Is my EHIC card valid in Spain?

Yes. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) entitle you to the same emergency and necessary medical treatment as Spanish nationals in public hospitals and health centres.

How do I find a 24-hour pharmacy?

Look at the notice posted in the window of any pharmacy (farmacia) — it lists the nearest duty pharmacy open 24 hours. You can also search online for "farmacia de guardia" plus the town name.

What is the emergency number in Spain?

112 is the universal emergency number for police, fire and ambulance. Operators speak multiple languages including English, Spanish, French and German.

Do Spanish doctors speak English?

In areas with large expat populations (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Benidorm, Jávea), many doctors speak English, especially in private clinics. In smaller towns and public health centres, language can be more of a barrier — consider bringing a Spanish-speaking friend or using a translation app.

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Travel Guide

Healthcare & Pharmacies

By Maya Kallio•Updated April 2026•6 min read• Fact-checked April 2026

Quick Answer

Spain has excellent public healthcare. EU visitors: bring your EHIC/GHIC card. Emergency number: 112. Pharmacies (green cross) are well-stocked and open late. Nearest hospitals: Hospital de Torrevieja, Hospital Marina Baixa (Villajoyosa), Hospital General de Alicante.

Essential	Details
Emergency	112 (multilingual)
EU visitors	EHIC/GHIC for public care
Pharmacies	Green cross sign, 24h rota
Hospital (south)	Hospital de Torrevieja
Hospital (north)	Hospital Marina Baixa

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Key Takeaways

✓Spain’s public healthcare is excellent and free for EU visitors with EHIC/GHIC.
✓Emergency number: 112 (operators speak multiple languages).
✓Pharmacies can advise on minor ailments and dispense many medications without prescription.
✓Each area has a 24-hour duty pharmacy — check the rota posted outside any farmacia.
✓Bring prescription medications with generic names listed.

1. The Spanish Health System

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC or UK GHIC) are entitled to the same emergency and necessary medical treatment as Spanish nationals. Non-EU visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance.

If you are a registered resident, you will be assigned a local health centre (centro de salud) and a family doctor (médico de cabecera). The system is free at the point of use for residents. Private healthcare is also available and typically offers shorter wait times.

2. Pharmacies

Pharmacies (farmacias) are identified by a flashing green cross. They are staffed by qualified pharmacists who can advise on minor ailments and dispense many medications that would require a prescription elsewhere in Europe — including antibiotics, strong antihistamines and some painkillers.

Each area operates a rota of 24-hour duty pharmacies — check the notice posted outside any pharmacy to find the nearest one on duty. Standard opening hours are typically 09:30–14:00 and 17:00–20:30 Monday to Friday, with Saturday morning hours.

3. Hospitals & Emergencies

The emergency number in Spain is 112 (multilingual operators). Major public hospitals on the Costa Blanca include:

Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja — modern, excellent reputation
Hospital de la Vega Baja in Orihuela — serves the southern coast
Hospital General de Alicante — the main regional hospital
Hospital Marina Baixa in Villajoyosa — serves the northern coast

Private hospitals such as Quirónsalud in Torrevieja offer shorter wait times and English-speaking staff. Emergency rooms (urgencias) in public hospitals are free for EHIC holders.

4. Tips for Visitors

Bring any prescription medications you need, along with a note from your doctor listing the generic names (brand names differ between countries). Sunscreen, insect repellent and rehydration salts are available cheaply at any pharmacy.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a spare pair and your prescription — opticians can make new glasses quickly and affordably. Dental care is not covered by EHIC; if you need emergency dental treatment, private dental clinics are widely available and reasonably priced.