Zaragoza

🏥

Health and Medical Assistance

Sections

1. Emergency Medical Services in Zaragoza

  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for all emergencies (medical, police, fire). This is a free, multilingual service available 24/7.
  • Ambulance Services: Ambulances are dispatched through the 112 system. For non-urgent medical transport, you can contact 061, the regional health emergency service.
  • Response Time: Emergency services in Zaragoza are generally efficient, with ambulances arriving promptly in urban areas.

What to Do in a Medical Emergency:

  1. Call 112 and provide your location and details of the emergency.
  2. If you are unable to communicate in Spanish, request assistance in English or another language (operators are trained to handle multilingual calls).
  3. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions until help arrives.

2. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Zaragoza has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Below are the key options:

Public Hospitals (Part of Spain’s National Health System - SNS):

  1. Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet

    • Address: Paseo Isabel la Católica, 1-3, 50009 Zaragoza
    • Specialties: General medicine, surgery, pediatrics, maternity care, and emergency services.
    • Accessibility: Open 24/7 for emergencies.
    • Note: Public hospitals prioritize patients based on medical urgency.

  2. Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa

    • Address: Av. San Juan Bosco, 15, 50009 Zaragoza
    • Specialties: General medicine, oncology, cardiology, and emergency care.
    • Accessibility: Open 24/7 for emergencies.

Private Hospitals and Clinics:

  1. Hospital Quirónsalud Zaragoza

    • Address: Paseo de Mariano Renovales, 1, 50006 Zaragoza
    • Services: High-quality private care, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff.
    • Costs: Private hospitals are more expensive; ensure your insurance covers private care.

  2. Clínica Montpellier

    • Address: Calle de Pedro III el Grande, 32, 50009 Zaragoza
    • Services: General medicine, diagnostics, and specialized treatments.

Urgent Care Clinics:

  • For non-life-threatening issues, you can visit Centro de Salud (Health Centers) in your neighborhood. These are public clinics offering primary care and minor urgent treatments.
  • Example: Centro de Salud Delicias Norte (Calle de la Rioja, 8, 50017 Zaragoza).

3. Pharmacies (Farmacias)

  • Availability: Pharmacies are widespread in Zaragoza and easily recognizable by a green cross sign.
  • Hours: Most operate from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays. Some are open on Saturdays, and a few operate 24/7 (Farmacias de Guardia).
  • Emergency Pharmacies: Check the list of on-duty pharmacies (Farmacias de Guardia) posted on pharmacy doors or online.
  • Services: Pharmacists in Spain are highly trained and can provide advice for minor ailments, over-the-counter medications, and prescription fulfillment.

4. Costs and Insurance Requirements

Public Healthcare Costs:

  • Spain’s public healthcare system is free or low-cost for residents and EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • Non-EU visitors may need to pay out-of-pocket unless they have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Private Healthcare Costs:

  • Private consultations typically cost between €50-€150, depending on the specialist and facility.
  • Hospital stays in private facilities can cost €200-€500 per day, excluding treatments or surgeries.

Insurance Requirements:

  • EU Citizens: Bring your EHIC to access public healthcare at no or reduced cost.
  • Non-EU Citizens: Travel health insurance is highly recommended. Ensure your policy covers emergency care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
  • Residents: If you are a legal resident, you can register for public healthcare (SNS) by obtaining a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI) through your local health center.

5. Procedures for Accessing Care

Public Healthcare:

  1. Visit your nearest Centro de Salud (Health Center) for non-emergency care.
  2. Bring your EHIC (for EU citizens) or TSI (for residents).
  3. For specialist care, you’ll need a referral from a general practitioner (GP).

Private Healthcare:

  1. Contact the private hospital or clinic directly to book an appointment.
  2. Payment is required upfront unless your insurance covers direct billing.

Emergency Care:

  • Public hospitals cannot deny emergency care, even if you lack insurance. However, you may be billed later if you are uninsured.

6. Language Support

  • Public Hospitals: Staff may have limited English proficiency, especially in non-tourist areas. Bring a Spanish-speaking friend or use a translation app if needed.
  • Private Hospitals: More likely to have English-speaking staff and interpreters.
  • Pharmacies: Pharmacists may speak basic English, but it’s helpful to know the Spanish names of medications or symptoms.

Key Spanish Phrases for Healthcare:

  • "Necesito un médico." (I need a doctor.)
  • "Es una emergencia." (It’s an emergency.)
  • "Tengo dolor aquí." (I have pain here.)
  • "¿Habla inglés?" (Do you speak English?)

7. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Cultural Nuances: Spaniards value politeness and patience. Greet healthcare staff with "Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes" before discussing your issue.
  • Waiting Times: Public healthcare can have long wait times for non-urgent care. Consider private clinics for faster service.
  • Documentation: Always carry your ID, insurance card, and any relevant medical records.
  • Pharmacy First: For minor issues, visit a pharmacy before seeking a doctor. Pharmacists can provide effective advice and medications.
  • Vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling. No specific vaccinations are required for Spain.

8. Safety and Security in Healthcare

  • Zaragoza is a safe city with a reliable healthcare system.
  • Public hospitals are well-equipped for emergencies, and private facilities offer high-quality care.
  • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially near hospitals or pharmacies. Keep your documents and valuables secure.

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate Zaragoza’s healthcare system efficiently and confidently. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!