moving to spain

Hello Graham, click on the "Jim's Guides" tab at the top and scroll down until you get to Healthcare where you will find all the details.

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/

Hi Graham,

I am replying to this post as I've also seen your other post about not being able to become resident in Spain for another year.  Please note that you have to be legally resident in Spain for 1 year before you can apply to join the Convenio Especial, which means you'll have to pay for private health insurance for your first year here in order to obtain residency.

Kind regards,

Hi Jim,

It would never have occurred to me to question any of your guides, but Juliette's post raises an interesting discrepancy.

In the opening paragraphs of your guide to the Convenio Especial, you say:

"However, such residents who can’t access the state health system can, after being resident here for 12 months, buy into the Valencian state health system, giving you total access to all healthcare provisions, with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, although you will have to pay the full cost of any medication."

In a later paragraph in point 6), you say:

"This requirement, in my opinion, needs a closer study. Everywhere I've looked on the web, writers seem to take this as meaning that you must submit a residencia certificate. I disagree - both the legislation and the application form ask for proof of having been resident - they do not specify a residencia certificate. In my opinion, therefore, you could provide a copy or copies of e.g. resident income tax declarations or resident bank account statements."

Because you offered this as your personal opinion, I had a look at other sources and the www.gov.uk website regarding the Convenio Especial states:

"Purchasing public health insurance - Convenio Especial

"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 nationwide where you pay a monthly fee to access state-run healthcare. The scheme is managed by each autonomous region and you have to be registered with the padrón (Town Hall register) for at least 1 year before applying."

As we know that, thanks to another of your wonderful guides, it's illegal to register on the Padron without having residency, this appears to be another case of Spanish bureaucrats applying the rules as it suits them......  ;o)

Best wishes,

Kim