Expats and the Public Health Care System in Spain

seamus452 Active member

64POSTS

5 days ago

Hello, Expats!

Here is my situation: I am 62 years old, born in the United States were I lived and worked until 2022, after which I retired. By virtue of my grandparents, I also have an Irish passport, therefore, I am living in Spain with a green NIE, as a European citizen residing in Spain since October 2025. In order to get the NIE, I had to purchase a private health care insurance plan, which has been pretty good. My question is: how, when, and what is the cost, of accessing the Spanish health care system. I already know the pros and cons, I am just unclear as the the law and how it applies to my situation vis a vis belonging to the national health care scheme here in Spain. Thank you for your responses,

Seamus

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SergioCDM Active member

28POSTS

4 days ago

@seamus452

Hi Seamus,

As an EU citizen legally residing in Spain, your access to the public healthcare system depends largely on your status and whether another EU country is responsible for your healthcare coverage.

Since you are retired and receiving a pension from the United States rather than an EU country, you would generally not be automatically covered through the standard EU pensioner arrangements. Many retirees in your situation continue with private insurance or apply for the Convenio Especial, a voluntary public healthcare scheme available in most Spanish regions.

The Convenio Especial typically costs around €60 per month for people under 65 and about €157 per month for those aged 65 and over, although details can vary slightly by autonomous community. After a period of legal residence in Spain, you may be eligible to apply.

I would recommend contacting your local health authority (Servicio de Salud) or visiting your nearest health centre (Centro de Salud), as regional rules and administrative requirements can differ.

Good luck, and I hope someone with direct experience as a non-EU pensioner living in Spain can also share their personal experience.