Convenio Especial

I have been paying into the Spanish healthcare system for over 12 months now €60 per month and have a Convenio Especial SIP card.
I have been told by my Dr in Algorfa this morning that I am not covered for specialist treatment/blood tests at the hospital and he can't refer me to them he is only able to write a prescription with further medication to try ( hit and miss really) as not sure what the problem is. I have been advised to go to Almoradi and change my SIP card?
Does anybody know if this is correct and where in Almoradi do I go?

You need to go to the Centro de Salud (24hour Health Centre) at Calle Mayor 110, Almoradi

Is that because the Convenio Especial system is coming to an end?
I thought the Convenio Especial covered you for everything except prescription costs. Supposed to be universal health care in this region as from 1st May (don't hold your breath, every region has its own rules).
Maybe you will change your SIP card to a regular one.
Does Almoradi Health Centre in Calle Mayor handle the SIP cards? Here in Quesada we have to go to the one in Rojales for updates and renewals of the SIP card.

I have just started paying for Convenio Especial and have been given a SIP card with Convenio Especial written on the top. I had a temporary sip card previously which only covered for prescriptions ect. Does your SIP card have Convenio Especial written on it on it as that may be why your doctor has advised you need to get another SIP card.?

Many thanks for the response so far. Yes my SIP card does have Convenio Especial written on the top of the card.
Anybody know if I need to make an appointment at the health centre in Almoradi?

jules1 wrote:Many thanks for the response so far. Yes my SIP card does have Convenio Especial written on the top of the card.

Anybody know if I need to make an appointment at the health centre in Almoradi?

No need for an appointment, just turn up and join the queue! Probably best to avoid busy times like mornings before noon.

The Algorfa health centre is a satellite from the 24hour centre in Almoradi which is why you have been advised to go there. The Quesada health centre is a satellite of the 24hour centre in Rojales which is why Quesada residents go there for SIP queries.

I was on it for 18 months, saw a specialist at Torre all through my time on it & regular blood tests.