Guide to cope with emergencies in Spain

Before moving to Spain, there are a bunch of emergency contacts or measures you should know if something unexpected happens. In this article, we will give you several suggestions on what to act when any emergency case happens.  

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

If there exists a number that you must remember while staying in Spain, that would be 112. This is an all-in-one number for common emergencies, such as:

• Car accidents
• Fire
• Physical aggression
• 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 quickly 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 in google play 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
• Aggregation, fights
• Gender violence
• Hate crimes
• Squatting (okupas)
• Radicalism
• Animal cruelty
• Lost, bullying, vandalism, damage
• ……

You can also call or initiate chats to report any damage or hurt you might have.

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

• Be calm: state clearly your name, address, phone number, or 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 cover you whatever happens!

SegurCaixa Adeslas will always be your loyal friend 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!

Our contents will be updated according to the most recent legislation. Last update: 26/10/2021