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).