As a newcomer to Spain, I once had a sudden bout of gastroenteritis in the middle of the night and had no idea which number to call. It took me a frantic search to find the right one. This experience made me realize how crucial this information is, especially for new arrivals or anyone unfamiliar with the healthcare system. So, I took the time to compile a list of the most common public healthcare contacts for Spain’s major regions, focusing on appointments and emergency numbers, with more details in this guide on [Spanish emergency numbers]. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s best to save it on your phone just in case!
Key Healthcare Contacts by Autonomous Community
Spain’s healthcare system is decentralized and managed by autonomous communities. Each community has its own independent management system, website, and app. Therefore, you need to know the specific contact numbers for your region. I’ve listed a few communities with larger international populations below. If you have information for other regions or need to know about [hospital complaints], please feel free to add them in the comments!
Community of Madrid
Healthcare resources in Madrid are relatively centralized, making appointments and consultations quite convenient. In addition to calling, which you can learn more about in this guide on [making appointments by phone in Spain], I highly recommend downloading the official app, ‘Cita Sanitaria Madrid.’ It allows you to book and cancel appointments and even check your lab results directly on your phone—it’s incredibly handy.
- Health Center Appointment (Cita Previa):
91 500 00 00
- Medical Emergencies (Urgencias):
112 or 061
Catalonia
Catalonia’s system is called ‘La Meva Salut,’ and I strongly recommend registering for it as it’s very powerful. Their emergency medical services are also very responsive.
- Health Information & Consultation:
061
- Emergencies:
112
Quick Reference Table of Useful Numbers
To make it easier for you to find numbers quickly, I’ve created a simple table with information for a few other regions. It’s a good idea to save these numbers in your contacts, noting their purpose. Remember, do not use 112 or 061 for non-emergency situations to keep the lines free for those who truly need them.
| Region | Health Center Appointment | Medical Emergency |
|---|
| Andalusia | 955 54 50 60 | 061 / 112 |
| Valencian Community | 961 83 90 00 or via app | 112 |
| Basque Country | 900 20 30 50 | 112 |
One last thing: if you have private health insurance, remember to find the authorized hospitals and emergency contact numbers provided by your insurance company, as it’s often a faster option. I hope this guide is helpful! Please feel free to add more information or make corrections
!
