How to Visit a Centro de Salud in Gran Canaria: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
If you ever need medical attention at a public health centre in Gran Canaria, this guide will help you navigate the process with confidence. Whether you go to Centro de Salud del Puerto, Centro de Salud de Guanarteme, Telde, Maspalomas, Arucas or any other centre on the island, the basic steps are the same.
One important thing to keep in mind: very few staff members speak English. It’s completely normal, so don’t worry, but do bring someone who speaks Spanish or have Google Translate ready. It makes everything smoother.
Below is a clear, realistic walkthrough of how your visit will usually unfold, based on dozens of community experiences over the years.
🧾 Step 1: Get Your Number at the Entrance
Once you walk inside, look for the ticket machine.
Most centres have the same system:
- Choose the option related to administración or atención al paciente (it’s usually the second button).
- The machine will print a small paper with your number.
- Take a seat and wait for your number to appear on the screen.
🪪 Step 2: Register at the Administration Desk
When it’s your turn, go to the desk and explain why you’re there.
You may be asked for:
- Your passport
- Your NIE/TIE (if you have one)
- Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC), if applicable
If you have an EHIC, your urgent visit is typically covered, meaning you won’t need to pay. Without it, they will register you temporarily for that visit.
🚑 Step 3: Continue to the Urgencias Desk
Once the administrative part is done, staff will direct you to Urgencias.
There, they will confirm your details again, ask a few quick questions about your symptoms, and tell you where to wait for the doctor.
🩺 Step 4: See the Doctor
When your turn comes, your name will appear on the screen or they will call you in.
The doctor will examine you, recommend treatment, and may prescribe medication or tests.
Prescriptions from public doctors can be filled at any pharmacy. If you are not registered in the Spanish healthcare system, you may be given a paper prescription instead of a digital one.
💳 Step 5: Handling Payment (If Required)
If you are not covered by EHIC/GHIC or Spanish healthcare, you may receive an invoice.
A few things to know:
- Some centres send the invoice by email or post a few days later.
- If you are leaving your accommodation soon (hotel, Airbnb, etc.), ask to pay during the visit.
- Bring exact cash if paying on-site, because many centres cannot provide change.
If you do have an EHIC, the visit is usually registered as an insured emergency, meaning no payment is needed.
💡 A Few Useful Tips
- Arrive early in the morning for shorter waiting times.
- Bring ID, health cards, medication lists and proof of address if you have it.
- Centres get very busy on Mondays and after holidays.
- For non-urgent issues, appointments (cita previa) can be booked through the SCS app or website if you are registered.
If anything in this guide feels outdated or if you had a different experience at your local Centro de Salud, feel free to send a message so we can keep this information accurate for everyone.
