How the procedure works
What convenio especial is
This is a paid entry into the public healthcare system for those who have no other route to it: the person is not employed, does not pay contributions as an autónomo, and is not covered through a family member. The agreement is signed with the health authority of the autonomous community where you live — so the procedure, forms and requirements in Madrid, Catalonia and Valencia differ, even though the national conditions are the same.
Who will be accepted
Two key conditions. First — at the time of filing, you are registered in the padrón of a Spanish municipality. Second — you can demonstrate actual continuous residence in Spain for one year immediately before filing. Periods of residence in other EU, EEA, Swiss, and UK countries count toward that year. A third condition is a disqualifier: you must not be entitled to medical coverage on any other basis.
How much it costs and what is not included
The monthly contribution is set at federal level: €60 for signatories under 65 and €157 for those aged 65 and over. The agreement grants access to public healthcare but does not cover medication benefits: prescription drugs are paid in full, without the discount the system normally provides. This comes as a surprise to more people than it should — usually after signing.
What we need from you
- Passport and NIE or TIE
- Registration certificate with residence history — it confirms one year of residence
- Proof that you have no entitlement to coverage through any other means
- Bank details for monthly fee direct debit
- Application form for your autonomous community
What is holding the case up
- The one-year residency requirement is not met: the padrón was not registered immediately after moving, and the year is counted from the date of registration
- You are entitled to coverage through employment, autónomo status, or a family member — in which case the agreement will be denied
- Forms, submission channels, and timelines differ from one autonomous community to another — guidance from a neighbouring region does not apply
- Registration is in one autonomous community, but the application is filed in another
- A missed monthly payment terminates the agreement, and reinstatement starts from scratch
- Counting on subsidised medicines that are not available under this agreement
The procedure and fee amounts have been verified August 16, 2026 according to official sources: Spanish Ministry of Health: convenio especial de prestación de asistencia sanitaria · Madrid Community electronic office: healthcare agreement. Fees and exemptions are reviewed periodically — check before you apply with the primary source.