🏥 Healthcare Overview

System: Universal (Sistema Nacional de Salud / SNS)

Quality: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Excellent healthcare system with well-trained doctors and modern facilities, especially in major cities. Public healthcare is available to all residents; tourists can access emergency care at public hospitals. English is spoken at larger hospitals but may be limited at smaller clinics.

💡 Medical Tourism

Spain is emerging as a destination for medical tourism, particularly for cosmetic surgery, dental work, and fertility treatments, combining quality care with a holiday destination.

💊 Pharmacy Guide

Access: easy

Hours: Most pharmacies open 9:30am-2pm and 5pm-9:30pm weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends. In large cities like Barcelona and Madrid, some pharmacies are open 24/7. Look for the green cross sign (Cruz Verde).

Prescription rules: EU prescriptions (including UK prescriptions) are accepted in Spain. Non-EU prescriptions require validation from a Spanish doctor. Many medications widely available OTC elsewhere require prescriptions in Spain.

Available Over-the-Counter

ibuprofen (Junifen)
paracetamol/acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
antihistamines
antacids
cough syrups
basic wound care

💡 Tips

Pharmacies (farmacia) are widely available and pharmacists can advise on minor ailments. Many common medications require a prescription. Some OTC items available: basic painkillers, antiseptics, cold remedies. Pharmacists are helpful and knowledgeable.

💉 Medications & Restrictions

Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names. Bring sufficient supply for your trip in original packaging. For controlled substances, carry the prescription documentation. EU citizens should carry the EHIC/GHIC card.

Controlled / Restricted Substances

🚫 Watch out for these

⚠️ Codeine-containing medications — Codeine products require a prescription in Spain. Some codeine products are restricted to pharmacy-only dispensing.
⚠️ ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) — Controlled substances. A Spanish prescription or special authorization may be required. Some ADHD medications may not be available in Spain.
⚠️ Benzodiazepines — Controlled substances requiring a prescription. Spain has strict regulations on these medications.
🚫 Medical cannabis — Cannabis for recreational and most medical uses is illegal in Spain, though personal cultivation for private use is in a legal gray area. CBD products with <0.2% THC may be available.

🛡️ Travel Insurance

⚠️ Strongly recommended

Average cost: $35-60/week

💡 Tip

Emergency care at public hospitals is available to all. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended. Keep your insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.

💉 Vaccinations

🚰 Water & Food Safety

✅ Tap water is safe to drink

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Spain, though many people prefer bottled water for taste reasons. In some rural areas, tap water may have a distinct mineral taste.

Food Safety Tips

Spain has excellent food safety standards. Tapas and restaurant food is generally very safe. Be cautious with large quantities of olive oil if you're not used to it. Shellfish (mariscos) is popular and generally safe from reputable restaurants. Be aware of lengthy meal times — lunch is typically 2-4pm, dinner after 9pm.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🆘 Emergency: 112 (EU emergency — ambulance, police, fire), 061 (ambulance/medical in most regions), 091 (police), 092 (local police)

📚 Sources & References

Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.

CDC Travelers' Health
US Embassy Madrid
Spain Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Sanidad)
WHO International Travel and Health

⚠️ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.

🇪🇸 Health & Medication Guide for Spain