Just seen this from the Brits in Spain Facebook page.

Seems Uk citizens will be able to continue to use the EHIC cards they already have until they expire, and then get the new card after.
If in the coming months, when travel restrictions are lifted, you have friends or family planning on travelling to Spain, they can continue to use their UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The agreement reached between the UK and the EU means that they can continue to access necessary healthcare when in the EU, as before.
Current EHICs remain valid until the expiry date on the card, so cards don't need to be replaced immediately. Once it expires, or if lost, they can apply for a replacement card, now called the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Find out more at www.nhs.uk/ghic

Yes, this is a consequence of the UK agreeing to a trade deal. Excellent news for non-residents but not much good for Spanish residents.

Wasn't there a parallel announcement about new EHIC cards for EU residents who are entitled now (or would be in future) to a UK issued EHIC?

No, EU residents would have an equivalent EHIC card, issued by their country of residence (not UK), for use when traveling abroad (out of their country of residence). Hope this makes sense. :-)

Edit....Unless you're a S1 holder (state pensioner) in which case you're entitled to hold the UK EHIC card as all your health benefits are being paid for by the UK.

Except if they're eligible for S1 cover from the UK, now or in the future.

EDIT : Ah. I see you've caught up.

Obviously not being of retirement age I don't get the S1.
I will have to just make sure my private healthcare is able to cover stuff when and if we travel, pretty much like any 3rd country citizen would anyway.

I have a thought though....
Although if after a year of residency I take up the conveno especial, does that give me the right to hold a Spanish EHIC card???
Im then paying into the Spanish state healthcare system, so why not???

Food for thought as at the moment my private is cheaper than the state one, but if an EHIC card is on offer it might be worth changing over next year.

Full Monty here

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/u...content=weekly

Convenio Especial, this is not equivalent to paying into the Spanish Social Security system and therefore does not entitle you to a TSE card (Spanish EHIC).

https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/fa...-for-the-ehic/

Unfortunately pre pension age and non resident in UK you fall between systems and your health care provision is down to you completely.

Even my 'free' SIPS card based on longevity of residencia did not come with a TSE. But I do not see that as a major problem.