What To Do When You Get Sick in Spain: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Getting sick while living in or visiting Spain can be stressful—especially if you're unfamiliar with the healthcare system, don't speak fluent Spanish, or aren't sure which doctor to see. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, from the moment you feel symptoms to actually getting treated and getting better.

Step 1: Assess Your Symptoms (Are You Actually Sick?)

Before you panic or rush to a doctor, take 10 minutes to honestly assess what you're experiencing.

Mild Symptoms (Self-Care Might Be Enough):

• Sore throat or cough
• Mild fever (under 38.5°C)
• Mild stomach upset or nausea
• Headache
• General fatigue or "feeling off"
• Minor aches and pains
• Sniffles or congestion
• Mild skin irritation or rash

Action: Rest, drink fluids, stay home if contagious. Monitor for 24-48 hours. Most viral illnesses resolve on their own.

Moderate Symptoms (Need Professional Advice):

• Persistent fever (38-39°C) lasting more than a few days
• Persistent cough (longer than a week)
• Moderate pain you can't manage with rest
• Persistent stomach problems with vomiting
• Worsening symptoms despite home care
• Anything that's affecting your ability to work or function
• Suspected UTI or other infection

Action: Seek medical advice from a doctor (online or in-person).

Severe/Urgent Symptoms (Emergency Care):

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
• High fever (39°C+) with severe symptoms
• Severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or loss of consciousness
• Difficulty speaking or facial drooping (stroke symptoms)
• Severe allergic reaction
• Major injury or uncontrolled bleeding
• Poisoning or overdose

Action: Call 112 immediately (Spain's emergency number) or go directly to a hospital Emergency Room (Urgencias).

---

Step 2: Choose Your Care Path

Once you've assessed your symptoms, you have several options. The right choice depends on:

• How serious your symptoms are
• How urgently you need treatment
• Whether you're registered with Spanish public healthcare
• Your budget
• Language preference

Here's the decision tree:

Path A: Minor Symptoms (Start at the Pharmacy)

What to do: Visit a Spanish pharmacy (farmacia)

This is the first and best step for mild symptoms like colds, minor stomach issues, allergies, or mild pain.

Why pharmacies are great:

• No appointment needed—walk in anytime
• Pharmacists in Spain are highly trained professionals
• They can diagnose and recommend over-the-counter treatments
• Usually much cheaper than seeing a doctor (€5-20)
• English-speaking pharmacists are common in major cities
• Open late and on weekends (look for "farmacia de guardia" signs for 24-hour duty pharmacies)

What to expect:

• Walk in and describe your symptoms
• Pharmacist asks clarifying questions (how long, when did it start, other symptoms?)
• They recommend over-the-counter remedies or topical treatments
• If they think you need a doctor, they'll tell you
• Pay a small fee, get your medication, and leave

Cost: €5-20

Medications you can get without a prescription:

• Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Cold and flu remedies
• Allergy medications
• Anti-diarrhea tablets
• Antacids for heartburn
• Topical creams for minor skin issues
• Cough syrups

Important: Antibiotics and many other medications require a doctor's prescription.

When to skip the pharmacy and see a doctor:

• Your symptoms last more than a week
• The pharmacist suggests you see a doctor
• You have a fever that doesn't respond to treatment
• You need antibiotics or other prescription medication

Path B: Moderate Symptoms (See a Doctor)

If you have moderate symptoms or the pharmacy referred you to a doctor, you have three options:

Option B1: Online Telemedicine with UrgentDoc (Fastest & Easiest for Most People)

Best for: You're in Spain, have symptoms that don't require physical examination, want fast access to an English-speaking doctor

For most expats and digital nomads in Spain, UrgentDoc.eu is the fastest and most convenient way to see a doctor. No registration with the Spanish healthcare system required, no language barriers, and you can get a consultation from your home or hotel room.

How it works with UrgentDoc:

1. Visit UrgentDoc.eu and create an account
2. Fill out a quick health form describing your symptoms
3. Select your preferred appointment time (same-day appointments often available)
4. Have a video consultation with a licensed, English-speaking Spanish doctor
5. Receive a digital prescription sent directly to your phone—valid at any Spanish pharmacy

Timeline: Often within 1-2 hours, same-day appointments regularly available

Cost: €24-40 (significantly cheaper than private clinics)

What they can help with:

• Colds, flu, and respiratory infections
• Stomach issues (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting)
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Skin conditions (rashes, acne, minor infections)
• Sore throats and ear infections
• Headaches and migraines
• Allergy symptoms
• Minor injuries (advice on wound care)
• Prescription refills for chronic conditions
• Anxiety or stress-related issues

What they cannot do:

• Perform physical examinations (can't check blood pressure, examine your throat in detail, etc.)
• Order blood tests or imaging
• Handle true emergencies
• Prescribe controlled substances

Advantages:

• ✅ No waiting room
• ✅ Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays
• ✅ English-speaking doctors
• ✅ No need to be registered with Spanish healthcare
• ✅ Fast prescription delivery to your phone
• ✅ Private and GDPR-compliant
• ✅ Affordable compared to private in-person visits

Disadvantages:

• ✗ No physical examination (so not suitable for injuries or conditions needing examination)
• ✗ Not suitable for emergencies
• ✗ Requires stable internet

Our #1 Recommended Provider:

🏆 UrgentDoc.eu – The Best Telemedicine Service in Spain

• Price: €24-40 per consultation
• Languages: Fluent English and Spanish-speaking doctors
• Availability: Same-day appointments, often within hours
• Prescriptions: Digital prescriptions sent directly to your phone
• No registration required: Works for tourists, expats, and digital nomads—no NIE or Spanish health card needed
• Professional doctors: All doctors are licensed medical professionals practicing in Spain

Why we recommend UrgentDoc: After testing multiple telemedicine services in Spain, UrgentDoc consistently delivers the fastest response times, most professional consultations, and best overall experience for English-speaking patients. Whether you have a UTI, respiratory infection, skin issue, or need a prescription refill, UrgentDoc gets you seen quickly and affordably.

👉 Book your appointment at UrgentDoc.eu

Option B2: Private Clinic (Fast, Professional, But More Expensive)

Best for: You need a physical examination, want to see a doctor in-person, have private insurance, prefer face-to-face care

How it works:

1. Search for a private clinic or private doctor in your city
2. Call and book an appointment (same-day often available)
3. Visit in-person
4. Get examined, diagnosed, and prescribed medication
5. Pay at the clinic

Timeline: Often same-day to next-day appointments

Cost: €60-100+ for a consultation (without insurance)

Advantages:

• ✅ Physical examination possible
• ✅ Faster appointments than public system
• ✅ English-speaking doctors common
• ✅ Modern facilities
• ✅ Professional and private

Disadvantages:

• ✗ More expensive than public system
• ✗ No insurance coverage unless you have private health insurance

Where to find private doctors:

• Google Maps: "Private doctor [your city]" or "Clínica privada [city]"
• Saludonnet.es – Spanish directory of private doctors
• Your hotel concierge (they usually know local doctors)
• Expat Facebook groups for your city
• Your embassy's list of recommended doctors

Option B3: Public Health System (Cheapest, But Slower)

Best for: You're registered with Spanish public healthcare, don't mind waiting, want the most affordable option

How it works:

1. Call your registered health center (centro de salud) and request an appointment
2. Wait for an appointment (1-3 days typically for GP, longer for specialists)
3. Visit your GP with your health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria)
4. Get examined and prescribed medication
5. Pay little to nothing

Timeline: 1-7 days for GP appointment, weeks/months for specialists

Cost: Free or €3-5 per visit (if you pay VAT)

Advantages:

• ✅ Free or very cheap
• ✅ Comprehensive care
• ✅ Referrals to specialists if needed
• ✅ Legal right to healthcare

Disadvantages:

• ✗ Long waits (especially for specialists)
• ✗ Limited English-speaking doctors outside major cities
• ✗ Requires registration with Spanish healthcare system
• ✗ Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers

How to register for public healthcare (if you haven't already):

• You must have a NIE (Spanish tax ID)
• Visit your local health center with your NIE and proof of residence (padrón certificate)
• Register with a local doctor
• Receive your health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria)

Option B4: Urgent Care Clinic (For Things That Need Immediate Attention but Aren't Emergencies)

Best for: You have something urgent (infection, minor injury, moderate fever) but it's not a life-threatening emergency

What it is: Spanish emergency centers (centros de urgencias) are separate from hospitals—they handle urgent but non-life-threatening conditions

How it works:

1. Walk in or call ahead
2. Register at front desk
3. Wait for triage assessment
4. See a doctor
5. Get treatment, prescription, or referral

Timeline: 30 minutes to 2 hours wait (depending on how busy they are)

Cost: Free at public urgent care (if registered with healthcare system), €60-150+ at private urgent care

Where to find them:

• Search "centros de urgencias" or "urgencias" in your city
• Most major cities have multiple centers
• Ask locals or your hotel

What they treat:

• Infections (UTIs, ear infections, etc.)
• Moderate to high fevers
• Minor injuries requiring stitches
• Wounds needing professional cleaning
• Allergic reactions (non-life-threatening)
• Abdominal pain
• Sprains and strains

---

Step 3: When to Go to Emergency/Call 112

Only go to a hospital emergency room or call 112 for true emergencies.

Dial 112 or Go to Hospital if:

• Chest pain or pressure (possible heart attack)
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (asthma, anaphylaxis, pneumonia)
• High fever with confusion or loss of consciousness
• Severe headache with stiff neck (possible meningitis)
• Sudden weakness or numbness (possible stroke)
• Severe abdominal pain with vomiting
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Loss of consciousness or fainting
• Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Poisoning or overdose
• Severe injuries
• Suspected broken bones

How to call emergency services:

• Dial 112 from any phone (even without credit)
• Tell them: "Necesito una ambulancia" (I need an ambulance)
• If you speak English only, say "English please" and they'll try to connect you with English-speaking responders
• Stay on the line until help arrives

What to expect at the emergency room (Urgencias):

1. You arrive and register
2. A nurse does triage assessment (evaluates severity)
3. Severe cases are seen immediately
4. Less urgent cases wait their turn
5. Doctor examines you, possibly orders tests
6. Treatment is provided
7. You may be admitted or discharged with prescriptions and follow-up instructions

Cost: Free if you're registered with public healthcare; €500-2,000+ if not insured (for non-EU nationals)

---

Step 4: Get Your Prescription Filled

Once you have a prescription (from any doctor—telemedicine, private, or public), here's how to get your medication:

At a Regular Pharmacy (Farmacia)

1. Go to any pharmacy with your prescription (electronic or paper)
2. Hand it to the pharmacist
3. Wait a few minutes while they prepare it
4. Pay (usually €5-30 depending on medication)
5. Take it home

Opening hours:

• Most pharmacies: 9 AM–2 PM, 5 PM–8 PM (Monday-Friday), 9 AM–2 PM (Saturday)
• Closed Sundays

After Hours/Weekends (Farmacia de Guardia)

1. Look for a green cross with "Farmacia de Guardia" sign
2. These are the duty pharmacies open 24/7
3. Most neighborhoods have a rotating duty pharmacy
4. Check a pharmacy window to see which is on duty, or search online
5. Or call a regular pharmacy—they'll tell you which one is open

Cost: Slightly more expensive after-hours

---

Step 5: Get Better and Follow Up

Once you're home with medication:

Take your medication exactly as prescribed:

• Follow the dosage (dose and frequency)
• Don't skip doses to "get better faster"
• Finish the full course of antibiotics (even if you feel better)
• Take at consistent times for best results

Monitor your symptoms:

• Most viral illnesses improve within 1-2 weeks
• Bacterial infections typically improve within 3-5 days of antibiotics
• Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or don't improve

When to follow up with your doctor:

• Symptoms don't improve after 5-7 days
• New or worse symptoms develop
• You have side effects from medication
• You're not sure if something is normal

Return to your doctor: If you can't reach them directly, use the same telemedicine service you used initially, or visit an urgent care clinic.

---

Quick Reference: Decision Tree

Use this when you're sick and unsure what to do:

Am I having a medical emergency?
├─ YES → CALL 112 or go to hospital
└─ NO → Continue below

Do I have severe symptoms (high fever 39°C+, severe pain, worsening)?
├─ YES → See a doctor ASAP → Use UrgentDoc.eu for fastest English-speaking care
└─ NO → Continue below

Do I have moderate symptoms (persistent fever, infection symptoms, need prescription)?
├─ YES → Book online consultation at UrgentDoc.eu (same-day available)
└─ NO → Continue below

Do I have mild symptoms (cold, sore throat, mild stomach upset)?
├─ YES → Go to a pharmacy first
│   └─ Does pharmacist suggest seeing a doctor?
│       ├─ YES → Use UrgentDoc.eu for quick consultation
│       └─ NO → Follow pharmacy advice, rest, and improve
└─ NO → Assess which symptoms you have and use the options above

💡 Pro tip: When in doubt, UrgentDoc.eu offers affordable consultations starting at €24—it's often worth getting professional medical advice rather than guessing.

---

Cost Comparison: All Your Options

Option	Cost	Speed	English Available	Physical Exam	When to Use
Pharmacy	€5-20	Immediate	Often	No	Mild symptoms, over-the-counter solutions
UrgentDoc.eu ⭐	€24-40	Same-day (often within hours)	Yes	No	Moderate symptoms, prescriptions, English-speaking doctor
Other Telemedicine	€30-60	24-48 hours	Varies	No	Alternative online options
Private Clinic	€60-150	Same-day to next-day	Often	Yes	Need physical exam, have budget
Public GP	Free-€5	1-7 days	Sometimes	Yes	Registered with system, can wait, budget-conscious
Urgent Care	Free-€150	30 min-2 hours	Sometimes	Yes	Urgent but non-emergency (wound, infection, etc.)
Emergency (112)	Free/€500-2000+	Immediate	Sometimes	Yes	Life-threatening emergency only

⭐ Best value for English speakers: UrgentDoc.eu offers the best combination of speed, price, and English-speaking doctors for expats and visitors in Spain.

---

Pro Tips for Getting Sick in Spain

1. Keep a small pharmacy at home

• Basic pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Antacids
• Allergy medication
• Anti-diarrhea tablets
• Cough drops
• Thermometer
• Bandages and antiseptic

2. Know your pharmacy hours

• Most close 2-5 PM and aren't open Sunday
• Look for "farmacia de guardia" (duty pharmacy) for after-hours

3. Learn basic Spanish medical phrases

• "Tengo dolor de..." (I have pain in...)
• "Tengo fiebre" (I have a fever)
• "Duele aquí" (It hurts here)
• "¿Es serio?" (Is it serious?)
• "¿Necesito un doctor?" (Do I need a doctor?)

4. Keep your health documents handy

• Your NIE (if you have one)
• Your health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria) if registered with public healthcare
• Travel insurance information
• Allergy information
• Current medications list

5. Get an appointment ASAP if you think you're sick

• The earlier you see a doctor, the faster you'll recover
• Many conditions get worse if untreated
• With UrgentDoc.eu, you can be talking to an English-speaking doctor within hours—no waiting days for a public appointment

6. Don't tough it out

• Seriously—Spanish doctors want to help and will see you if you genuinely need it
• It's not an inconvenience to call
• Better to check and find out it's nothing than let something serious develop

7. Have your travel/health insurance info ready

• Know your policy coverage
• Keep your policy number on you
• Know how to contact your insurer while abroad

---

Emergency Numbers & Resources

Service	Number/Link	Notes
Emergency	112	Police, ambulance, fire
Alternative Emergency	061	Medical emergency (some regions)
UrgentDoc.eu	Online	Non-emergency telemedicine, English-speaking doctors
Poison Control	915 620 420	Madrid (check for your region)
General Info Line	024	Health advice (some regions)
Non-Emergency Police	092 or 091	If needed (non-life-threatening)

For English-speaking support:

• British Embassy: +34 917 146 300 (Spain)
• Your home country's embassy (search "[country] embassy Spain")
• Consulates in major cities often have doctor lists

---

Final Thoughts

Getting sick in Spain doesn't have to be a nightmare—the country has excellent healthcare, and you have plenty of options. The key is:

1. Don't panic – There's help available 24/7
2. Assess honestly – Not everything requires a doctor
3. Choose the right path – Pharmacy for minor issues, telemedicine for quick doctor access, emergency services for serious problems
4. Act quickly – Early treatment prevents complications and leads to faster recovery

Whether you're a tourist, digital nomad, or new expat, Spain's healthcare system is designed to help you get well quickly. Use these resources, follow medical advice, and you'll be back to normal before you know it.

---

Need to See a Doctor in Spain Today?

If you're feeling unwell and need fast, affordable access to an English-speaking doctor, UrgentDoc.eu is here to help. Get a same-day video consultation, receive prescriptions directly to your phone, and skip the language barriers and long waits.

👉 Book your consultation at UrgentDoc.eu – Feel better, faster.

---

Stay healthy, and don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it!