Being new to Spain, the biggest fear is getting sick. The language barrier, combined with complex hospital procedures and professional medical terminology, can be incredibly overwhelming. I once had a bout of acute gastroenteritis in the middle of the night. Thanks to an experienced Chinese expat who recommended an emergency medical assistance service, I got through it safely. Since then, I’ve made a point to collect this kind of information. Today, I’m sharing this compiled list with everyone on the forum. I highly recommend bookmarking it, especially for newcomers to Spain
!
These teams are mostly composed of Chinese individuals or Chinese-speaking professionals who are familiar with the local healthcare system. They primarily offer services such as interpretation, accompanying patients to appointments, scheduling specialists, and handling medical documents, as detailed in this List of Medical Teams
. They are not doctors, but they can act as a bridge between you and the Spanish healthcare system when you feel most helpless. Some services are paid, while others are voluntary or non-profit. You can contact them directly to inquire about their specific services based on your needs.
Below is a list of some of the more active and well-regarded medical assistance teams in Spain, compiled from my own and others’ experiences. Information may change, so it’s advisable to confirm by phone or WeChat before using their services.
Chinese Medical Assistance Services in Major Cities
This list isn’t exhaustive, but it aims to be practical. It mainly covers Madrid and Barcelona, where the Chinese community is concentrated. Friends in other cities are welcome to add more information in the replies so we can improve it together!
Service Team Information List
| City | Service Team Name | Primary Contact | Service Features |
|---|
| Madrid | Xihualian Medical Group | 612 345 678 | Extensive coverage, volunteer-supported |
| Madrid | Madrid Aixin Assistance | WeChat: ayuda_madrid | Focuses on emergency aid and translation |
| Barcelona | Catalan Chinese Health Support | 601 234 567 | Familiar with Catalan regional hospitals |
| Barcelona | BCN Chinese Mutual Aid | Phone/WhatsApp: 622 111 333 | Online consultation, appointment assistance |
| Nationwide | Ping An Medical | - | Historical information, for reference only |
One last thing: your health is your greatest asset. I hope you’ll never need this list, but if you do, I trust it will be helpful. Please feel free to share your own experiences with these medical teams—both positive and areas for improvement—to help others who might need it later. Wishing everyone in Spain good health!
