What to do when you have an emergency in Spain

Before moving to Spain, there are several things you need to know before an emergency occurs measures, for instance, what number to call. It´s not 911. In this article, we will give you several suggestions on how to deal with any emergency that may arise.

1. Is there any number I should call when something unexpected happens?

2. AlertCops App: A quick respondent assistance tool for emergencies

3. What do you need to do when an emergency happens?

4. We will do our best to cover you, no matter what happens!

1. Is there any number I should call when something unexpected happens?

There is 1 number that you must remember while staying in Spain, and that would be 112. This is an all-in-one number for common emergencies, such as:

• Car accidents
• Fire
• Physical altercation
• Theft
• Rescue
• Natural disasters
• situations or scenarios that endanger one’s life
• Health Assistance

For expats, this is a very useful number as the operators can speak English! You can describe your situation briefly to them and they will find the contact with the professional services you might need accordingly. This number is available nationwide, but the services are organized locally by each Spanish region. If you are in Málaga while ringing 112, the office of Málaga will respond to you directly.  

Additionally, 112 can be used all over Europe. So, if you are traveling in other European countries, you can also call this number if anything unexpected happens.

The last reminder is that this is a hotline for emergencies only! Please don´t dial this number for any consultations on normal issues such as how to apply for a residence card. Otherwise, you might be wasting time while the other person needs a life-saving rescue.

2. AlertCops App: A quick respondent assistance tool for emergencies

This is an app designed by the Ministry of Interior Affairs, aiming to protect everyone living or traveling in Spain. You can download the app from the google play store or Appstore or directly from the website. The app needs to collect your personal information such as name, NIE/passport number, and other basic information. For expats, the good news is that you can switch the language to English! After configuring the app, you can report the following issues with only one click:

• Theft, robbery, assault
• Sexual assault
• Altercation, fights
• Gender violence
• Hate crimes
• Squatting (okupas)
• Radicalism
• Animal cruelty
• Lost, bullying, vandalism, damage
• Etc…

You can also call or initiate chats to report any injuries you or a loved one might have.

3. What do you need to do when an emergency happens?

• Be calm: state your name, address, phone number, and any information the official authority requires.
• Try to be observative enough to describe the current situation: For example, try to remember the physical characteristics of the criminal if you can.
• Try not to put yourself in danger: If the situation still involves potential danger, you need to make sure to be in a safe place.
• Know some survival Spanish and try to use it to ask for help from passengers:
  • Help!: Socorro!
  • Serious illness: enfermedad grave
  • I live at…: Vivo en
  • I want an ambulance: Quiero una ambulancia.
  • Emergency: Emergencia

4. We will do our best to cover you, no matter what happens!

SegurCaixa Adeslas will always be there whenever you need us. With our medical insurance, you can have easy access to emergency consultation calls, free ambulance, and urgent treatments. This medical insurance is also a perfect fit for a Spanish visa/NIE/TIE application as it fulfills all the requirements. Come and talk to us!

If you would like to know more about this topic, check out one of these other blogs:

• How to apply for a Golden visa/investor visa in Spain?
• Guide to taxes required when buying a house in Spain
• Guide to rent a house in Spain
• Guide to tenants' rights and obligations renting a house in Spain
• Guide to get a mortgage as a foreigner in Spain
• The best places to live in Spain for Expats with different needs
• Cost of living: Is it cheap to live in Spain?
• Guide to buying a house in Spain
• Guide to prevent or report a home theft or burglary in Spain

Our content will be updated according to the most recent legislation. Last update: 03/08/2023