Finding English-Speaking Doctors in Spain

Finding a doctor who speaks your language makes healthcare less stressful, especially for complex medical issues. While learning Spanish is important for life in Spain, navigating health concerns in your native language provides crucial peace of mind.

Where to find English-speaking doctors

Private insurance directories

If you have private insurance, start with your insurer’s provider directory:

Sanitas: Filter by language in their online directory and app. Sanitas has the largest English-speaking network among Spanish insurers.

Adeslas: Provider search includes language options in some regions. Call customer service for English-speaking doctor recommendations.

Other insurers: Most major insurers can provide lists of English-speaking doctors in their network upon request.

Online directories and resources

Doctoralia (doctoralia.es) Spain’s largest doctor review and booking platform:

• Filter by language spoken
• Read patient reviews
• Book appointments online
• Covers public and private doctors
• Available in English

Top Doctors (topdoctors.es) Premium doctor directory:

• Curated list of specialists
• Many speak English
• Detailed profiles and credentials
• Private practice focused

Expatica and expat forums Community recommendations:

• Personal experiences from other expats
• Word-of-mouth referrals
• City-specific recommendations
• Updated based on real experiences

Embassy and consulate lists

Many embassies maintain lists of English-speaking medical professionals:

US Embassy: Provides lists of doctors for each consular district UK Embassy: Maintains healthcare provider lists Other embassies: Check your country’s embassy website

These lists are especially useful for finding doctors experienced with foreign patients.

International clinics

Major cities have clinics specifically serving international patients:

Barcelona:

• Barcelona Health
• Turó Park Medical Center
• Centro Médico Teknon (international department)

Madrid:

• Unidad Médica Angloamericana
• Hospital Universitario HM (international services)
• Clínica Anglo Americana

Valencia:

• Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia (international unit)
• IMED Hospitales

Málaga/Costa del Sol:

• Hospiten Estepona
• Hospital Xanit Internacional
• HC Marbella International Hospital

Alicante/Costa Blanca:

• Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja
• Clínica Benidorm

These clinics often have multilingual staff throughout, from reception to specialists.

By specialty

General practitioners (GPs)

For routine care and initial consultations:

Private: International clinics and private practice GPs are most likely to speak English. Search Doctoralia filtering by language.

Public: Harder to find English-speaking GPs in the public system. Tourist areas have better odds. You can request a specific doctor if one speaks English.

Specialists

English-speaking specialists are more common than GPs because:

• Many trained internationally
• Private practice serves international patients
• Specialists in major cities attract diverse patients

How to find:

• Ask your GP for English-speaking referrals
• Search specialty + city + “English” on Doctoralia
• Contact international hospitals directly
• Ask expat communities for recommendations

Dentists

Many dentists speak English, especially in:

• Tourist areas
• Major cities
• Private practices catering to expats

Finding English-speaking dentists:

• Doctoralia dental section
• Sanitas Dental network
• Search “English speaking dentist [city]”
• Expat Facebook groups

Note: Dental care is not covered by public healthcare, so you’ll need private insurance or pay out of pocket.

Therapists and mental health

Finding English-speaking mental health support:

Psychologists:

• Psychology associations maintain directories
• International clinics often have psychologists
• Online therapy platforms (growing option)
• Expat-focused therapists advertise in expat media

Psychiatrists:

• Harder to find than psychologists
• Private hospitals have English-speaking psychiatrists
• May need referral from psychologist or GP
• Telehealth options expanding

Resources:

• Psychology Today Spain (international section)
• Doctoralia mental health category
• Expat-focused therapy services

Pediatricians

For families with children:

• International schools often provide doctor referrals
• Private pediatric clinics in expat areas
• Sanitas and Adeslas have pediatric networks
• Hospital pediatric departments

By city

Madrid

Large international community means good English-speaking options:

Hospitals with international services:

• Hospital Universitario HM
• Ruber Internacional
• Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid

International clinics:

• Unidad Médica Angloamericana (established expat clinic)
• Centro Médico Maestranza

Areas with more English speakers:

• Salamanca neighborhood
• Chamberí
• Near international schools

Barcelona

Very international city with strong English-speaking medical community:

Hospitals:

• Hospital Quirón Barcelona
• Centro Médico Teknon
• Hospital de Barcelona

International clinics:

• Turó Park Medical Center (specifically for expats)
• Barcelona Health

Areas:

• Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
• Eixample
• Near international schools

Valencia

Growing expat community with developing English-speaking services:

Hospitals:

• Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia
• Hospital IMED Valencia
• Hospital 9 de Octubre

Finding doctors:

• Fewer dedicated international clinics
• Doctoralia essential for finding English speakers
• Expat groups very helpful for recommendations

Málaga and Costa del Sol

Large British expat population means excellent English-speaking options:

Hospitals:

• Hospital Xanit Internacional (Benalmádena)
• HC Marbella International Hospital
• Hospiten Estepona

Clinics:

• Many private clinics cater specifically to expats
• English commonly spoken throughout Costa del Sol

This is one of the easiest areas in Spain to find English-speaking healthcare.

Alicante and Costa Blanca

Another area with strong British expat presence:

Hospitals:

• Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja
• Hospital IMED Elche
• Hospital Vithas Medimar

Finding doctors:

• Torrevieja and Benidorm have many English-speaking doctors
• Smaller towns may have fewer options
• British-focused clinics common

Tips for appointments

Before the appointment

Prepare vocabulary: Even with an English-speaking doctor, know basic Spanish medical terms:

• Dolor (pain)
• Fiebre (fever)
• Receta (prescription)
• Análisis de sangre (blood test)
• Radiografía (X-ray)

Prepare documentation:

• Medical history summary in English and Spanish
• Current medications list (generic names)
• Previous test results
• Insurance information

Confirm language: Call ahead to confirm the doctor speaks English and at what level. Some speak “medical English” but struggle with complex discussions.

During the appointment

Bring backup:

• Translation app on your phone
• Spanish-speaking friend if available
• Written notes of symptoms and questions

Ask for written instructions: Request prescriptions and instructions in writing—easier to translate later if needed.

Confirm understanding: Repeat back what you understood to ensure clarity, especially for treatment plans.

After the appointment

Get documentation: Request copies of all test results and records in case you need to see another doctor or translate later.

Pharmacy assistance: Pharmacists often speak some English and can explain medications.

Building your healthcare team

Create a list

Build your personal directory of English-speaking providers:

• GP for routine care
• Dentist for regular checkups
• Specialists for any ongoing conditions
• Emergency hospital location
• After-hours clinic (urgencias)
• Pharmacy you trust

Establish relationships

Before you urgently need care:

• Register with a GP and have an initial visit
• Get routine checkups (dental, vision)
• Fill prescriptions to know the process
• Save contact information for all providers

Keep records

Maintain your own medical file:

• Test results
• Vaccination records
• Prescription history
• Doctor contact information
• Insurance policy details

When English isn’t available

Sometimes you’ll need care from non-English speakers:

Use technology

Translation apps:

• Google Translate (voice and camera features)
• Medical translation apps
• Pre-translate symptoms and questions

Telehealth: Some platforms offer English-speaking doctors via video call, even if local options are limited.

Bring support

• Spanish-speaking friend or neighbor
• Professional interpreter (available through some hospitals)
• Community volunteer translators (expat groups sometimes organize)

Written communication

Complex medical information is often easier in writing:

• Write down symptoms in advance
• Request written summaries
• Use email for non-urgent follow-up questions

Emergency situations

Know your hospitals

Identify the nearest hospital with English-speaking emergency staff before you need it. In major cities, large hospitals typically have some English capability.

Emergency phrases

Learn essential phrases:

• “Necesito un médico” (I need a doctor)
• “Es una emergencia” (It’s an emergency)
• “No hablo español” (I don’t speak Spanish)
• “¿Habla inglés?” (Do you speak English?)

112 operators

The 112 emergency line often has English-speaking operators or access to interpretation services.

Cost considerations

English-speaking doctors in private practice typically charge:

Service	Typical Cost
GP consultation	€50-100
Specialist visit	€80-200
Dental checkup	€30-60
Therapy session	€60-120

International clinics and hospitals may charge more than standard private practice rates. Confirm costs before appointments.

Finding English-speaking healthcare in Spain takes initial effort, but once you’ve established your providers, navigating the system becomes much easier. Start building your healthcare network early—before you urgently need it.