When you’re on holiday, the last thing you want to worry about is falling ill. Health issues can happen unexpectedly, and it is important to be prepared so that you can get the help and treatment you need right away. Below, we’ll explore the different methods to help you connect with a doctor during your temporary stay in Spain.
Key Points:
- Tourists in Spain have several options to see a doctor, including online consultations, travel insurance doctors, public health directories, and local recommendations.
- Online doctor services like Doctorsa provide quick, affordable, and English-speaking medical assistance, available 24/7.
- Public health services are accessible, but might require an EHIC or GHIC for access.
- Hotels, embassies, and expat groups can help locate English-speaking doctors. Quality and cost vary greatly.
- Urgent care and emergency services are available and the best option for actual medical emergencies, though they may have long wait times and higher costs for non-EU visitors.
9 Successful Ways to See a Doctor in Spain on Holiday
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See an online doctor in Spain
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Find a doctor using your travel insurance
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Use public health directories to find a general doctor
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Ask for a family doctor to your hotel concierge or Airbnb host
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Use embassies list to find an English-speaking doctor
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Ask local expats group
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Ask at a nearby pharmacy
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Visit a walk-in doctor or urgent care
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Visit an emergency room
Can a tourist see a doctor in Spain?
Finding medical care while you’re on vacation in Spain can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. You could have a minor ailment or something more serious—it is important to know your options to help ensure that you get timely and effective treatment. Below, we’ll outline some ways to help you find a doctor quickly and efficiently as a tourist in Spain.
Tourists visiting Spain may end up in a situation where they need to see a doctor for various reasons, from minor ailments to unexpected emergencies.
Spain’s healthcare system offers different options to help accommodate tourists, ensuring that they receive the necessary medical attention while on vacation.
Let’s review together the options I found to be most effective as a tourist who needs a doctor in Spain.
Online doctor: the fastest way to see a physician in Spain
Telehealth is the fastest way to see a PCP in Spain, especially for tourists who aren’t very familiar with the area and wish to avoid wandering around while feeling ill.
This is the easiest way to be seen and get a prescription while on holiday.
In today’s digital age, people are using telehealth services regularly, as online consultations are efficient and more affordable than in-person visits. Many medical professionals in Spain offer this service, and patients can chat with a doctor via their smartphone from any location.
Foreigners can book an online medical appointment with an English speaking doctor in Spain at any time they want without having to wait at a doctor’s office.
If a doctor thinks that you may need to be examined in-person or you need to undergo some lab tests, they will inform you on what to do next. You can usually pay online, which is a convenient option for non-residents. Fees and insurance coverage can vary between doctors, so it is a good idea to ask about these in advance.
Here are some benefits of online doctor appointments:
- You can book same-day medical appointments, often just within a few minutes.
- You can ask for prescription refills.
- They are cheaper than in-person visits
- Insurance is not required.
The easiest way to see a doctor in Spain as a tourist is through Doctorsa’s online doctor service. In addition to the benefits of online visits, with Doctorsa you get:
- Consultation fees start from as low as €20
- You get to choose your doctor and see their reviews from other travelers
- All doctors speak English, guaranteed
- Doctors are available anytime, even at night and during bank holidays
- You have 7 days after your initial consultation to chat with your GP, so you can ask questions about your prescription and symptoms.
How to get immediate care with an online doctor appointment
Immediate medical care and quick prescription is possible when booking an online doctor appointment. This can be done anytime through Doctorsa.
Here’s how you can book a consultation with an emergency doctor online:
- Step 1: Fill out a quick intake form. Select the type of appointment you want to book – urgent care, same-day appointment, or prescription refill. Choose whether you are booking the medical appointment for you, your child, or someone else.
- Step 2: Pick your doctor. Doctors will send appointment options. You can compare prices, see reviews, then choose what works best for you. Pay online with credit card or with your insurance.
- Step 3: Connect with your doctor. Video visits are available 24/7, just minutes after booking. Prescriptions will be sent to you via email. You can contact your doctor with follow-up questions for free within 7 days.
How do I find a doctor near me in Spain using Google Search?
To find a doctor near you in Spain, you have to enter relevant keywords like “doctor near me Spain“, “medical clinic near me” or “general practitioner in [name of location or neighborhood].
Alternatively, you can look for an English-speaking GP by using these keywords – “English-speaking doctor in [name of location or neighborhood] or “English-speaking emergency doctor in [name of location or neighborhood]”.
Google Maps can be useful, as it provides a list of nearby medical centers or doctors’ offices together with customer rating and contact details.
Remember that the first links you see in Google’s search results are probably ads, so read carefully what they offer to make sure it’s what you are looking for.
Public health directories to find doctors in Spain
Public health directories do exist to help you find doctors in Spain. They provide information about healthcare facilities, GPs, specialists, and other medical services. The most comprehensive would be the Ministry of Health’s State Register of Health Professionals.
Autonomous communities (like Madrid and Andalusia) have their own public health directory, and you can search by location and the type of service you need.
These are usually in Spanish and Google Translate might not always be accurate, but they can be a great place to start, especially if you are in a remote location and Google Search isn’t giving you any good results.
As a foreigner, you can use public health directories to find a general doctor. These can be useful if you are looking for a general practitioner (GP) who works within the public healthcare system.
Doctor appointments at public medical clinics can be free or available at a reduced price if you are an EU-visitor and a holder of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
If you are a non-EU visitor, you may need to pay out of pocket. Some countries outside Europe have dual agreements, meaning you would be covered by your home country’s national health insurance, but getting a reimbursement may end up being more complex than you’d think.
Public health directories can be helpful for foreigners who don’t need an urgent appointment. However, general doctors listed in these directories might not be available for last minute consultations and are generally not available after hours and on public holidays.
This is where finding a doctor through Doctorsa can help you.
Find same-day appointments with local doctors, starting from just €20
The website is known for its quick response time and out of hours availability. Doctors who take bookings through Doctorsa can treat different conditions. These include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory conditions, like asthma
- Skin conditions, like eczema, cellulitis, and acne
- Sinus infections
- Strep throat
Ask for a family doctor to your hotel concierge or Airbnb host
Your hotel concierge or Airbnb host could be your only local connection to help you find a primary care doctor. They may be familiar with the area and may have also established relationships with PCPs, urgent doctors, specialists, and/or walk-in clinics.
Asking them for recommendations could reduce the hassle of finding a trusted doctor in a foreign country. Besides, hotel employees are not only trained to help foreigners with hotel-related concerns, but also to assist with other needs with a local’s perspective.
Your hotel concierge or Airbnb host can give you a list of primary care practitioners (PCP) that can visit tourists at their accommodation. While a house call or hotel visit can be helpful, these can be very expensive as doctors add an extra charge when they come and visit you personally. In addition to this, if the concierge has an affiliation agreement with the doctor, this may add even more to the cost of your visit. Make sure to ask the price in advance to avoid surprises, and check the doctor’s credentials.
If you need to be seen in-person, Doctorsa is available with house calls in several Spanish cities, such as Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Alicante, and more.
You can select the home visit option when filling out the online booking form. You don’t have to worry about prices, as Doctorsa is built on transparency: you will see the fee that you will have to pay without any hidden charges, as well as verified reviews from other travelers like you.
How to find English-speaking doctors in Spain
Finding an English-speaking doctor is essential for foreigners visiting Spain. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting a big city or a small town. In this section, we’ll guide you through the methods to help you find a medical clinic or a PCP that can meet your medical needs in Spain without language barriers.
Do doctors in Spain speak English?
Imagine the doctor asks if you are “embarazada“. You reassure him that you are not embarassed at all, but what you are actually saying is that you are not pregnant!
Language barriers are no fun in medicine, where a wrong piece of information can significantly change your diagnosis and treatment.
As Spanish is their primary language, English is not commonly spoken among doctors in Spain, though the number of doctors speaking it is increasing. Many doctors in Spain do speak some English, but only some are fluent, even in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. In public medical centers and hospitals it can be difficult to find a healthcare professional that speaks English as this is not guaranteed.
Most of the time, you may have to hire an interpreter to avoid dangerous misunderstandings: The price of a translator from Spanish to English at a hospital can exceed the hourly rate of EURO 9, which can add to the cost of your visit, and, even more importantly, take extra time to arrange, when all you wish to do is relax and enjoy your holiday.
Use Embassies list of doctors in Spain
A reliable way to find a primary care doctor in Spain is to use the list of medical professionals that your home country’s embassy offers. Consulates and Embassies often keep a small directory of doctors and medical clinics that other foreigners have used. It isn’t intended as an endorsement as there is no vetting process and the names and contacts are simply shared as a reference and starting point.
To access this information, you can visit the embassy’s website or contact them directly. The Embassy staff may be able to tell you what the doctors specialize in.
This can be helpful, but the list is not regularly updated and most medical professionals may not be available for same-day appointments.
In addition, these doctors’ fees may be higher, since they are listed by the Embassy and are frequently booked by tourists.
If you need an emergency doctor or require urgent care, you may have to use other methods to find a doctor in Spain.
Use Doctorsa for guaranteed English-speaking doctors
Finding a doctor who speaks English in Spain can be time-consuming. You can look for doctors on Google or ask your hotel receptionist for recommendations, but then you would have to find customer reviews online to check if they really speak English. You would also have to call the doctor’s office to ask if they can fit you in on short notice, and hope their fees are fair.
If you need urgent treatment or simply wish to take care of your issue and get back to your travels quickly, Doctorsa is a booking platform created for tourists on the go, prioritizing quick and easy access and fair pricing.
Doctorsa offers:
- urgent access with doctor appointments booked in minutes
- quick medical assistance for common medical issues
- prescription refill services
- 24/7 access to English-speaking doctors
All the doctors who can take bookings through Doctorsa speak English fluently. They all go through a vetting process through which the internal quality team ensures that they have the cultural competence, language, and medical skills needed to treat international patients.
Ask local expats group
Joining an expat group can be a great way to connect with other foreigners and ask for recommendations. Expats often write about their experiences as a patient at a private hospital or public medical clinic, and they may also help you find an English-speaking general doctor.
In addition, these social media groups may also be beneficial to help you understand which services are well equipped to assist foreigners.
However, your research shouldn’t stop there. You should then verify medical professionals’ qualifications so that you can confirm if they can treat your condition, and read reviews from non-residents as well. This can give you a better understanding of what you can expect while getting medical assistance in Spain.
Use this method with caution: the posts could be sponsored by medical services paying to be featured, and content is directed to people who live in Spain – who may have different needs than temporary visitors.
As a tourist, you might be faced with time constraints, as you might be looking for a quick answer to your medical needs, which you might not find in such groups, where the focus is often on finding an affordable local doctor, or a doctor for regular care needs.
Find a doctor using your travel insurance
Travel insurance policies can cover medical emergencies when you’re abroad temporarily.
If you are looking for a general doctor, you can contact your insurance provider or check their website to locate approved healthcare providers, if available. Their pre-approved providers list is likely to include English-speaking doctors.
Unfortunately, most travel insurances don’t have a list of providers in every country. They provide cover on a pay-and-claim basis, meaning you need to pay for your medical fees while in Spain, and then ask for a refund by sending a copy of your bill to your insurer.
On the other hand, this means you don’t need to go to a pre-approved doctor and can pick one yourself: if the cost of a medical appointment is reasonable, your insurance will cover it and reimburse you.
If you are in a medical emergency or need hospitalization, it’s best to reach out to your insurer as soon as you can, so that your insurance will handle the payments for you, if possible.
Is urgent care a thing in Spain?
Yes, you can find urgent care in Spain. These have extended opening hours and provide medical attention if you have a non-life threatening injury or illness that doesn’t require you to see an emergency doctor. Urgent care centers work on weekends and holidays to accommodate outside regular clinic hours requests.
How does urgent care work in Spain
Urgent care works similarly to a walk-in clinic. You can see an urgent doctor without a pre-booked appointment, but may have to wait if other patients have a more serious condition. The medical team may perform diagnostic tests or minor procedures if required. English is not guaranteed at urgent care centers, even if the clinic seems to cater to international patients, so if you don’t speak Spanish you may want to get help from someone who speaks both Spanish and English and can come with you.
Walk-in clinics and urgent care facilities are widely available in Spain, especially in tourist destinations. It can be beneficial if you need immediate medical assistance. However, if you go in during peak seasons or evenings it may be very crowded. Costs can vary greatly, from affordable local fees to pricey services for tourists.
If possible, call in advance to ask the expected cost of the visit, the average wait time, and if the doctors speak English, to make sure it’s feasible for you and within your budget.
After hours doctors
Most doctors in Spain are only available during their working hours, and they don’t work on weekends or public holidays.
You could go to an urgent care clinic or a public healthcare center if available near you, but consider they usually have long waiting times. Some doctors need to care for around 70 patients during their work day, leading to hasty visits, overworked physicians, and lack of time to properly diagnose and treat you, especially if there is a language barrier to overcome. This, of course, can be frustrating if you need immediate medical care or you’ve run out of your medications.
This is where Doctorsa comes in. You can book a medical appointment at any time you’d like, and you can chat with an English-speaking provider within a few minutes. Doctors are available 24/7 – even on weekends, public holidays, and nighttime.
Sean, one of Doctorsa’s patients says:
“Upon finding this service online we were a little skeptical but if you read this, don’t be! We couldn’t find a doctor to help us as it was the weekend & Doctorsa was there for us at a more than respectable price. It took only 30 mins to get an appointment & we had a prescription within 10 mins of the appointment. We’ll 100% use this service again should we ever need medical help on our future trips to Europe.”
How do I find an emergency doctor near me?
Google search can help you find an emergency doctor near you. Enter keywords like “emergency doctor near me”, “emergency room hospital near me” or “emergency clinic in [location]” and it gives you a list of emergency doctors and clinics.
On-call doctors may not be available after hours, and it may take a long time to check if anyone can see you, so only do this if you are not in an actual emergency.
As a foreigner, you are entitled to emergency care if a medical emergency arises. Emergency doctors are equipped to handle critical situations 24/7 – this applies if someone comes face to face with a severe injury or a sudden health crisis. Treatment is available at hospitals regardless of your insurance status, nationality, and it’s always the right choice if you are in a life-threatening situation or facing a medical emergency.
On the other hand, if your case isn’t serious and you are not in an actual emergency, consider other options first. Emergency treatment can be expensive if you’re a non-EU visitor and don’t have travel insurance.
On top of that, hospitals’ emergency clinics may have a long waiting time, with staff seeing patients depending on their medical urgency. There may also be a language problem if there aren’t English-speaking doctors on call.
In addition, going to the ER in Spain as a non-urgent patient would take the hospital staff’s time and attention away from other patients who are having more serious issues. The responsible thing to do is to look for other options to see a doctor.
Doctorsa cannot replace the emergency department if you have a life-threatening situation, however, it can be useful for minor ailments, as you can chat with a GP in minutes without having to wait or move from where you are.
Here’s what Dawn and Dilnaz from Germany had to say about Doctorsa on Trustpilot:
“The hotel staff recommended going to the emergency room and waiting for hours. He had a virtual appointment through Doctorsa within 1.5 hours. They sent the prescription to the pharmacy near our hotel and it was ready an hour later. We were skeptical but very pleased with the service.”
“Amazing service for travelers and very fast in case of emergency. The doctor was so helpful and quickly replying to my messages.”
How to get a prescription in Spain
A general doctor, emergency doctor, or a specialist can provide you with a prescription if you need medications during your temporary stay in Spain. Your prescription should have the following information:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- The doctor’s full name and qualifications, contact information, address, and signature
- Medication details – name, form, dosage, and strength
Online prescription in Spain
A lot of doctors in Spain are open to online consultations that can take place via a video or phone chat. They can issue e-prescriptions, which are accepted in Spanish pharmacies.
Your GP or specialist can prescribe any medication online, with the exception of certain medications. These include narcotics and psychotropic substances. They can only be prescribed in-person with a special prescription, in some cases only by a specialist.
Doctorsa allows you to book an appointment with an English-speaking doctor on any day of the week – No matter if it’s the weekend, a bank holiday, or 2 a.m. in the morning, you can get instant medical access and quick e-prescriptions without insurance.
Right after your doctor’s appointment, you will receive your e-prescription. You can take the prescription with you at a nearby Spanish pharmacy.
How to get antibiotics in Spain
Antibiotics are medications that you can take if you have a bacterial infection, such as whooping cough, pneumonia, UTI, or strep throat. They come in pills, injectables, creams, or sprays, and they can be prescribed to reduce the risk of the infection spreading.
If your GP thinks that you have an infection, they may order a lab test. This helps them determine the type of infection you have, as some bacterial infections may need to be treated with more than one medication.
In this case, you may need a referral. If you are worried about your symptoms, you can first book an online appointment with a primary care doctor through Doctorsa. Then, if needed, they may provide a referral so that you can get tested, or they can prescribe an antibiotic that is appropriate for your case.
Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics in Spain?
Pharmacies cannot prescribe antibiotics or other medications in Spain, they can only suggest over-the-counter remedies or fill a doctor’s prescription. A 2023 study reports that some pharmacies sell antibiotics without the need of presenting a prescription. This, however, is illegal, and it can be harmful as patients might not know how to take them or if they can interact with other medications, including warfarin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and antacids.
Only doctors can provide a diagnosis and prescribe medications based on your condition. This can be done during an online visit through Doctorsa.
“Fantastic service – can’t recommend it enough. Found it on google at 4pm while suffering with a suspected chest infection in Portugal (I’m from the UK). Had an appointment by 4:30pm, and antibiotics in my hand by 5:30pm! Seamless service, saved our holiday!” – Lizzie
How much do antibiotics cost in Spain?
Common antibiotics cost between EURO 5–15. As an example, a box containing 24 capsules of 500 milligrams (mg) amoxicillin costs EURO 2.70. To save money, you may consider buying generic medications, as they are cheaper than the branded version.
Generic and brand-name medications contain the same active ingredient but may have different preservatives or flavoring. If you are an EHIC or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) holder, you can get a reduced rate for your medications.
How to get an emergency prescription in Spain?
If you find yourself needing an emergency prescription during your temporary stay in Spain, you can follow these steps:
Visit a nearby pharmacy
Call or visit a nearby pharmacy. Pharmacies have a green cross sign, so you can spot them easily. They are also found in every high street. Explain your situation to the pharmacist and let them know the medications you need. Some medications that you can buy with a doctor’s prescription in the UK or US are available without a prescription in Spanish pharmacies.
If you already have a prescription issued in another EU country, the pharmacist should accept it and dispense the prescribed drug. If you have a prescription from the U.S., the pharmacist will ask you to see a local doctor first.
Antibiotics and other prescription medications would require a doctor’s visit first.
See an online doctor
A quick video consultation via zoom with a local doctor can get you an e-prescription that you can fill at any pharmacy near you. This is the easiest and quickest way to get an emergency prescription.
If you are a non-EU visitor and Spanish pharmacies don’t stock the medication you need, the online doctor may write down the name of the drug that is equivalent to the one you had been prescribed.
Go to a walk-in clinic
If the pharmacist can’t dispense the medication without a valid prescription, they may recommend going to the nearest walk-in clinic. In Spanish, this is known as Centro de Atención Primaria. These medical centers usually require patients to book their visit in advance, but they are also open to emergency visits.
However, they may have a long waiting line for walk in appointments. The service is free if you are from the EU and an EHIC holder and you visit a public health clinic. You may still have to pay the fee yourself and then you will be reimbursed. If you are a non-EU tourist, you will have to pay the full fee yourself, or else, the front office team may refer you to see a private doctor.
Get an emergency prescription through Doctorsa
When booking through Doctorsa, you can avoid the above steps and ask a doctor for a prescription. Choose the urgent care, prescription refill, or the same-day appointment option and in the description, indicate that you need the prescription urgently.
You can book an appointment with a specialist. These include:
- Cardiologists
- Dentists
- Gynecologists
- Dermatologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Neurologists
- Urologists
- Eye doctors
If you are not sure who you should contact, choose the primary care doctor option and you will be guided during the consultation.
Booking a consultation through Doctorsa platform is free, you will only pay the doctor’s regular fees. The average cost for an urgent doctor appointment is EURO 30. EHIC is not accepted as it’s a private service, but appointments are affordable for everyone. Medical appointments in-person in Spain start from around EURO 50 and can be booked at a doctor’s office or as a house call.
How much is a prescription in Spain?
In 2021, the cost of a prescription in Spain was around EURO 11.50. Antibiotics are generally affordable, as well as steroids, NSAIDs, and other common medications.
Supplements, topical creams, and other less common medications can be more expensive.
Ask the pharmacist for the generic medication, rather than a specific brand, and you’ll get a lower price.
If you have an EHIC, you may get to pay half of the price of your prescription for some medications, while if you are a retiree from the UK, you may pay even less than that.
Non-EU citizens will have to pay the full price for their prescriptions. Travel insurance might cover prescription costs, but this all depends on your policy’s terms. Keep copies of your receipts for all medical expenses and contact your insurer once you are back home, to check if you can get a refund.
How do I get emergency medical help in Spain?
Spain has efficient emergency medical services that are widely accessible for locals and tourists. Ambulances and medical teams are trained and well-equipped to help you in any medical situation. In big cities, you can also expect a reliable medical service to address any urgent health issues that may arise.
If you are in a medical emergency do not hesitate to go to a hospital to seek care, you are entitled to treatment regardless of your insurance status, nationality, and it’s always the right choice if you are in a life-threatening situation or facing a medical emergency.
What is an emergency?
A medical emergency is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical care. It is important to recognize the signs that an adult or a child may develop that indicate they need to go to the emergency department.
Some of the warning signs that adults may have in the case of an emergency include:
- Non-stop bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sudden pain
- Sudden vision changes
- Speech problems
- Head injury
Children may develop:
- Feeding difficulties
- Seizures
- Breathing difficulties
- Reduced alertness
- Skin color changes
What if I have a medical emergency in Spain?
If you have a medical emergency in Spain, call 112 and ask for an ambulance. This is the number that you can also use to connect with the police or fire department.
Spain has other emergency numbers besides 112 if you need to call the public safety department. However, 112 is available in English and other languages, so you don’t have to worry about the language barrier.
112 is available in all Spanish and other EU cities, and you can call from a foreign phone number free of charge, even if you don’t have a signal.
Spanish hospital charges for tourists
Hospital charges can vary depending on whether you are a European or non-European citizen. It also depends on your health insurance plan.
EU visitors
If you are an EU citizen you can benefit from the EHIC if you are on holiday in an EU country, including Spain.
The EHIC does not cover a private doctor’s costs, but public healthcare services can be free or discounted. As a tourist and EHIC holder, you can benefit from a discounted price if you’re seeing a doctor via the state system.
Before traveling to Spain, we recommend that you check the services that the EHIC can cover. Ambulances can also take you to a hospital or emergency center where you can use your EHIC.
Keep in mind that different regulations might apply if you’re a non-EU traveler. Check what your public or private insurance provider covers during your temporary stay in Spain.
Non-EU visitors
If you are visiting from the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Madrid recommends that you get a travel insurance plan that covers $50,000 for emergency treatment. This is because most governmental and private healthcare plans in the U.S. are not accepted in Spain, and Spanish hospitals and clinics might not accept patients without proof that their bills will be covered.
For reference, a consultation, CT scan, and a prescription for medications can amount to a total of EURO 729 at an emergency room in Spain, which is fairly affordable in an emergency. The consultation may have to be paid out of pocket, but the travel insurance company may reimburse you afterward.
Common scenarios
What if get a urinary tract infection on vacation? What can you do if you are running out of medications? Here, we explain what you can do and how Doctorsa can help.
What to do if you need UTI medicine in Spain
Jane has started feeling some burning and pain while urinating. She’s had urinary tract infections before and knows it will only get worse if she doesn’t get it treated.
She could go to a hospital or walk-in clinic, but that would take hours and since she needs to use the bathroom frequently she’d rather not stay long in a crowded place.
She asks the concierge of her hotel, who has an on-call doctor to recommend who can come see her in 3 hours. The cost is €200. That’s more than what she wanted to spend, considering she knows she just needs a prescription.
She calls a local doctor’s office to book an appointment. With some help from a friend who speaks Spanish she is able to get an appointment in two days. She’d rather not suffer all this time though.
She googles “English-speaking doctor in Spain” and finds Doctorsa.com where she makes a request for urgent care online. 4 different doctors respond to her request in the first 5 minutes, she picks a female doctor who has great reviews and only costs 30 euros. She sees her via online call, discusses her symptoms, checks her allergies, and emails her an e-prescription.
20 minutes later, she picks up the antibiotics at the pharmacy across the street, so she can start her treatment and get better soon.
I’m running out of medication and I need a prescription refill
“I had a great experience. I was in Portugal and needed one of my medications refilled. I was able to talk to talk with an OBGYN who was well versed in my issue and medication and he was able to prescribe in Portugal. This was a great experience (and I could do it from my hotel room)” – Calli
If this happens to you as well during your stay in Spain, you do not have to contact your practitioner from your country. Your doctor might have a busy schedule and might not be available to answer your requests.
If your original prescription has been issued in another EU country, it should be valid in Spain, if it is in the right format and contains the necessary information. However, pharmacies in Spain might not have the same medication that you need or else, the medication could have a different name.
A Doctorsa doctor can refill your prescription via a video chat. During the booking process, you can write about the condition you have and the medication you need the refill for. This helps doctors determine if they are the right fit for your request, as some medications, such as controlled substances, cannot be prescribed with an online visit.
I have an accident emergency, how do I find a hospital near me fast?
If you have an accident, call 112. Let them know about your situation, your location, and that you need an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital.
Here is a list of hospitals in Spain: most of them have an emergency room, if you are well enough to go there yourself.
Seeing a doctor in Spain
If you are a foreigner in Spain, you can see a general doctor or a specialist either in-person or online. This can be done through Doctorsa, even though in-person or home visits are not available in all Spanish cities.
What to expect during an in-person visit
When you arrive at the doctor’s office or medical clinic, you may have to present your passport or identification document and relevant health insurance information. The GP may ask about your symptoms and medical history, and you may also show them your prescription if you are currently taking medications. If the doctor doesn’t speak English, they may have access to an interpreter, although this may not always be possible.
At the end of the appointment, you will be given a treatment plan. You can then make your payment – card payments may not be accepted, especially if your card is from another country.
What to expect during an online visit
Doctorsa online visits are pretty straightforward. There is no app and video calls can take place through your browser.
Tourists prefer online appointments when they need to see a PCP. During the consultation, the doctor may ask about your symptoms and medical history, and you may also upload photos if you have a skin rash, cyst, or bump, to help them reach a diagnosis. If they cannot prescribe the medication online or you need an in-person examination, they may provide you with next steps.
If you book through Doctorsa, you can pay online. The price is listed before you schedule your visit. While other platforms may ask for payment if you need to chat with your doctor after the initial consultation, Doctorsa offers a 7-day free follow-up care. This means that you can reach out to your medical professional for 7 days after the first visit.
How much does it cost to see a doctor in Spain
Doctor appointment fees vary, as this depends if you are visiting a public or private clinic. Doctors also take into consideration if you are visiting from an EU or non-EU country.
Can tourists get free healthcare in Spain?
If you are an EU citizen and present your EHIC or the GHIC at a public medical clinic, you may be incurred the same fees as the locals. Some services may be free, while others may require a co-payment. These cards do not cover private clinic costs, so you may consider getting additional travel insurance if you think it is necessary.
Foreigners who come from a non-EU country do not get free healthcare in Spain. Payments may have to be done out-of-pocket – or else, you can opt for a travel insurance plan so that you will be covered during your travels.
Doctor visit cost without insurance
A doctor appointment visit without insurance can cost around EURO 40-50. In the case of a medical emergency, an emergency room visit would cost EURO 200.
If you are not insured or looking for a doctor that takes same-day appointments, Doctorsa can help. Some of the services it offers include:
- Free booking
- Urgent care visits
- Prescription refills
- Affordable healthcare – starting from EURO 20.
- A free 7-day follow-up with your doctor after your first appointment
Navigating healthcare in a foreign country can be challenging, especially if you need to see an emergency doctor. As a tourist in Spain, you can get advice from pharmacists and medical assistance at walk-in clinics or medical centers. Preparing in advance and knowing what to do if you need medical care allows you to enjoy your holiday in Spain with greater peace of mind.
