In case of acute emergency, call 112. Please note that the information below is based on our research and experience but may change over time. In case of acute emergency, always call 112.

Nerja, with its charming coastline and relaxing atmosphere, has become a popular destination for both Swedish tourists and long-term Swedish residents. Knowing how to navigate the healthcare system as an expat in Spain and in Nerja can be helpful if an accident occurs. Here is a guide for anyone seeking medical care in Nerja, whether you're here on holiday or are a long-term resident.

Föreställer en glad Sjuksköterska i Nerja
Föreställer en glad Sjuksköterska i Nerja

Hospitals in Nerja

Public Healthcare in Nerja

There is only one public healthcare facility in Nerja, Centro de Salud, which is open 24/7.

  • More information about Centro de Salud, including opening hours and phone numbers, including emergency numbers - here.

Public Healthcare for Tourists

In Spain, public healthcare is offered to all EU citizens who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (which you order from Försäkringskassan before you travel). In Nerja, you can visit local healthcare centers, Centro de Salud, which offer basic medical treatment and emergency care. It is important to bring your EHIC as well as a passport or national ID card. You can call ahead to book an appointment or come in for urgent care. They are open 24/7.

  • More information about Centro de Salud, including opening hours and phone numbers, including emergency numbers - here.

  • European Health Insurance Card. It's easiest if you order the card before your trip and bring it with you, but you can also arrange it afterward. You can read more about it here.

Public Healthcare for Nerja Residents

You can go to Centro de Salud to register and get a doctor's contact, as well as book appointments. You should bring your NIE number and, if you are a resident, your resident card (Certificado de Residencia) and your Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea.

Private Healthcare in Nerja

For faster service and quicker access to specialist doctors, you can choose private healthcare. There is a wide range of private clinics in Nerja where you can receive treatment either by direct payment or via private health insurance. You will see them in the city, and often it states that they have doctors or hospital staff who speak Swedish and/or English. See locations below.

Private Healthcare for Tourists

You can contact your home insurance provider to see if doctor visits are included when you are on holiday abroad; often they are. It may also be that you have travel insurance if you paid with a credit card that includes doctor visits. If you have insurance, you can go to any doctor's office in Nerja. When we have visited the doctor, they sometimes ask for an insurance number so that they can claim the cost of the visit directly from your insurance company, saving you from paying on site or having to seek reimbursement yourself.

Private Healthcare for Nerja Residents

If you have private health insurance, you can check what is included to visit private doctors and clinics in Nerja.

Documentation

For Tourists

  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare. Read more.

  • Your insurance number if you have travel insurance (such as home insurance, credit card insurance, or private healthcare insurance) for private medical care.

  • Personal identification such as a passport or national ID card

For Residents in Nerja

  • Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea, your NIE number and/or Certificado de Residencia.

  • Insurance number if you have private health insurance (such as home insurance, credit card insurance, or private healthcare insurance) and seek private care.

Where to Seek Medical Care in Nerja?

Other Tips

  • Pharmacies in Nerja are well-equipped, and pharmacists can offer advice and some medications without a prescription. A pharmacy with good opening hours and a good selection is this one right next to Centro de Salud. There you can also find information on which pharmacy in Nerja has an on-call service on which dates.

  • It is important to always carry a list of current medications and a medical history in English or Spanish, especially if you have existing health conditions.

In case of acute emergency, call 112.

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