The weather has been unpredictable lately, and several friends around me have caught a cold. Talking with them, I realized that many newcomers to Spain are not only confused about the healthcare process but are also completely lost when it comes to basic vocabulary for departments and symptoms. If a real emergency happens, miscommunication with doctors and nurses at the hospital can be a serious problem.
I made my fair share of mistakes when I first arrived, even embarrassingly mixing up ‘toothache’ with ‘headache.’ Later, I started compiling a list of Spanish hospital terms, and today I’m sharing this handy glossary with everyone. I hope it helps those in need. I recommend bookmarking it for future reference—just in case!
Common Phrases for Registration and Consultation
From the moment you enter the hospital, registering and speaking with the reception desk is the first step. You will usually need to show your health card. Once you see the doctor, the most crucial part is describing your symptoms.
- I want to make an appointment: Quiero pedir una cita.
- I don’t feel well: No me encuentro bien / Me siento mal.
- I have a fever: Tengo fiebre.
- My head/stomach hurts: Me duele la cabeza / el estómago.
- I’m allergic to…: Soy alérgico/a a…
Common Hospital Departments
Spanish hospitals have highly specialized departments, and going to the wrong one can waste a lot of time. Below are some of the most common department names so you can see where you need to go based on your condition.
| Department (English) | Department (Spanish) |
|---|
| Emergency | Urgencias |
| Internal Medicine | Medicina Interna |
| General Surgery | Cirugía General |
| Pediatrics | Pediatría |
| Gynecology | Ginecología |
| Orthopedics | Traumatología |
| Ophthalmology | Oftalmología |
| Dermatology | Dermatología |
| Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) | Otorrinolaringología |
Examinations and Treatments
After a diagnosis, the doctor might ask you to undergo some tests, such as a blood test, an X-ray, or an ultrasound. The doctor will then write you a prescription based on the results, which you’ll need to take to a pharmacy to buy medication. Remember, many medications are not available without a prescription.
I hope this little guide is helpful to you
! Please feel free to add any other useful vocabulary you know or have encountered in the comments below. Let’s build this ‘medical bible’ together! Wishing everyone good health, ¡Salud para todos!
