In short
- Pharmacies have a green cross, and pharmacists give good advice for small problems.
- At night look for the farmacia de guardia — the on-duty pharmacy.
- In an emergency call 112: free, 24/7, with English-speaking operators.
The pharmacy: your first stop
Spanish pharmacies (farmacias) are everywhere — look for the green cross. Pharmacists are trained health professionals and are often the quickest way to deal with a cold, a sore throat or a small cut. Many medicines need a prescription (una receta), but they'll tell you what you can take without one.
Me duele la garganta.
I have a sore throat.
Necesito algo para la tos.
I need something for a cough.
Tengo fiebre desde ayer.
I've had a temperature since yesterday.
¿Necesito receta?
Do I need a prescription?
¿Cada cuántas horas lo tomo?
How often do I take it?
Soy alérgico/a a la penicilina.
I'm allergic to penicillin.
Seeing a doctor
If you're in the public system, your local health centre (el centro de salud) is where you see your GP (el médico de cabecera). You'll need your health card (la tarjeta sanitaria), and you book an appointment (pedir cita) online, by phone or at reception. Many newcomers — especially in their first months — use private health insurance (un seguro médico privado) instead; your insurer's app usually lists doctors who speak English.
Quería pedir cita con el médico.
I'd like to make an appointment with the doctor.
Me duele aquí.
It hurts here.
Me duele la espalda desde hace tres días.
My back has hurt for three days.
Estoy mareado/a.
I feel dizzy.
¿Es grave?
Is it serious?
¿Me lo puede escribir, por favor?
Could you write it down for me, please?
Médica
Buenos días. ¿Qué le pasa?
Good morning. What's the matter?
You
Me duele mucho la cabeza y tengo fiebre.
I have a bad headache and a temperature.
Médica
¿Desde cuándo?
Since when?
You
Desde el lunes.
Since Monday.
Médica
Vale. Tome esto cada ocho horas.
OK. Take this every eight hours.
Emergencies: 112
For a real emergency — police, ambulance or fire — call 112. It's free, works 24/7 from any phone, and there are operators who speak English. For urgent problems that aren't life-threatening, hospitals and some health centres have an emergency department: urgencias.
Necesito una ambulancia.
I need an ambulance.
Estoy en la calle Mayor, número diez.
I'm at number ten, Calle Mayor.
Mi amigo no respira bien.
My friend can't breathe properly.
¿Dónde están las urgencias?
Where's the emergency department?
Useful words
- la farmacia de guardia
- on-duty (night) pharmacy
- la receta
- prescription
- el centro de salud
- local health centre
- el médico de cabecera
- GP, family doctor
- la tarjeta sanitaria
- public health card
- las urgencias
- emergency department, A&E
- el jarabe
- cough syrup
- las pastillas
- pills, tablets
Questions
Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription in Spain?
No — antibiotics need a prescription. The pharmacist can advise you on what you can take in the meantime, or tell you to see a doctor.
Do I need a health card to see a doctor?
For the public system, yes. Who's eligible depends on your situation (work, EU health card, private insurance…) — the Comunidad de Madrid's website explains it. In an emergency you'll always be attended.
Does 112 really answer in English?
112 is the European emergency number and has operators who speak English and other languages. Still, knowing how to say where you are in Spanish can save precious time.
Free PDF · printable
50 Survival Spanish Phrases for Madrid
The pocket guide for your first weeks — printable, offline, ready for the fridge door.