When traveling or living in Spain, knowing how to access emergency services is essential. Spain has a well-organized emergency system accessible via the 112 emergency number, which can connect you to ambulance, fire, and police services. Whether it’s a health emergency, accident, or fire, understanding Spanish emergency numbers and what to do in different situations will help keep you safe and informed.
Key Takeaways
- 112 is the universal emergency number in Spain, providing access to ambulance, police, and fire services, with multilingual support.
- For medical emergencies, you can also call 061 for ambulance services; public healthcare is free for EU citizens with the EHIC card, but non-EU citizens should have travel insurance.
- Police services: Dial 091 for the National Police (serious crimes) and 092 for Local Police (traffic accidents and minor offenses).
- Fire and maritime emergencies can be reported by calling 080/085 for fire or 900 202 202 for maritime rescue.
- AlertCops app provides real-time assistance in multiple languages, allowing tourists to report crimes and incidents directly to police.
What is the emergency number in Spain and how do I access help?
In Spain, the universal emergency number is 112. It connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services across the country. You can call 112 for free from any phone, and operators are available 24/7 in multiple languages, including English. Dial this number for immediate assistance in case of accidents, medical emergencies, or crimes.
Emergency Numbers in Spain and What They Cover
Spain uses 112 as the universal emergency number, which provides access to all essential emergency services, including ambulances, firefighters, and police.
112: The Universal Emergency Number in Spain
- 112 is the most important number to remember. It connects you to emergency services in Spain across all regions, and the operators are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
- What it covers: Medical emergencies, fire, police incidents, and accidents.
- Free and universal: You can call 112 for free from any phone, even without a SIM card.
Specialized numbers:
- 061 for ambulance services and healthcare-specific emergencies.
- 091 for the National Police (serious crimes).
- 092 for the Local Police (traffic-related and minor issues).
- 080/085 for the fire services in case of fire emergencies.
What to Do in Medical Emergencies
If you experience a medical emergency, it’s crucial to act fast. Knowing how to call an ambulance in Spain and understanding the difference between public and private healthcare will ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.
Calling an Ambulance in Spain
- Dial 112 or 061 for medical emergencies. You will be connected to emergency operators who will dispatch an ambulance.
- Provide essential details: Give your location, describe the nature of the emergency, and stay on the line until help is on the way.
Public vs. Private Emergency Services
- Public hospitals: If you have the EHIC card (for EU tourists), you are entitled to free or low-cost care at public hospitals. For non-EU tourists, it’s recommended to have travel health insurance to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
- Private hospitals: Facilities like Vithas Madrid or Clínica Universidad de Navarra provide faster service but at a higher cost. Tourists should ensure they have adequate coverage for private hospitals with emergency services to avoid high medical bills.
Reporting Crimes and Accidents: Contacting the Police
If you’re involved in or witness a crime or accident, knowing how to contact the police is important. Spain has multiple police services with different responsibilities.
National Police (091) vs. Local Police (092)
- National Police (091): Handles serious crimes such as theft, assault, and organized crime. Use this number if you are the victim of a serious crime or need urgent police intervention.
- Local Police (092): Primarily deals with traffic incidents, local disputes, and minor offenses. If you are in a traffic accident or need assistance with local issues, this is the number to dial.
Tourist Assistance and Crime Reporting
Spain provides a Tourist Assistance service that offers help in multiple languages. You can also use the AlertCops app, a mobile application that allows tourists to report incidents directly to the police in their native language.
Fire and Maritime Emergencies
If you’re involved in a fire or maritime emergency, Spain’s emergency services provide specialized support.
Fire Services
In case of fire, call 080 or 085. Firefighters in Spain are quick to respond, especially during high-risk seasons like summer when wildfires are more common.
Maritime Emergencies
For issues on the coast or at sea, dial 900 202 202, the number for Maritime Sea Rescue. This service assists with accidents involving boats, drowning incidents, or coastal emergencies.
Language Support and Accessibility in Emergencies
Spain’s emergency services ensure that non-Spanish speakers can receive assistance when needed. English is widely spoken by emergency operators, especially when dialing 112. Additionally, Spain’s AlertCops app allows tourists to report incidents directly to the police in their preferred language.
For those with hearing impairments, Spain provides SMS services (679 436 200) that can be used to alert emergency services.
Cost of Emergency Care: Public vs. Private
Public Emergency Care
- Free for EU citizens with an EHIC card, which grants access to most public healthcare services.
- Non-EU citizens will need travel insurance to cover medical emergencies. Without insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be high.
Private Healthcare Costs
Private healthcare offers faster and more personalized care but comes at a higher cost. For example, a basic emergency consultation may cost between €100 and €200 at a private hospital. Ensure that your travel insurance covers emergency services at private hospitals to avoid unexpected expenses.
No Regrets Booking Advice
How to Use the AlertCops App
The AlertCops app is a valuable tool for tourists in Spain, providing a direct line to the police. The app allows users to report crimes, emergencies, or health issues through text, photo, or video.
- Multilingual support: Available in multiple languages, making it easier for non-Spanish speakers to report incidents.
- Real-time assistance: Provides updates on the status of your report and emergency services’ response.
FAQs
What is the emergency number in Spain?
The emergency number in Spain is 112, a universal number that connects you to police, fire, and medical services. It is free to call from any phone, including mobiles without an active SIM card, and operates 24/7 across the entire country.
How do I call an ambulance in Spain?
To call an ambulance in Spain, dial 112 or 061. Both numbers connect you to medical emergency services. You’ll need to provide your location and a brief description of the emergency. The service operates in multiple languages, including English.
Where should I go for medical emergencies in Spain?
In case of a medical emergency, you can visit a public hospital if you have the EHIC card (for EU citizens) or go to a private hospital. Public hospitals provide low-cost care, while private hospitals may require health insurance for faster service and reduced costs.
Who can use the 112 emergency number in Spain?
112 is available to anyone in Spain, including tourists and residents, for any emergency situation. This number connects you to police, fire, ambulance, and maritime services. Operators speak multiple languages, making it ideal for foreign visitors.
What should I do in case of an accident in Spain?
If you’re involved in an accident, first ensure your safety and call 112 for emergency help. For traffic accidents, call 092 for the Local Police. If it’s a serious incident, the National Police (091) will handle the case.
How can I report a crime in Spain?
To report a crime in Spain, call 091 for the National Police, who handle serious offenses like theft and violence. For minor incidents, such as local disputes or traffic issues, dial 092 for the Local Police.
What does the AlertCops app do in Spain?
The AlertCops app allows users to report crimes and emergencies directly to the police in their preferred language. It provides real-time updates and is especially helpful for tourists who may face language barriers.
How does Spanish healthcare handle tourists in emergencies?
Tourists can access Spain’s public healthcare in emergencies by showing an EHIC card (for EU citizens) or using travel health insurance. Non-EU tourists are advised to carry insurance, especially for private hospital services, which may not be free.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Will I be charged for calling 112 in Spain?
No, calling 112 in Spain is completely free, whether you’re calling from a landline or mobile phone. This number is available 24/7 for all types of emergencies across the country.
Conclusion
Knowing how to access emergency services in Spain is critical for ensuring your safety while traveling. Whether you need to call 112 for an ambulance or report a crime, being informed about the emergency system will help you respond quickly and effectively.
Save these emergency numbers in your phone and consider downloading the AlertCops app before your trip. For additional peace of mind, ensure you have travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies during your stay.
