the Balearics.

NOTE* A list of administrative offices where the application forms will be added. Some areas provide this such as Valencia and found on the link provided.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.