The Drawbacks of Joining Spain's Convenio Especial for Healthcare and Pension Contributions

Understanding the Convenio Especial

The primary drawbacks of joining Spain's Convenio Especial for healthcare or pension contributions include limited coverage, potential language barriers in the public system, and longer wait times for specialized care compared to private alternatives. Certain services and benefits are explicitly excluded.

Healthcare (Convenio Especial de asistencia sanitaria)

Limited Coverage

The basic agreement provides access to the public health system but does not cover certain costs. These include prescription medications, dietary products, and some orthopedic and prosthetic supplies. This differs from full coverage under the standard Social Security system.

No European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Enrolling in the Convenio Especial for healthcare does not entitle you to an EHIC. This card is useful for temporary stays in other EU countries. You will need to purchase separate travel insurance to cover your healthcare needs abroad.

Potential for Long Waiting Lists

As part of the public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud), you may experience long waiting times. This can be for specialist appointments, non-emergency procedures, and surgeries. If you require timely care, this could be a significant drawback.

No Choice of Doctor or Hospital

You are assigned a doctor and a health center based on your residence. Unlike private insurance, you cannot choose your preferred specialists or visit private hospitals. This lack of flexibility can be frustrating for many individuals.

Language Barrier

While many medical professionals in public hospitals are multilingual, finding English-speaking staff is not guaranteed. Access to translation services in hospitals may be limited. This makes communication difficult if you don't speak Spanish.

Residency Requirement

You must have been legally residing in Spain for at least one year before you can apply for the healthcare Convenio Especial. This requirement can be a hurdle for newcomers who need immediate access to healthcare services.

Individual Enrollment for Family Members

The agreement is on an individual basis. There is no family-rate option, meaning family members must join and pay separately. This can increase the overall cost for families seeking coverage.

Social Security Pension Contributions (Convenio Especial de cotización)

Partial Benefits Covered

While the Social Security convenio allows you to continue contributing to maintain or improve your pension rights, it typically only covers common contingencies. These include retirement, permanent disability, and death and survival benefits. However, it does not cover temporary leave, maternity/paternity, or unemployment.

Cannot Make Up for Gaps at Will

You must meet a minimum contribution period to be eligible for the standard version of the convenio. This is usually 1,080 days in the 12 years prior to applying. You cannot use it to fill in a significant, distant gap in your work history without meeting the requirements.

Can Be Costly

The monthly fees can be a significant expense, especially for older contributors who will pay 157€ per person.

Depending on your age and pre-existing conditions, comparable private insurance could be a similar cost or even less expensive and give easy immediate access to specialist doctors.

Risk of Termination

The agreement can be terminated if you fail to pay the monthly fees for a consecutive period, usually three months. If this happens, you cannot re-enroll until you have settled the debt. This risk can create financial uncertainty for contributors.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Convenio Especial offers some benefits for healthcare and pension contributions, it also comes with significant drawbacks. Limited coverage, long waiting times, and potential language barriers can make it less appealing than private alternatives.

If you are considering enrolling in the Convenio Especial, weigh these factors carefully. It's essential to understand how these limitations may affect your access to healthcare and pension benefits in Spain.

For more information on healthcare options in Spain, you can visit this link.

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