Emergency Healthcare in Spain

Knowing how to access emergency healthcare in Spain is crucial. This guide explains emergency numbers, when to go to Urgencias, and what to expect.

Emergency Numbers in Spain

Key emergency numbers:

• 112: General emergency number (ambulance, fire, police)
  • Available 24/7
  • English-speaking operators available
  • Use for life-threatening emergencies
• 061: Medical emergencies (some regions)
• 091: National Police
• 092: Local Police
• 080/085: Fire department

When to Go to Emergency Room

Visit Urgencias (emergency room) for:

• Life-threatening conditions:
  • Chest pain or heart attack symptoms
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe allergic reactions
• Serious injuries:
  • Broken bones
  • Deep cuts requiring stitches
  • Head injuries
  • Burns
• Acute conditions:
  • High fever (over 39°C/102°F)
  • Severe pain
  • Suspected poisoning

Don't go to Urgencias for:

• Minor colds or flu
• Routine prescriptions
• Chronic condition management
• Non-urgent issues (see your GP instead)

Types of Emergency Services

Emergency care options:

• Hospital Urgencias: Full emergency department
  • 24/7 service
  • All emergencies
  • Specialists available
• Centro de Salud Urgencias: Health center emergency
  • Limited hours (evenings/weekends)
  • Minor emergencies
  • Will transfer to hospital if needed
• Ambulance (Ambulancia):
  • Call 112 for emergency transport
  • Paramedics provide on-site care
  • Transport to nearest hospital

What to Bring to Urgencias

When going to emergency room, bring:

• Health card (tarjeta sanitaria) or insurance card
• ID (NIE or passport)
• List of current medications
• Allergy information
• Medical history (if available)
• Phone charger (waits can be long)

If you don't have your health card, you'll still receive emergency treatment.

Emergency Room Process

What to expect at Urgencias:

1. Triage (Triaje):
   • Nurse assesses urgency
   • Assigned priority level (1-5)
   • Level 1: Immediate (life-threatening)
   • Level 5: Non-urgent (may wait hours)
2. Registration:
   • Provide ID and health card
   • Complete paperwork
3. Waiting:
   • Wait time depends on urgency
   • Critical cases seen immediately
   • Non-urgent: 1-6 hours wait
4. Treatment:
   • Doctor examination
   • Tests if needed (X-rays, blood work)
   • Treatment or medication
5. Discharge or Admission:
   • Discharge with instructions
   • Or admission to hospital

Costs and Coverage

Emergency care costs:

• Public healthcare cardholders: Free
• EU citizens with EHIC: Free
• No insurance/coverage: Will be charged
  • Emergency room visit: €150-300
  • Ambulance: €50-150
  • Hospital admission: €500-1,000+ per day
• Private insurance: Usually covered (check policy)

Life-threatening emergencies are treated regardless of ability to pay - billing comes later.