Convenio Especial

Others will know better than I but I'm not sure that having worked here, and presumably had health care through that, that Convio Especial is still an option for you. 

From what you say, I have to assume you're voluntarily not working and don't qualify for health cover.

I can't envisage that using someone to help you would speed up the process, although taking the forms in personally might save a few days. If you can't remember the procedure, look at:

https://www.costablancaforum.com/area/almorad%C3%AD-spain-11/healthcare-medical-advice-in-almorad%C3%AD-16/jims-guide-convenio-especial-buy-into-state-health-care-36444/

Excellent guide but doesn't answer the general query, is Convenio Especial available to those who, like the op, have previously had health care through employment?

I would guess there might be a requirement for a minimum period of employment for continued state health care after? 

The Convenio law is perfectly clear - it's for anyone who has been resident twelve months and doesn't otherwise have access to state health care.

As regards how many months you need to pay into social security, and for how many months after stopping such payments, you have health cover, I've no idea.

Hi Sue,

It still takes a long time! Using Jim’s guide, we completed the forms and handed them in to the 

Registro de la Dirección Territorial de Sanidad Universal y Salud Pública - Alicante

C/ Girona, 26

 We heard nothing for a month and then found the correct office:

Alicante address is Planta 9, C/Rambla 41 (above the old Tourist Information office by Mercado station)

when we went there the lady had our applications on her desk.

We then had to wait another couple of weeks before a form was sent to our home address. We then had to return to the office with the forms and they produced the SIP cards.

Have you requested a letter from the NHS stating that they are not providing you with cover?

Hi,

Thanks for your reply .Can you just walk in at the office, do you know or do you need to make an appointment?

When we took the forms to the post office last time it was four months before we had a reply so that is why we would prefer to go in person!  

We just went in without an appointment. Just say to the security guard on the ground floor “Convenio Especial” and they should point you to the lifts. Pop up to the 9th floor, turn right through the doors and you will be in the middle of the office. The veryhelpful people will then point you to the right person.

Then repeat once you receive the form at home.

Hope it’s still the same with Covid practices in place - good luck.