< Back Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city? Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat? What is the word for "doctor" in the local language? What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider? Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go? What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police. What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable? How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language? Is the water safe to drink? Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city? There are no vaccinations required before arriving in Madrid. ↑ Top Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat? All European Union citizens are entitled to medical care if residing in Spain. The state health provider is called Insalud. Until arrangements are made to obtain the Spanish residence card (which thereby enables you to join the Spanish social security system), it is advisable to obtain the E111 form in your country prior to arrival in Spain. This form entitles you to reciprocal national health care in Spain when attending a non-private medical center or hospital. Generally speaking, Spanish medicine is expensive. ↑ Top What is the word for "doctor" in the local language? Médico ↑ Top What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider? Once you have your residence card, you can register with your local Insalud doctor. To find your local Insalud clinic. call 061. ↑ Top Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go? No, it isn't necessary. The state healthcare provision in Spain is very comprehensive and generally very efficient. There are medical insurance providers (Sanitas, Cigna) that can offer programs especially for expats. ↑ Top What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police. Emergencies – 112 INSALUD/Medical Emergencies – 061 Ambulance – 092 Red Cross (Cruz Roja) – Emergencies – 91 335 45 44; General Information – 91 335 44 44 Poison (Toxicologo) – Emergencies – 91 562 02 22; General Information – 91 562 0420 Fire (Bomberos) – Central Madrid – 080; Suburbs – 085 Police (Policia) – Municipal – 091; National – 092 ↑ Top What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable? For any emergency, medical, fire or police, call 112. ↑ Top How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language? Pharmacies are easily identifiable by the large green neon cross flashing above the entrance. "Farmacia" means pharmacy in Castellano. Important note: in other countries, pharmacists require a prescription in order to dispense medicine; however, in Spain, pharmacists operate with a much greater degree of flexibility and you will be surprised at the ease with which you are able to obtain medicine without a prescription. In order to find the pharmacy nearest you, dial 010 or 098. ↑ Top Is the water safe to drink? Yes. ↑ Top IMPORTANT NOTE: Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.