Managing Swimmer's Ear in Funchal

A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in Funchal

Online Consultations:

Great for minor but urgent issues that don’t need a physical exam, such as swimmer’s ear or related symptoms.

With Doctorsa you can connect with an English-speaking doctor via video call in just a few minutes, get medical advice and, if appropriate, receive an e-prescription that can be used at any pharmacy. No need to worry about office hours or holidays. Clear and upfront pricing: consultations start at €20, so tourists in Funchal needing treatment for swimmer’s ear can access affordable healthcare without surprises. Insurances accepted but not required.

Learn more about swimmer's ear treatment online.

Hospitals in Funchal

For serious, potentially life-threatening issues that require immediate, specialized treatment, like breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or head injuries. Non-urgent visits use up resources needed for emergency patients. ERs are for serious, life-threatening issues. Going there for something like swimmer’s ear adds to doctors’ workload and may take time away from those in critical need.

Important: The information provided here about hospitals is for general reference only. We recommend verifying current details, such as contact information, services, and hours of operation, before visiting. Please reach out directly to the hospital or consult their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Hospitals with Emergency Rooms in Funchal

Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça – Emergency Department
Address: Avenida Luís de Camões 57, 9004‑514 Funchal, Portugal
Access: The main public general hospital in Madeira with a fully staffed 24/7 emergency department. Ambulance arrivals via 112 enter through the trauma entrance; walk-in patients register at reception and are triaged on arrival. Services include adult, pediatric, trauma, and critical care. No referral required. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Hospital dos Marmeleiros – Emergency Unit
Address: Hospital dos Marmeleiros, Monte, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Access: A public hospital component adjacent to the central system offering 24/7 emergency care for infectious diseases and some general emergencies. Walk-ins and ambulance arrivals (112) are accepted; triage is performed on-site. Patients are stabilized or transferred to Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça if necessary. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Hospital Particular da Madeira – Private Urgent & Emergency Care
Address: Avenida Mário Soares 143, 9000‑783 Funchal, Portugal
Access: Private facility with an urgent care/emergency unit open 24/7. Accepts walk-ins and ambulance patients (via 112 or direct hospital number). Triaged immediately, with faster access than public hospitals. English-speaking staff available; accepts travel insurance or self-pay. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Walk-in clinics

Best for minor conditions needing same-day, in-person specialist attention—like X-rays for sprains or cuts that may need stitches, injections, advanced diagnostics, or other invasive procedures.

Pharmacies in Funchal, Portugal

In Funchal, pharmacies are called farmácias. They are typically marked with a green cross and are found throughout the city, especially near hospitals, clinics, and tourist areas. Many pharmacies offer English-speaking service due to the steady flow of international visitors.

Antibiotic Policy in Funchal

In Funchal, antibiotics legally require a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Pharmacists are not allowed to dispense antibiotics over the counter without a prescription.

Emergency Number in Funchal, Portugal

In Funchal, the main emergency number is 112. This EU-wide number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services, and should be used for all life-threatening situations.

Calls to 112 are free and available 24/7 from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card. In a tourist-friendly city like Funchal, operators often speak both Portuguese and English to assist visitors in emergencies.

Please remember: 112 is for life-threatening emergencies only. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical concerns, telehealth services like Doctorsa offer fast access to licensed English-speaking doctors.