One of the biggest fears when you’ve just moved to Spain is getting sick. It’s not so much about the cost, since most of us have health insurance, but the language barrier. Facing a doctor who’s using a ton of technical terms can be incredibly overwhelming. My last hospital visit was a disaster; I tried everything from hand gestures to translation apps, but after all that effort, I still didn’t fully understand the doctor’s instructions. It was a terrible experience.
Then, a friend told me about specialized medical chaperone services in Spain, and it was a game-changer! These companies provide experienced interpreters who not only help you communicate accurately with doctors but also assist with tedious yet crucial tasks like booking appointments, picking up prescriptions, and understanding lab results. They can even provide information on things like Emergency numbers in Spain. For those of us whose Spanish isn’t fluent yet, or for families with elderly members or children who can’t go to the doctor alone, these services are incredibly helpful.
I’ve spent some time gathering information on some of the more common medical chaperone services in Madrid and Barcelona to share with everyone. I hope this helps those in need. This information was collected from public sources online, so it’s always a good idea to confirm their service scope and fees yourself before contacting them.
Contact Information for Chaperone Services in Major Cities
The table below contains information on some companies I’ve compiled, focusing mainly on Madrid and Barcelona, as the demand is highest in these cities. Other cities may have similar services; you can try searching on Google with keywords like “acompañamiento médico con traductor” (medical accompaniment with a translator) or “medical chaperone services in [city name]”.
| City | Company/Service Name | Phone Number | Notes |
|---|
| Madrid | Asisa Care | 919 91 32 10 | A value-added service from a major insurance company, worth inquiring about. |
| Barcelona | Mediquo | 935 53 03 10 | Online consultation + in-person accompaniment, a relatively new model. |
| Nationwide | Quiero un Abuelo | 648 83 26 51 | The name is cute (“I Want a Grandparent”), primarily offers companionship services for the elderly. |
| Nationwide | Cuidum | 900 83 49 42 | Wide coverage, focuses on home care and companionship. |
A Few Tips
When booking a chaperone service, it’s best to inform them of your situation in advance, such as which department you need to visit and a general description of your condition. This helps them assign the most suitable interpreter. Also, always ask about the fees beforehand
! Some charge by the hour, while others charge per visit, so it’s best to clarify. I hope everyone stays healthy in Spain, and if you do need to go to the hospital, you won’t have to worry about the language barrier anymore! Wishing you all good health!
