If you’re visiting Spain and suddenly feel unwell, have an accident, or need immediate medical help that is not life-threatening, you might wonder what urgent care options are available. Many tourists worry about where to go, how to pay, and whether their insurance will cover treatment.
Here’s a clear guide to what you can expect at a 24-hour urgent care in Spain, how it works, approximate costs, and what to know about insurance.
Urgent care in Spain refers to medical services for conditions that require immediate attention but are not emergencies (for example, fever, minor fractures, infections, cuts needing stitches, severe pain, or asthma attacks).
Unlike the Emergency Room (ER), which is reserved for life-threatening issues, urgent care is ideal if you need fast help but your situation is stable.
Most urgent care clinics operate as walk-in centres, meaning you don’t need an appointment. You can simply arrive, register, and wait to be seen. This is especially convenient if you’re travelling and don’t have a local doctor.
When you arrive, you’ll register at reception. Bring your passport, insurance information, and a list of any medications you take. An English-speaking doctor will assess your symptoms, ask about your medical history, and carry out any necessary examinations.
Once the doctor has a diagnosis, you’ll receive treatment, and advice on any follow-up needed. If your condition is more serious, they may refer you to a hospital or specialist.
Some travellers immediately think of the emergency room, but for many conditions, urgent care is a much better option. Not only will you usually be seen faster, since ERs prioritise life-threatening cases first, but the overall experience is often more comfortable.
Urgent care centres tend to be quieter and less overwhelming than busy hospital emergency departments. The staff are used to assisting international patients, so communication is smoother and they can guide you clearly through what to expect. This makes paperwork, treatment explanations, and insurance processing much easier, especially if your Spanish is limited or you’re feeling anxious about your health.
The emergency room exists for critical and urgent situations. But it’s also a common destination for people with minor ailments, often because they don’t know other options exist, or because clinics are closed outside of standard hours.
For that reason, urgent care clinics are perfect in the following cases:
Most urgent care clinics in Spain operate as walk-in centres. This means you can go directly without booking in advance, register at reception, and wait to be seen. For tourists, this is ideal because you may not have a local GP or might need treatment outside regular hours.
Many private urgent care clinics are open 24 hours, especially in larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, or Valencia. Some even offer doctor-at-home services if you prefer being treated at your hotel or apartment.
Most travel insurance policies include urgent care, but the process depends on your provider. Some clinics have direct billing agreements with international insurers, so you won’t pay upfront. Others require you to pay the bill first and submit it later for reimbursement.
Before seeking treatment, it’s always smart to call your insurer’s 24-hour assistance line. They can tell you which urgent clinics near you accept your insurance or explain the reimbursement process. Remember to keep all receipts and medical reports and don’t hesitate to contact us in case you want to know if your insurance is included.
The cost varies depending on whether you use public or private services, and whether you have insurance coverage. In case you want to know the exact price of your urgent care treatment, you can visit our website, or contact us directly for more information.
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