When to see a doctor in Spain and when you can safely manage symptoms at home

Moving to Spain means getting used to a new healthcare system as well as a new climate and lifestyle. Minor illnesses, aches and pains are part of life, especially in hot Spanish summers where heat and dehydration can make simple viruses feel worse. Understanding a few simple rules of thumb can help you feel more confident about everyday health decisions and make better use of both public and private healthcare.

Common symptoms you can usually manage at home

Many short‑lived problems can be handled with rest, fluids and simple over‑the‑counter remedies. If symptoms are mild and improving, you often do not need to see a doctor straight away.

• Mild colds and sore throats: A blocked nose, scratchy throat and low‑grade temperature that settle over a few days usually respond to rest, drinking plenty of fluids and basic pain relief such as paracetamol, as long as you are otherwise well.
• Short‑term tummy upsets: Brief episodes of diarrhoea or mild vomiting without blood, high fever or severe pain are often caused by minor infections or something you have eaten, and can usually be managed at home with hydration and a light diet, as long as you watch out for signs of fluid or electrolyte loss.
• Simple muscle strains: Mild back or joint pain after exercise, lifting or travel often improves with a few days of relative rest, gentle movement, cold or heat packs and over‑the‑counter pain relief, provided there is no major swelling, deformity or inability to put weight on the area.
• Occasional headaches: Infrequent headaches that respond to rest, fluids and standard painkillers, especially when linked to stress, long journeys or screen time, are often safe to manage yourself in the short term.

Red‑flag symptoms that need urgent medical help

Some symptoms should never be ignored, no matter where you live. In Spain, as elsewhere, these red flags mean you should seek urgent care through emergency services or the nearest hospital rather than waiting to see if things improve.

• Chest pain or pressure: Sudden, severe or crushing pain in the chest, especially if it spreads to the arm, neck, jaw or back, or is accompanied by breathlessness, sweating or nausea, needs immediate emergency assessment.
• Sudden weakness, confusion or difficulty speaking: Sudden weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, trouble speaking or understanding, or sudden loss of vision can be signs of a stroke and require emergency care.
• Severe breathing problems: Struggling to breathe, breathing very fast at rest, or noisy breathing that is worsening, especially in children or people with known heart or lung disease, should be treated as urgent.
• Severe abdominal pain: Intense, worsening pain in the abdomen, particularly if accompanied by a rigid tummy, vomiting blood, black stools or an inability to pass gas or stool, should be assessed quickly.
• High fever with a very unwell appearance: A persistent high fever with confusion, mottled or very pale skin, neck stiffness, a rash that does not fade when pressed, or extreme drowsiness is a medical emergency.
• Serious injuries: Suspected fractures, deep wounds, head injuries with loss of consciousness, or major burns require prompt in‑person medical attention.

Situations where you should see a doctor soon

Between the clearly minor and the obviously serious sits a large grey area where symptoms are persistent, worrying or simply not improving. In these situations it is sensible to arrange a medical review, even if you do not need an emergency department.

• Symptoms that last more than a couple of weeks: Ongoing cough, stomach discomfort, change in bowel habits, fatigue, low mood or unexplained pain that persists for more than two or three weeks should be discussed with a doctor.
• Recurring illnesses: Repeated infections, such as frequent chest, urinary or sinus infections, can signal underlying problems that benefit from assessment and possibly tests.
• New or changing lumps, moles or skin lesions: Any lump that is growing, painful or hard, or any mole that changes colour, size or shape, should be checked.
• Weight loss or gain without a clear reason: Unintended weight loss, or rapid weight gain with swelling, can be a sign of thyroid, heart, digestive or hormonal problems and deserves medical attention.
• If you take several daily medications: People who live with more than one long‑term condition or take several daily medications should be especially cautious about persistent symptoms, as they might reflect side effects or interactions rather than simple ageing.

Getting used to healthcare in Spain as an expat

Adapting to a new healthcare system can feel confusing at first. In Spain, the public system provides broad coverage through local health centres and hospitals, but it often involves specific processes, appointment systems and waiting times. Language barriers and unfamiliar terminology can make it harder to judge when to book a visit or how to explain your symptoms clearly.

Private health insurance can help bridge some of these gaps, offering more flexibility around appointment times, access to a wider network of doctors and, in many cases, easier digital tools in English. For many expats, having a familiar‑feeling route into Spanish healthcare makes it easier to ask questions early and avoid delaying care until problems become urgent.

How a digital GP can help you decide

One of the most useful developments in recent years is the growth of digital GP services. Being able to talk to a doctor by video or secure chat from home is particularly helpful when you are unsure whether your symptoms need a physical examination, a simple home‑care plan or a prompt in‑person visit.

Digital consultations can be used for many everyday problems, such as mild infections, medication questions, travel health queries or follow‑up of stable conditions. A doctor can guide you through your symptoms, ask targeted questions and advise whether you can continue self‑care, need a routine clinic appointment or should seek urgent help. For parents, the ability to get quick advice when a child becomes unwell can be especially reassuring.

Using Sanitas digital GP services from Spain or abroad

If you are covered by Sanitas health insurance, digital GP consultations give you a straightforward way to access medical advice without leaving home or waiting for an in‑person slot. You can usually connect with a doctor through the Sanitas app or online platform, discuss your symptoms, receive guidance on treatment and, where appropriate, get prescriptions or referrals for tests and specialist care.

This is particularly useful if you are travelling within Spain, spending time in another country, or living in an area where reaching a clinic takes longer. Instead of postponing questions or worrying about whether your symptoms are serious, you can speak with a doctor who understands the Spanish system and can advise you on the best next step.

When a digital GP is not enough

There are limits to what can safely be managed through a screen. Digital doctors cannot perform physical examinations, take blood tests or carry out scans during the consultation. If your symptoms suggest a serious problem, you will still be directed to in‑person care, either through your Sanitas network or via emergency services depending on the situation.

For this reason, it is important to seek direct emergency help if you experience clear red‑flag symptoms such as chest pain, sudden weakness, severe breathing difficulty or signs of a stroke, rather than relying on a scheduled video consultation. In less urgent scenarios, however, digital GP is a powerful first step that can save you time, reduce unnecessary travel and give you clarity when you are unsure what to do next.

Finding out more about Sanitas digital GP consultations

If you like the idea of speaking to a doctor quickly from home whenever you are unsure how serious your symptoms are, it is worth understanding exactly how Sanitas digital GP services work. With Sanitas, you can arrange online consultations with general practitioners and, in many cases, specialists, making it easier to get personalised guidance, prescriptions and referrals without always needing an in‑person visit first.

To learn more about what is included, how appointments are booked and which plans offer this feature, read the guide Sanitas Digital GP Consultations – 24/7 Online Doctor & BLUA in the Sanitas Knowledge Hub.