In a medical emergency in the Canary Islands, call 112. The service operates in Spanish and English and will send an ambulance or direct you to the right hospital. For urgent but not life-threatening problems, go to the urgencias department of a public hospital or health centre, or a private clinic if you have insurance.
Step by step
- Call 112 for a life-threatening emergency, accident or fire.
- Give your exact location, including the town and street, or a nearby landmark.
- Have your passport, GHIC and travel insurance details ready.
- Call your travel insurer’s assistance line as soon as possible.
Where to go
| Situation | Where |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 112 |
| Urgent problem | Public hospital urgencias or 24-hour health centre |
| Minor illness or injury | Health centre or private clinic |
| Medicine advice | Pharmacy, including the night pharmacy on duty |
Useful Spanish phrases
- Necesito una ambulancia: I need an ambulance.
- Me duele aquí: It hurts here.
- Soy alérgico a…: I am allergic to…
Prepare in advance
- Save 112 and your insurer’s number in your phone.
- Keep a list of your medications and conditions in Spanish.
- Know where your nearest health centre is.
Our verdict
Prepare once and you will be calm if something happens. See GHIC in the Canary Islands.