What To Do If You Get Sick In Barcelona

Barcelona is all kinds of magical — sunny beaches, Gaudí masterpieces, delicious tapas, and late-night strolls through winding Gothic streets. But if you’re not feeling well while visiting, things can go from dreamy to stressful pretty fast.

Whether it’s food poisoning, a surprise fever, or something more serious, getting sick in Barcelona doesn’t have to ruin your trip. You just need to know where to go, who to call, and how to find help in English (yes, it’s possible!).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if you get sick in Barcelona — from understanding the city’s healthcare system to using travel insurance, finding pharmacies, and booking an English-speaking doctor in Barcelona. Bookmark it, save it, share it with your travel buddies — because it’s everything you need to know, all in one place.

Understanding Barcelona’s Healthcare System

Spain has a strong and well-organized healthcare system, and Barcelona is no exception. You’ll find both public and private options here, and as a tourist, you can access both.

Private vs. Public Healthcare

• Public healthcare (CatSalut) is excellent and affordable — especially for EU visitors with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). But it comes with longer wait times, limited English-speaking staff, and a bit more bureaucracy.
• Private healthcare is faster, more flexible, and usually more tourist-friendly. Many private clinics in Barcelona have English-speaking staff and shorter wait times. You’ll pay out of pocket, but if you’ve got travel insurance, you can claim the cost back.

Tip: If you’re only in town for a short visit and want stress-free care, private is the way to go.

Emergency Medical Care

If you or someone you’re with is dealing with a serious health issue, don’t panic — but act fast.

Essential Emergency Numbers in Barcelona

• 112 – The EU-wide emergency number (ambulance, police, fire). Free and available 24/7.
• 061 – Medical emergencies (Catalan Health Service)

Operators are trained to handle emergencies and may speak English.

How to Call an Ambulance in Barcelona

Dial 112 or 061 from any phone. Be prepared to give:

• Your location (use your phone’s GPS if needed)
• The person’s symptoms
• Whether they’re conscious or breathing

If you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb, ask a local or concierge to help if you’re unsure — Barcelonans are friendly and helpful, especially in emergencies.

When to Go to the Hospital vs. an Urgent Care Clinic

• Hospital (Urgencias): Go here for life-threatening issues — severe pain, chest pain, breathing trouble, head injuries, etc.
• Urgent Care Clinic (CAP or CUAP): These are great for non-emergencies like infections, high fever, cuts, or minor injuries. They’re quicker and easier to access than a hospital.

Pharmacies & Medication: What You Need to Know

Pharmacies (farmàcies) are your go-to for minor health issues — think stomach bugs, headaches, allergies, colds, etc. Pharmacists in Barcelona are highly trained and can offer great advice.

Where to Find 24/7 Pharmacies

Some pharmacies are open late or around the clock. Search online for “farmàcia 24 hores Barcelona” or ask a local — most neighborhood pharmacies display info on where to find the closest one that’s open after hours.

Chains like Farmàcia Guarc, Farmàcia Coliseum, and Farmàcia Torres often offer extended hours.

Can You Get Meds Without a Doctor’s Note?

Yes — many medications are available over the counter in Spain that would require a prescription elsewhere. But for antibiotics or stronger meds, you’ll need to see a doctor.

Some pharmacies have a doctor on-site who can write a quick letter if needed (for a small fee). Otherwise, use Air Doctor to book a doctor visit fast.

What to Do if You’ve Got Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can take a stressful situation and make it way more manageable. If you’re covered, here’s what to do.

What Documents You’ll Need for a Claim

Here’s what you’ll need to submit a claim if you’ve got travel insurance

• Keep all of the following:
• Receipts for doctor visits, medication, or hospital services
• Medical reports or diagnoses (ask your doctor for one!)
• Proof of travel (your flight itinerary, hotel booking, etc.)
• Your travel insurance policy number

Snap photos of every document on your phone, just in case something gets lost.

Check your insurer’s website or call their help line — some companies even have partner clinics in Barcelona.

Language Barriers

Barcelona is in Catalonia, where both Spanish and Catalan are spoken. English isn’t always guaranteed in healthcare settings — especially in public clinics.

Handy Medical Phrases

• “Me siento mal” – I feel sick
• “Tengo fiebre” – I have a fever
• “Me duele aquí” – It hurts here
• “¿Habla inglés?” – Do you speak English?
• “Necesito un médico” – I need a doctor

If you’d rather skip the language barrier entirely, book an English-speaking doctor in Barcelona directly with Air Doctor.

How to Avoid Getting Sick in Barcelona

Of course, the best case scenario is not needing a doctor at all! Here are a few tips to keep you healthy while you soak up the sunshine.

Common Traveler Illnesses

Here are the most common illnesses travelers face in Barcelona:

• Colds and flu (from flights or AC)
• Upset stomach (from new foods or dehydration)
• Sunburn or heat exhaustion (yes, even in spring!)
• Allergies (Barcelona has a lot of pollen in warmer months)

Is Tap Water Safe in Barcelona?

Yes! The tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink. It might taste different from home, but it’s clean and fully treated.

Food Safety Tips

Here are some simple tips to keep your tummy happy in Barcelona

• Eat at busy, reputable spots — locals know what’s fresh
• Wash your hands regularly (especially before eating)
• Avoid uncooked seafood from street stalls
• Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer when out and about

Healthcare Tips for Pregnant Travelers & Those with Pre-existing Conditions

If you’re pregnant, managing a chronic condition, or just want extra peace of mind while traveling, planning ahead is key.

• Bring a medical summary (in English and Spanish if possible)
• Pack all your medications — plus extra, in your carry-on
• Know where the nearest private clinic or OB-GYN is in your area
• Consider booking a doctor’s check-in through Air Doctor, especially if you’ll be in Barcelona a while

Private clinics in areas like Eixample, Sarrià, and Sant Gervasi have excellent specialists and modern facilities.

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Barcelona

This is one of the biggest pain points for travelers. You’re not feeling well. You’re in a new country. And now you need a doctor who can understand you.

Here’s how to make it easy:

Air Doctor connects travelers with trusted, local, English-speaking doctors in Barcelona. You can:

• Book online or through the app
• Choose in-person or telemedicine appointments
• Filter by specialty, location, and availability
• Pay upfront and submit for insurance later
• No stress. No miscommunication. Just the care you need — fast.

Getting Help Beyond Healthcare

If you’re hospitalized or facing something complicated, your embassy or consulate in Barcelona can help. They can:

• Assist with translation
• Help contact your family
• Replace lost prescriptions or travel documents
• Recommend trusted local clinics or hospitals

Save their contact info in your phone and write it down somewhere too — just in case.

Recap: What to Do if You Get Sick in Barcelona

Before you go, here’s a quick recap:

• In an emergency, call 112 or 061
• For non-urgent care, go to a CAP, urgent care center, or private clinic
• Visit a farmàcia for mild symptoms or to get medication
• Use travel insurance to cover medical costs
• Learn a few Spanish phrases, or book through Air Doctor to skip the language barrier
• Stay hydrated, eat smart, and take care of yourself
•  Plan ahead if you’re pregnant or have a medical condition
• Call your embassy if things get complicated

About the Air Doctor App

With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance while you’re in Barcelona (and anywhere else you travel).

Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
• Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
• Active in 90+ countries
• 24/7 multi-lingual customer care
• Transparent pricing and reviews
• Most common medical specialties, including pediatricians

If you’re looking for reliable, accessible, and global medical assistance, Air Doctor is the perfect choice for you. Download the app before your next trip to ensure peace of mind and access to quality healthcare, wherever your travels take you.

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