Spain is a fun, vibrant country with many experiences to enjoy, from cultural excursions to gastronomic tours of stunning landscapes.
But, if you are a traveller, then one of your worries will be falling sick or being injured.
If you do not know where to begin, then it can be challenging to avail medical facilities in another country.
The good news is that Spain has a state-of-the-art medical care system that services any resident of their country, whether visiting or pursuing full residency.
How to Find a Doctor in Spain as a Tourist
Whilst it is straightforward to find doctors in Spain,Getting familiar with healthcare in the country is not necessarily as easy.
This post will help you understand where to find a doctor in Spain, while travelling as well making sure that you have the best possible experience when visiting.
So, here are the following medical care options of interest to tourists:
Visit a Local Pharmacy
In Spain, farmacéuticos (pharmacists) are more highly trained and often the first port of call for minor ailments.
They also can give you drug advice, let you know what over-the-counter medicine to purchase, and instruct you to go to the best professional for treatment.
The Pharmacies are generally open quite late in Spain, additionally the ones found in touristy areas have at least 1 person who speaks English.
Go to a Private Clinic
There are private clinics all over the territory, especially in cities and tourist hotspots such as Barcelona, Madrid or Costa del Sol.
These clinics are typically aimed at tourists and provide a more English (or other) friendly service.
Private healthcare can provide a more rapid, individualised service with shorter waiting times compared to public facilities.
Here are a few key public and private healthcare groups in Spain:
- Sanitas
- Quirón Salud
- HM Hospitales
Most of these clinics are available 24/7 to make sure you can see a doctor in Spain for tourists (trained to serve tourists who need a doctor) when you need one.
But because private healthcare is pricey, make sure your travel insurance will cover these expenses.
Ask Your Hotel or Accommodation Host
The majority of hotels and other holiday accommodations have helped deal with visitors’ health needs.
The front desk staff can advise on local doctors, clinics or hospitals and if necessary even make an appointment for you.
Certain hotels partner with local doctors who can get to you in your hotel room for a price.
Visit a Public Health Center (Centro de Salud)
If you are searching for cheap medical health care, you may go to the Centro de Salud, the regional public overall health centre.
They offer primary health care, with general practice consultations leading the way.
Public healthcare is free for EU citizens with an EHIC or GHIC card, but you will probably have to pay for services provided if you are a non-EU tourist.
Remember that waiting times at public healthcare centres might be much higher than at private clinics.
In Case of an Emergency
In Spain, for any emergency, they have a very nice ambulance, and there are very good services for emergencies.
Call 112 — the European emergency number to reach a doctor immediately.
You will be speaking to a dispatcher who can send an ambulance or guide you to the nearest hospital.
Nearly all hospitals in Spain will run Urgencias, which means emergency, and where you can seek urgent care.
Going to the doctor in Spain as a tourist doesn´t need to be difficult.
Having a solid healthcare system, Spain provides many opportunities for visitors in terms of being treated; be it in public health centres, private clinics or online platforms.
So, that’s all we have for you on how to find a doctor in Spain as a tourist. We hope that this guide has helped you.
