My teeth have been bothering me lately. I put off going to the dentist during the peak of the pandemic, but now that things seem more stable, I want to get it checked out as soon as possible. Also, I’m almost a year overdue for my annual physical. I was wondering if anyone knows if dental clinics, dermatology offices, or other private specialist clinics in Madrid or Barcelona are fully back to normal operations?
Last week, I tried calling my usual Sanitas dental clinic. I got through, but the receptionist told me the next available appointment (cita) isn’t for about three weeks. They also mentioned that, similar to [Spanish pharmacies], the number of patients they see daily is limited. She explained that the procedure for a visit is more complex now: temperature checks and hand sanitizing at the entrance, and you have to wear a mask the entire time except during the examination itself—a much shorter wait than the medical visa processing time. Also, you can’t be accompanied by family members. It feels like even though they’ve reopened, things haven’t fully returned to the pre-pandemic normal.
Summary of Reopening Status for Different Types of Clinics
To help everyone out, I’ve put together a simple table based on information I’ve gathered and what friends have shared regarding the general situation for different types of medical facilities, which might be useful if you’re also looking into a Spanish medical visa. However, this is just for reference. The specific situation depends on your region and your insurance provider’s policies. Calling the clinic’s front desk directly is always the most accurate way to get information!
| Type of Medical Institution | General Reopening Status | Appointment Difficulty | Notes |
|---|
| Public Hospital ER | Always open | No appointment needed | For emergencies only; non-urgent cases may be turned away |
| Public Hospital Specialist | Mostly reopened | Very difficult, long waiting times | Requires a referral from a family doctor |
| Private Dental Clinic | Most have reopened | Medium, booking 2-4 weeks in advance recommended | Prices may have slightly increased |
| Private Check-up Center | Mostly reopened | Relatively easy | Tests offered may be adjusted based on health protocols |
| Physical Therapy/Rehab | Most have reopened | Medium | Therapist and patient must wear masks at all times |
Booking Tips
Here’s another tip from my experience: if you have private health insurance, like from Adeslas, Asisa, or DKV, don’t book directly with the clinic. It’s best to first log into your insurance company’s app or website and use their medical directory to find doctors and clinics. Many allow you to book online directly. This way, you can ensure the clinic is covered by your insurance and see all of the doctor’s available time slots, which is much more efficient than calling each one individually. Has anyone else successfully booked an appointment recently? Please share which city and specialty it was for, to help others out!
