One of the biggest worries after moving to Spain is getting sick. It’s not so much the cost, but the language barrier—communicating with a doctor can feel like a total dead end, and even booking an appointment is a headache. After a few of my own dealings with hospitals, like the Gregorio Marañón Hospital, I’ve compiled some useful phrases. I’m sharing them to help you avoid some common pitfalls.
Booking by Phone
Booking an appointment by phone is definitely the first hurdle, as receptionists often speak very quickly. Don’t panic. Take a deep breath and clearly state what you need. The most crucial sentence is:
“Quería pedir una cita con el médico de cabecera / el especialista.”
They’ll ask for your basic information, like your name, health card number, or residence permit number. Have this information prepared. If you don’t understand what they’re saying at the Spanish hospital, don’t hesitate to say:
“¿Podría repetirlo, por favor? Más despacio.”
Describing Your Symptoms
Once you’re with the doctor, accurately describing your symptoms is crucial. It’s a good idea to look up relevant vocabulary beforehand and write down your key symptoms. For example:
- Tengo fiebre / tos / dolor de cabeza.
- Me duele la garganta / el estómago.
- Me siento mareado/a y débil.
- Soy alérgico/a a la penicilina.
If you don’t understand the doctor’s questions during your appointment (which you likely booked via Cita Previa), don’t worry. Just point to the part of your body that’s bothering you and use simple words; the doctor will most likely understand. The table below summarizes some common terms for body parts and pain, which you can save for later.
| Spanish | English Meaning |
|---|
| Dolor de… | …ache / pain in the… |
| Cabeza | Head |
| Espalda | Back |
| Garganta | Throat |
| Estómago | Stomach |
| Ojos | Eyes |
| Oídos | Ears |
Asking Questions and Confirming Information
As the consultation is ending, don’t forget to confirm important information, such as how to take the prescribed medication and when your next follow-up appointment is. You can say:
“¿Cómo debo tomar este medicamento?”
“¿Cada cuántas horas?”
“¿Cuándo tengo que volver?”
It’s often difficult to remember everything the doctor says, so you can ask them to write it down for you. That way, you won’t miss anything. I hope everyone can get the medical care they need in Spain smoothly. Of course, it’s best to stay healthy and not need these phrases at all!
