I´m on Holiday, How Can I see a Dr in Lanzarote?

Nobody wants to become ill or have an accident while on holiday, but sometimes it happens. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a fall, an infection or something more serious, knowing where to turn for medical help in Lanzarote can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.

One of the biggest concerns for visitors is often the cost of medical treatment. Will you be covered? Do you need an EHIC or GHIC card? Does your travel insurance pay for everything? And what happens if you need to go to hospital?

The answers depend on where you are travelling from, your healthcare entitlement and the type of treatment you need.

Here is everything you need to know about accessing medical treatment in Lanzarote. 

The first thing to establish is whether you need emergency assistance or routine medical care.

If you have a medical emergency

If someone is seriously ill, has a serious accident, is experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, a suspected stroke or another potentially life-threatening condition, call:

112 – Emergency services in Lanzarote

The number is free, operates 24 hours a day and can be used by visitors. The Canary Islands emergency service has operators who can assist in English, Spanish and other languages.

You can request an ambulance and explain what has happened and where you are.

Do not delay emergency treatment because you are worried about insurance or payment.

If you need a doctor but it is not an emergency

If you have a minor illness, an infection, a painful ear, a stomach problem or another condition that needs medical attention, you have several options.

• Visit a public health centre, known locally as a Centro de Salud.
• Contact your travel insurance provider for advice about an approved medical facility.
• Visit a private medical clinic if you have suitable insurance or are prepared to pay.

If you are unsure where to go, your hotel reception may be able to provide information. However, be aware that some hotels and tour operators arrange private medical treatment, which may involve charges.

If you are visiting Lanzarote from the United Kingdom, one of the most important things to understand is the difference between an EHIC and a GHIC.

Many people still refer to the old E111 form, but this is no longer the document used for accessing healthcare abroad.

The EHIC – European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card is available to eligible people and provides access to medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary visit to participating European countries.

If you already have a valid UK-issued EHIC, you can continue using it until it expires.

The GHIC – Global Health Insurance Card

The UK Global Health Insurance Card replaced the E111 and is now issued to many eligible UK residents.

It allows eligible visitors to access medically necessary state healthcare in Spain on the same basis as people covered by the Spanish public healthcare system.

This can include treatment for an unexpected illness, an accident or a condition that develops during your holiday and cannot reasonably wait until you return home.

The important thing to remember is that both cards are for public healthcare, not private medical treatment.

What does an EHIC or GHIC cover?

For eligible UK visitors, the card can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay.

This may include:

• Treatment at a public hospital
• Necessary medical consultations
• Emergency treatment
• Treatment for an illness that develops during your holiday
• Medically necessary care for certain pre-existing conditions

The treatment is provided under the same rules that apply to people covered by the Spanish public healthcare system.

Prescriptions may still involve a contribution towards the cost.

What does an EHIC or GHIC NOT cover?

Your card is not a replacement for travel insurance.

It generally does not cover:

• Private medical treatment
• Medical repatriation to the UK
• Changes to flights or accommodation because of illness
• Planned medical treatment abroad
• Certain additional medical expenses
• Some rescue or evacuation costs
• 
  

This is why having both a valid healthcare card and suitable travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Where can you apply for a GHIC?

If you are eligible for a UK GHIC, you can apply for one free of charge through the official NHS website.

Official application website:

Be careful of unofficial websites that charge you to apply for a card.

If you have already arrived in Lanzarote and need treatment but do not have your card with you, you may be able to obtain a Provisional Replacement Certificate through the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.

You should not delay urgent medical treatment while trying to obtain paperwork.

If you are visiting Lanzarote from another EU or eligible EEA country, you may be entitled to use your own country’s European Health Insurance Card.

The EHIC allows eligible visitors to access medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay in Spain.

The exact rules and any contributions towards treatment or prescriptions depend on the healthcare arrangements in your country.

Before travelling, check that your card is valid and that you understand what it covers.

If you are travelling from Switzerland or another country with reciprocal healthcare arrangements, check the rules that apply to your particular circumstances.

If you are visiting Lanzarote from the United States, Canada, Australia or another country without applicable reciprocal healthcare arrangements, you should not assume that you are entitled to free public healthcare.

You may be required to pay for medical treatment.

This is why comprehensive travel insurance is particularly important for visitors from outside Europe.

Before travelling, check that your policy covers:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital admission
• Ambulance services
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Medical repatriation to your home country
• Any pre-existing medical conditions

If you are unsure whether a particular treatment is covered, contact your insurer before arranging non-emergency treatment.

One of the most important things visitors need to understand is that Spain has both public and private healthcare facilities.

They are not interchangeable when it comes to insurance and healthcare cards.

Public healthcare

Public hospitals and health centres provide treatment through the Spanish national healthcare system.

Eligible visitors with a valid EHIC or GHIC can access medically necessary state healthcare under the applicable rules.

If you are relying on your healthcare card, make sure you are receiving treatment through the public system.

Private healthcare

Private clinics and hospitals operate separately from the public healthcare system.

They may offer shorter waiting times, English-speaking doctors and a different range of services.

However, your EHIC or GHIC will not cover private treatment.

You may need to pay upfront or have your insurance company arrange payment directly.

Always check whether a medical facility is public or private before receiving non-emergency treatment.

If you are taken to a private hospital by a hotel doctor or private ambulance, contact your travel insurer as soon as possible.

If you have travel insurance, keep your policy details and emergency assistance telephone number somewhere accessible.

If you need medical treatment:

1. Contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team as soon as possible.
2. Explain your symptoms and where you are staying.
3. Ask which medical facility they recommend.
4. Check whether they can arrange direct payment.
5. Keep copies of medical reports, prescriptions and receipts.

Some insurers require you to contact them before receiving certain types of treatment, particularly hospital admission or expensive procedures.

However, never delay emergency treatment while waiting for insurance approval.

If you have paid for treatment yourself, keep all documentation so you can submit a claim.

If you are admitted to hospital in Lanzarote, the medical team will assess your condition and determine what treatment is required.

You may be asked to provide:

• Your passport or identification
• Your EHIC or GHIC, if applicable
• Your travel insurance details
• Your policy number
• Emergency contact information

If you have travel insurance, your insurer may need to speak directly with the hospital to arrange payment or approve treatment.

If you are travelling alone, it can be helpful to have a trusted person who can assist with contacting your insurer or family.

What if you need medical treatment but do not have insurance?

If you are not covered by travel insurance or a reciprocal healthcare arrangement, you may be responsible for the cost of your medical treatment.

The cost will depend on the treatment required and whether you attend a public or private facility.

If you are admitted to a private hospital, you may be asked for payment or financial arrangements before certain non-emergency services are provided.

If you are unsure about your entitlement, ask the medical facility to explain the charges and whether you are eligible for state healthcare.

For emergency situations, always seek help first.

f you run out of medication or require a prescription while visiting Lanzarote, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Pharmacies are known locally as Farmacias and can be identified by a green cross.

If you take regular medication, it is always advisable to bring enough for your holiday, along with a copy of your prescription.

If you have a medical condition, consider carrying a short medical summary explaining your condition and medication.

Sometimes an illness or accident means you cannot return home on your scheduled flight.

This is where travel insurance can be particularly important.

Depending on your policy, your insurer may arrange:

• A change to your return flight
• Additional accommodation
• Medical assistance during your stay
• Medical repatriation
• An accompanied or specially arranged return journey

Your EHIC or GHIC does not cover the cost of medical repatriation.

If you are admitted to hospital, speak to your insurer before making travel arrangements.

You may also need medical confirmation that you are fit to fly.

If you need medical assistance in Lanzarote, these phrases may help.



A little preparation can save a lot of stress if you become ill during your holiday.

Before leaving home, make sure you:

• Have suitable travel insurance
• Check that your policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions
• Apply for a valid EHIC or GHIC if eligible
• Save your insurer’s emergency telephone number
• Bring enough regular medication
• Carry a copy of important medical information
• Know the emergency number: 112

Keep a digital copy of your insurance policy and healthcare card on your phone, as well as a physical copy if possible.

Enjoy your holiday with peace of mind

Lanzarote has healthcare facilities available to visitors who become ill or have an accident during their stay.

The most important thing is knowing where to turn for help and understanding how your healthcare entitlement or insurance works.

If you are travelling from the UK, remember that your EHIC or GHIC can help you access medically necessary state healthcare, but it does not replace travel insurance.

If you are travelling from another country, check the healthcare arrangements that apply to you before your holiday.

And in an emergency, don’t hesitate.

Call 112 for emergency assistance in Lanzarote.

A little preparation before you travel can help ensure that, if you do need medical treatment, you know what to do and where to go.

Important information

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical, insurance or legal advice. Healthcare eligibility and insurance coverage depend on individual circumstances and may change. Always check the latest official guidance before travelling.

Official sources

• UK Government – Healthcare for UK nationals visiting Spain
• NHS – Apply for a GHIC: 
• UK Government – Spain travel advice
• Canary Islands Emergency Services – 112