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Spain Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Yes |
| Hepatitis A |
No |
| Malaria |
No |
| Rabies |
No |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
No |
| Yellow Fever |
No |
Spain has a well-developed healthcare system, with public hospitals, health centres and private clinics throughout the country. Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, particularly in major cities and tourist areas, although access to specialist care may be more difficult in remote rural locations.
Visitors from the UK should carry a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while eligible travellers from EU and EEA countries and Switzerland can use an EHIC. These provide access to medically necessary state healthcare during temporary stays, subject to the applicable conditions. They do not cover private treatment or medical repatriation, so comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
Pharmacies, identified by a green cross, are widely available and can provide advice on minor ailments and over-the-counter medicines. A rota of duty pharmacies (farmacias de guardia) ensures access to medicines outside normal opening hours. In a medical emergency, call 112.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Spain, although its taste varies by region. Food hygiene standards are generally high, and food served in restaurants, cafés and hotels is usually safe to eat. Visitors should take normal precautions when handling food, particularly during hot weather, and ensure that seafood and other perishable products are properly stored and prepared.
Pickpocketing and bag theft are common in busy tourist areas, particularly in Barcelona and Madrid. Thieves often target visitors on public transport, at railway stations, around major attractions and in crowded markets. Distraction techniques are sometimes used, while bags and mobile phones may also be stolen from café tables or restaurant chairs. Travellers should keep valuables secure, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and remain alert in crowded places. Passports and other important documents should be stored securely, with copies kept separately.
Summer temperatures can be extremely high, particularly in inland and southern Spain, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Visitors should drink plenty of water, use sun protection and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Wildfires can occur during prolonged hot and dry periods, especially in summer.
Mosquitoes are common in some coastal and wetland areas, particularly during warmer months. The Asian tiger mosquito is established in parts of Spain and can transmit diseases such as dengue, although locally acquired cases remain uncommon. Travellers should use insect repellent where necessary. Tick bites are also a concern in rural and wooded areas, so walkers should wear suitable clothing and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
In mountainous regions, weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. Hikers should check forecasts, carry appropriate equipment and avoid routes beyond their experience. Strong currents and rough seas can make swimming dangerous along some beaches, particularly on the Atlantic coast and in the Canary Islands. Visitors should observe warning flags and follow local safety advice.
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