What to Do If You Get Sick While Travelling in Spain

🩺 What to Do If You Get Sick While Travelling in Spain

Falling ill during your holiday or business trip can be stressful — especially if you're in a foreign country where you might not speak the language or know how the healthcare system works. The good news is that Spain has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe, and getting medical help is usually straightforward if you know what to do.

Here's a simple guide on how to handle being sick while travelling in Spain, what your options are, and how to get medical advice quickly — even online.

🔹 Step 1: Assess Your Symptoms

Start by evaluating how you feel:

• Mild symptoms (such as a sore throat, cough, or mild stomach upset) can often be managed with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies
• Moderate symptoms (fever, persistent pain, or worsening cough) may require a doctor's advice
• Severe symptoms (chest pain, breathing difficulty, or high fever) mean you should seek urgent medical care immediately

If your condition is mild but you're unsure what to do, an online medical consultation is often the quickest and most convenient option — especially if you prefer to speak in English.

🔹 Step 2: Know Your Options for Medical Care in Spain

Spain offers several ways to access healthcare, depending on your situation:

• Public hospitals and emergency services (Urgencias): available for emergencies and serious conditions
• Private clinics and doctors: ideal for travellers, faster access, and often English-speaking
• Online telemedicine services (like Vesiacare): for non-urgent issues or when you need professional medical advice quickly without leaving your accommodation

💬 Tip: If you have travel insurance, contact your provider — most policies cover online or private consultations while abroad.

🔹 Step 3: Keep Essential Documents Handy

When seeking care, it helps to have:

• Your passport or ID
• Travel insurance policy number and emergency contact
• A list of current medications and allergies
• Airline details, in case you need a medical certificate for rescheduling

Keeping this information ready can speed up the process and avoid communication problems.

🔹 Step 4: Consider an Online Consultation

If your symptoms are mild — for example, cold, sore throat, mild UTI, or stomach upset — seeing a doctor online is often faster and more practical than visiting a clinic.

At Vesiacare, Spanish-licensed doctors can:

• Assess your symptoms in English or Spanish
• Advise you on the best course of action
• Provide medical documentation if needed (for work, travel, or airline purposes)

All consultations are private, secure, and compliant with European data protection laws (GDPR).

🔹 Step 5: Know When to Seek Urgent Care

Go to a hospital emergency department (Urgencias) or call 112 (Spain's emergency number) if you experience:

• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• High fever with confusion or dehydration
• Severe abdominal pain or vomiting
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or loss of consciousness

Spain's emergency system is efficient and multilingual — don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

🔹 Conclusion

Getting sick while travelling in Spain can be inconvenient, but it doesn't have to ruin your trip. By knowing your options and acting quickly, you can get professional medical help in minutes.

👉 With Vesiacare, you can speak online with a Spanish doctor, get medical guidance, and even receive official certificates — all without leaving your hotel or apartment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists see a doctor in Spain?

Yes. You can visit public hospitals for emergencies or book private and online consultations easily.

Do I need travel insurance?

It's strongly recommended. Insurance usually covers medical visits, medication, or online consultations.

Can I get medical help in English?

Absolutely. Many private doctors — including all Vesiacare professionals — speak fluent English.