English-Speaking Doctors in Spain: Directory by City

Why Finding an English-Speaking Doctor Matters

Clear communication saves lives:

• Accurately describing symptoms and medical history
• Understanding your diagnosis without translation errors
• Asking questions about treatment options
• Reading prescriptions and medication instructions
• Discussing sensitive health topics comfortably

Common communication failures:

• Misdiagnosed conditions due to language barriers
• Wrong medications prescribed
• Missed follow-up appointments
• Confusion about test results
• Inability to ask important questions

When you absolutely need English:

• Mental health counseling and therapy
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Pediatrics (explaining your child's symptoms)
• Complex diagnoses
• Emergency situations

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Public vs Private Healthcare in Spain

Spain has a dual healthcare system, and understanding the difference is crucial for finding English-speaking doctors.

Public Healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud)

Pros:

• Free or very low cost (€0-10 per visit)
• Excellent quality of care
• Covers emergencies, specialists, hospitalization
• No insurance premiums if working legally

Cons:

• Few doctors speak fluent English
• Longer wait times (weeks for specialists)
• Less choice of doctor
• May need to change doctor for English speaker

English availability:

• Limited in most public clinics
• Better in major city hospitals
• Some foreigners' clinics exist
• Translation apps often needed

Private Healthcare

Pros:

• Many English-speaking doctors
• Same-day or next-day appointments
• Choose your preferred doctor
• Modern facilities
• English-speaking staff

Cons:

• Costs €50-150 per visit
• Private insurance €50-150/month
• Not all treatments covered
• Extra costs for tests/procedures

English availability:

• Excellent in expat areas
• Most doctors speak English
• English-speaking reception staff
• Medical records in English available

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Finding English-Speaking Doctors by City

Madrid

Madrid has excellent English-speaking medical care, especially in private clinics.

Top General Practitioners (GPs):

1. Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid

• Location: Pozuelo de Alarcón (western Madrid)
• Services: Full English-speaking medical staff, all specialties
• GP Visit: €80-120
• Specialists: €120-180
• Emergency: 24/7 English-speaking ER
• Phone: +34 902 151 617
• Why: Flagship hospital with international patient department

2. Sanitas Hospitals Madrid

• Locations: Multiple across Madrid (La Moraleja, La Zarzuela)
• Services: GPs, pediatrics, gynecology, all specialties
• GP Visit: €60-90
• Network: Works with Sanitas insurance (€70-120/month)
• Why: Large expat-friendly network

3. Centro Médico Conde Duque

• Location: Central Madrid (near Plaza España)
• Services: English-speaking GPs, vaccines, travel medicine
• GP Visit: €70-100
• Walk-ins: Accepted
• Why: Convenient central location

4. The Madrid Surgery

• Location: Chamberí district
• Services: British-run GP practice, all ages
• GP Visit: €90-110
• Registration: Accepts private patients and insurance
• Why: British NHS-style approach

5. Clinica Universidad de Navarra

• Location: Chamartín
• Services: World-class specialists, many English speakers
• Specialist Visit: €150-250
• Why: Top reputation for complex conditions

Top Specialists:

• Pediatrics: Dr. Patricia García (Hospital Quirónsalud), €100-130
• Gynecology: Dr. Elena Martínez (Sanitas La Moraleja), €90-120
• Cardiology: Dr. James Wilson (Clinica Universitaria), €150-200

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Barcelona

Barcelona has a huge expat community, so English-speaking doctors are plentiful.

Top General Practitioners:

1. Turó Park Medical & Dental Center

• Location: Turó Park (upscale area near Diagonal)
• Services: Comprehensive multilingual clinic (15+ languages)
• GP Visit: €100-130
• Specialists: €130-200
• Why: Most established English clinic in Barcelona

2. Hospital Quirón Barcelona

• Location: Plaça d'Alfons Comín
• Services: Full hospital with international department
• GP Visit: €80-110
• Emergency: 24/7 English ER
• Why: Complete hospital services

3. Barcelona International Health Centre

• Location: Eixample district
• Services: British-run GP surgery
• GP Visit: €85-110
• Home Visits: Available (€120-180)
• Why: British doctors, NHS approach

4. Clínica CIMA

• Location: Near Passeig de Gracia
• Services: Family medicine, vaccinations
• GP Visit: €70-100
• Why: Good value, central location

5. IMQ Mediterrania

• Location: Multiple locations
• Services: Insurance-based clinics
• GP Visit: €60-90 (with insurance), €100-130 (private)
• Why: Wide network across Catalonia

Top Specialists:

• Pediatrics: Dr. Sarah Thompson (Turó Park), €120-150
• Dermatology: Dr. Michael Roberts (Hospital Quirón), €110-140
• Orthopedics: Dr. Juan Carlos López (Teknon), €150-200

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Valencia

Valencia has fewer expats than Madrid/Barcelona but still offers English medical care.

Top English-Speaking Doctors:

1. Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia

• Location: Valencia city center
• Services: Full hospital, international patient services
• GP Visit: €70-100
• Emergency: English-speaking ER
• Why: Most reliable for English speakers

2. Vithas Hospital Nisa 9 de Octubre

• Location: Valencia city
• Services: Specialists, surgery, emergency
• Specialist Visit: €100-150
• Why: Modern facility, some English doctors

3. IMED Hospitales

• Location: Valencia and surrounding areas
• Services: GPs and specialists
• GP Visit: €60-90
• Why: Good value

For Routine Care:

• Most private clinics in Valencia have at least one English-speaking doctor
• Call ahead to confirm English availability
• Expect less English than Madrid/Barcelona

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Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella, Fuengirola)

The Costa del Sol has the highest concentration of English-speaking doctors outside Madrid/Barcelona due to the large British expat population.

Top Clinics:

1. Vithas Xanit International Hospital Benalmádena

• Location: Benalmádena
• Services: Full hospital, heavily expat-focused
• GP Visit: €70-100
• Why: Purpose-built for international patients

2. Hospital Costa del Sol (Public)

• Location: Marbella
• Services: Public hospital with international patient unit
• Cost: Free with health card
• Why: Rare public option with good English

3. Cudeca Hospice

• Location: Benalmádena
• Services: Palliative care, cancer support (English charity)
• Cost: Donations-based
• Why: Specialized end-of-life care in English

4. HC Marbella International Hospital

• Location: Marbella/Estepona
• Services: Luxury hospital, all English
• GP Visit: €100-150
• Why: Premium service

5. Various British Clinics:

• Many small British-run GP surgeries along the coast
• GP visits: €60-90
• Walk-ins usually accepted

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Alicante / Costa Blanca

Another major expat area with good English medical infrastructure.

Top Options:

1. Hospital Vithas Medimar Internacional

• Location: Alicante
• Services: International hospital
• GP Visit: €70-100
• Why: Main hospital for expats

2. Quirónsalud Torrevieja

• Location: Torrevieja
• Services: Full hospital services
• GP Visit: €70-110
• Why: Excellent reputation

3. British clinics in Benidorm, Calpe, Dénia

• Many small practices
• GP visits: €60-90

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Mallorca (Balearic Islands)

Top Options:

1. Clínica Juaneda

• Location: Palma
• Services: Main private hospital, international department
• GP Visit: €80-110

2. Hospital Quirónsalud Palmaplanas

• Location: Palma
• Services: Full hospital
• GP Visit: €90-120

3. Clínica Picasso

• Location: Palma
• Services: Small English clinic
• GP Visit: €70-100

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Other Major Cities

Seville:

• Hospital Quirónsalud Sagrado Corazón
• Some English-speaking doctors, call ahead
• GP: €70-100

Granada:

• Limited English options
• Hospital Virgen de las Nieves (public) has some English speakers

Bilbao:

• Hospital Quirónsalud Bizkaia
• Growing expat community, improving English services

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Types of Doctors You Might Need

Understanding Spanish medical specialties:

Médico de cabecera / Médico de familia

• General Practitioner (GP) / Family Doctor
• Your first point of contact
• Refers you to specialists

Pediatra

• Pediatrician
• Children's doctor (0-14 years typically)

Ginecólogo/a

• Gynecologist
• Women's reproductive health

Cardiólogo/a

• Cardiologist
• Heart specialist

Dermatólogo/a

• Dermatologist
• Skin conditions

Traumatólogo/a

• Orthopedic surgeon
• Bones, joints, sports injuries

Psiquiatra / Psicólogo/a

• Psychiatrist / Psychologist
• Mental health

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How to Register with a Doctor

Public System

Requirements:

1. Health card (tarjeta sanitaria)
2. Registration certificate (empadronamiento)
3. Social security number or private insurance

Process:

1. Go to your assigned health center (centro de salud)
2. Request registration
3. They'll assign you a GP
4. Can request English-speaking doctor if available (often not possible)

Private System

Much easier:

1. Choose your doctor from clinic website
2. Call or book online
3. Bring passport/NIE
4. Pay per visit or through private insurance
5. No registration needed for one-off visits

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Consultation Costs

Public Healthcare:

• GP visit: €0 (free with health card)
• Specialist: €0 (with referral)
• Emergency: €0
• Prescriptions: €0-€5 per medication (subsidized)

Private Healthcare:

• GP visit: €50-100 (Madrid/Barcelona: €80-130)
• Specialist: €80-180 (Complex specialists: €150-250)
• Emergency visit: €100-200
• Home visit: €120-250
• Prescriptions: Full price (€10-50 typical medication)

Private Insurance:

• Monthly premium: €50-150 (varies by age, coverage)
• Reduced visit costs or included in premium
• Popular insurers: Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, DKV

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Medical Tourism in Spain

Spain is a top destination for medical tourism:

Why people come to Spain:

• Quality care at lower costs than US/UK private
• English-speaking doctors
• Advanced technology
• Short wait times (private)

Common procedures:

• Dental work (50-70% cheaper than UK/US)
• Cosmetic surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Fertility treatments
• Cancer treatment (excellent oncology)

Example cost savings:

• Dental implant: €800-1,200 (vs €3,000-5,000 US)
• Knee replacement: €8,000-12,000 (vs €30,000+ US)
• IVF cycle: €4,000-6,000 (vs €12,000+ US/UK)

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Emergency Medical Services

When to call 112:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Suspected stroke or heart attack
• Severe allergic reaction

What to expect:

• Operator may speak English (say "English please")
• Ambulance arrives 8-15 minutes (cities)
• Public emergency rooms have some English speakers
• Treatment first, questions later
• Bring passport and health card

Emergency room (Urgencias) costs:

• Public: €0 with health card
• Private: €100-200+ depending on treatment
• Serious cases: Public hospitals are excellent

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Prescription Medications

How it works:

• Doctor gives prescription (receta)
• Take to any pharmacy (farmacia - green cross sign)
• Many pharmacists speak some English
• Show prescription and health card

Costs:

• Public system: €0-5 per medication (subsidized)
• Private: €10-50 typical medication
• Some medications cheaper than UK/US even at full price

Over-the-counter:

• More medications available OTC than UK/US
• Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments
• No English prescription needed for OTC

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Health Insurance in Spain

Who needs private insurance:

• Self-employed/freelancers not in public system
• Non-EU residents (visa requirement)
• Anyone wanting English doctors and fast appointments

Top insurers with English service:

1. Sanitas

• Premium: €70-130/month
• Coverage: Excellent
• Network: Large, many English doctors
• Why: Most popular with expats

2. Adeslas

• Premium: €60-120/month
• Coverage: Very good
• Network: Largest in Spain
• Why: Best value

3. Asisa

• Premium: €50-110/month
• Coverage: Good
• Network: Large
• Why: Often cheapest

4. DKV

• Premium: €80-150/month
• Coverage: Premium
• Why: High-end service

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Practical Tips

Before your appointment:

• Write down symptoms in English
• Bring medication list
• Bring previous medical records if relevant
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early

Questions to ask when booking:

• "Do you have English-speaking doctors?"
• "What are the consultation costs?"
• "Do you accept walk-ins or appointment only?"
• "Do you work with [insurance name]?"

Red flags:

• Doctor doesn't speak English despite advertising
• Unclear pricing
• Pressure to buy unnecessary tests
• No medical license visible

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Conclusion

Finding English-speaking doctors in Spain is easier than ever, especially in expat-heavy areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Costa del Sol, and Alicante. While you'll pay more for private care (€50-150 per visit), the peace of mind from clear communication about your health is invaluable.

Quick summary:

• Best cities for English doctors: Madrid, Barcelona, Costa del Sol, Alicante
• Typical costs: €70-120 GP visit, €100-180 specialist
• Best value: Get private insurance (€50-150/month) if you visit doctors regularly
• Emergency: Call 112, public emergency rooms are excellent
• Registration: Easy with private doctors, challenging with public system

Next steps:

1. Decide public vs private based on your needs
2. Choose a doctor from the directories above
3. Book an initial appointment
4. Consider private insurance if you'll need regular care

Your health is too important to leave to chance. With this guide, you can find qualified English-speaking medical care anywhere in Spain.

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Related Guides:

• Healthcare Registration for Expats in Spain
• Private Health Insurance Spain: Complete Comparison
• Emergency Room Spain: What to Expect

Need Help? Browse our complete Spain healthcare checklist for step-by-step guidance on registering for healthcare, getting your health card, and navigating the Spanish medical system.