Healthcare and Pharmacies in Gran Canaria 2026 - Practical Guide
Hospitals, emergencies, pharmacies and medical care for travelers
Las Canteras, Gran Canaria 5 min read
Quality Healthcare System
Gran Canaria has a high-level healthcare system. There are public and private hospitals, health centers in all municipalities and pharmacies with extended hours. European travelers have access to the public system with the European Health Insurance Card.
This guide helps you know where to go and what to do if you need medical attention.
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Emergencies
Emergency Phone Numbers
Service
Phone
When to Call
Emergencies (general)
112
Any emergency
Ambulance
112
Medical emergency
Poison information
915 62 04 20
Poisoning
Hospitals with 24h Emergency
Hospital
Location
Phone
Type
Hospital Insular
Las Palmas
928 44 40 00
Public
Hospital Dr. Negrín
Las Palmas
928 45 00 00
Public
Hospital San Roque
Maspalomas
928 06 36 00
Private
Clínica Santa Catalina
Las Palmas
928 29 29 00
Private
When to Go to Emergency
Situation
Action
Life-threatening emergency
Call 112, go to emergency
Serious accident
Call 112
Chest pain
Immediate emergency
Breathing difficulty
Immediate emergency
Very high fever
Emergency
Minor problem
Pharmacy or doctor
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European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
For EU/EEA Travelers
Aspect
Detail
Validity
All EU + EEA
Cost of care
Free (public system)
How to obtain
In your country before trip
Validity
2 years (renewable)
What It Covers
Covered
Not Covered
Emergencies
Repatriation
Hospitalization
Private transfer
Medications (copay)
Private clinics
Necessary consultations
Cosmetic treatments
Countries with EHIC
All EU countries
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
Switzerland
United Kingdom (GHIC/EHIC)
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Travel Insurance
Recommendation
Although the EHIC covers a lot, travel insurance is recommended for:
Extra Coverage
Why
Repatriation
Not included in EHIC
Private clinics
Faster
Risk sports
Surfing, diving, etc.
Luggage
Loss/theft
Cancellation
According to policy
Minimum Recommended Coverage
Coverage
Minimum
Medical expenses
€30,000
Repatriation
Included
Civil liability
€50,000
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Health Centers
In Las Palmas
Center
Location
Phone
C.S. Guanarteme
Guanarteme
928 30 63 70
C.S. Escaleritas
Escaleritas
928 30 62 60
C.S. Alcaravaneras
Alcaravaneras
928 30 62 30
How to Access
Patient Type
Procedure
Spain resident
Appointment with health card
EU tourist (EHIC)
Appointment with EHIC
Tourist without EHIC
Emergency or private
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Private Clinics
Main Clinics
Clinic
Location
Specialties
Clínica Santa Catalina
Las Palmas
Complete
Hospital San Roque
Maspalomas
Complete
Vithas
Las Palmas
Complete
Private Advantages
Aspect
Advantage
Wait
Minimal
Languages
English, German
Schedule
More flexible
Specialists
Direct access
Approximate Prices
Service
Approx. Price
General consultation
€50-80
Specialist consultation
€70-120
Emergency
€100-200
Basic analysis
€40-80
X-ray
€40-60
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Pharmacies
Normal Hours
Type
Hours
Daytime
9:00-21:00 (Monday-Friday)
Saturday
9:00-14:00 (some 9:00-21:00)
Sunday
On-call only
On-Call Pharmacies
There are always 24-hour on-call pharmacies.
How to Find
Method
At closed pharmacy
Sign on door with address
Phone
112
Website
cofgc.es
App
Farmacias de Guardia
Pharmacies Near Las Canteras
Pharmacy
Location
Hours
Farmacia Las Canteras
Promenade
Normal
Farmacia Mesa y López
Mesa y López
Extended
Farmacia El Corte Inglés
Shopping center
Commercial
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Medications
Without Prescription
Many basic medications are sold without prescription:
Type
Examples
Painkillers
Paracetamol, ibuprofen
Anti-inflammatories
Topical ibuprofen
Antihistamines
Cetirizine, loratadine
Digestive
Almax, omeprazole (some)
Sunscreens
All
Repellents
Insects
With Prescription
Type
Needs Prescription
Antibiotics
Yes
Anxiolytics
Yes
Opioids
Yes
Antidepressants
Yes
Some anti-inflammatories
Yes
Bringing Medication from Home
Advice
Detail
Quantity
Enough + extra
Prescription
Bring copy
Generic name
Easier to find
Original packaging
For customs if necessary
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Common Problems
Sun-Related
Problem
Treatment
Pharmacy
Mild sunburn
Aftersun, hydration
Yes
Severe sunburn
Doctor
-
Sunstroke
Hydration, shade
Pharmacy/doctor
Sea-Related
Problem
Treatment
Where
Jellyfish sting
Vinegar, don't rub
Lifeguard/pharmacy
Swimmer's ear
Ear drops
Pharmacy/doctor
Rock cut
Disinfect
Pharmacy
Sea urchin sting
Remove spines, disinfect
Doctor if deep
Gastrointestinal
Problem
Treatment
Where
Mild diarrhea
Hydration, diet
Pharmacy
Severe diarrhea
Doctor
Emergency
Indigestion
Antacids
Pharmacy
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Special Services
Dentists
Clinic
Location
Emergency
Private clinics
Island-wide
Appointment
Dental emergency
Hospitals
24h (severe)
Opticians
Service
Availability
Glasses
Same day possible
Contact lenses
Available
Repairs
Quick
Physiotherapy
Type
Where
Private
Clinics, spa hotels
Sports
Specialized centers
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For Families
Pediatrics
Service
Access
Pediatric emergency
Materno-Insular Hospital
Private pediatricians
By appointment
Pharmacies
Children's products
Baby Products
Product
Where
Diapers
Pharmacies, supermarkets
Formula milk
Pharmacies, supermarkets
Children's medications
Pharmacies
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Practical Tips
Before the Trip
Tip
Importance
Updated EHIC
High
Travel insurance
Recommended
Sufficient medication
High
Prescriptions/reports
If chronic treatment
During the Trip
Tip
Note
Hydration
Especially important
Sun protection
SPF 50+
Locate on-call pharmacy
Just in case
Keep documents
EHIC, insurance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the European Health Insurance Card?
If you're from the EU/EEA, highly recommended. It gives you free access to the public system. Without it, you may have to pay and claim later.
Are there 24-hour pharmacies?
There are always on-call pharmacies open 24h in rotation. Look for the sign at any closed pharmacy or call 112.
What do I do if I lose my medications?
Go to a pharmacy with your prescription (or generic name of the medication). Many can be dispensed. For controlled medications, you'll need a doctor.
Are public hospitals good?
Yes, the Spanish healthcare system is high quality. Public hospitals in Las Palmas (Insular, Dr. Negrín) have an excellent reputation.
How much does a private consultation cost?
A general consultation costs approximately €50-80. Specialists €70-120. Private emergency €100-200.
Do doctors speak English?
In private clinics and tourist areas generally yes. In the public system it's more variable. Hospitals usually have translation services.
Can I buy antibiotics without prescription?
No, in Spain antibiotics require a medical prescription. You need to see a doctor to get one.
Is tap water drinkable?
Yes, the water is safe to drink. Some prefer bottled for the taste (high mineral content).
Looking for a vacation rental apartment?
Casita Palmera is a licensed vacation rental apartment 50 metres from Las Canteras Beach.
