CEFR A2-B1
Spanish Medical Phrases: Doctor Visits, Pharmacy, and Healthcare
Spanish medical vocabulary is one of the most useful learning categories for travellers. Even tourists rarely need restaurant phrases urgently; medical phrases are needed urgently when you need them. These phrases cover the standard arc of pharmacy visits, GP appointments, and emergency healthcare interactions.
I do not feel well.
.
IPA /no me ˈsjento ˈbjen/
no meh see-EN-to BYEN
General opener. The doctor or pharmacist will ask follow-up questions in Spanish; this gets the conversation started.
I have a headache.
.
IPA /ˈteŋɡo doˈloɾ de kaˈβesa/
TEN-go do-LOR deh ka-BEH-sa
'Dolor de [body part]' is the universal Spanish construction for pain. Build this template for any body part: dolor de estomago (stomach), dolor de garganta (throat), dolor de espalda (back).
I have a fever.
fiebre.
IPA /ˈteŋɡo ˈfjeβɾe/
TEN-go fee-EH-breh
Universal. Body temperature in Spanish-speaking countries is measured in Celsius.
I am nauseous.
nauseas.
IPA /ˈteŋɡo ˈnawseas/
TEN-go NAU-seh-as
I am vomiting.
vomitando.
IPA /esˈtoj bomiˈtando/
es-TOY vo-mee-TAN-do
I have a cold / the flu.
resfriado / gripe.
IPA /ˈteŋɡo un resfɾiˈaðo / ˈteŋɡo ˈɡɾipe/
TEN-go oon res-free-AH-do / TEN-go GREE-peh
Watch the false friend: 'constipado' in Spanish does NOT mean constipated; it means 'congested' or 'has a cold'. See the [Spanish false friends article](/articles/spanish-false-friends).
I have stomach pain.
estomago.
IPA /ˈteŋɡo doˈloɾ de esˈtomaɣo/
TEN-go do-LOR deh es-TO-ma-go
I am pregnant.
.
IPA /esˈtoj embaɾaˈsaða/
es-TOY em-ba-ra-SA-da
Use carefully. 'Embarazada' is NOT 'embarrassed'; it specifically means 'pregnant'. Critical false friend to know in medical contexts.
I am allergic to [substance].
alergico / alergica [sustancia].
IPA /ˈsoj aˈleɾxiko / aˈleɾxika a/
soy ah-LEHR-hee-ko / ah-LEHR-hee-ka ah ...
Critical phrase for any medical interaction. Common allergies: penicilina (penicillin), nueces (nuts), mariscos (shellfish), polen (pollen), aspirina (aspirin).
I take medication for [condition].
medicamento [condicion].
IPA /ˈtomo meðikaˈmento ˈpaɾa/
TO-mo meh-dee-ka-MEN-to PA-ra ...
Carry a written list of your medications (generic names rather than brand names where possible) for any travel.
Could you recommend something for [symptom]?
recomendar [sintoma]?
IPA /me poˈðɾia rekomenˈdaɾ ˈalɣo ˈpaɾa/
meh po-DREE-ah reh-ko-men-DAR AL-go PA-ra ...
Standard pharmacy opener. Spanish pharmacists (in Spain and most of Latin America) have substantial diagnostic authority and can prescribe many over-the-counter medications.
How often should I take this?
frecuencia tomarlo?
IPA /kon ˈke fɾeˈkwensja ˈdeβo toˈmaɾlo/
kon keh freh-KWEN-syah DEH-bo to-MAR-lo
Is it available without a prescription?
disponible receta?
IPA /esˈta dispoˈniβle ˈsin reˈseta/
es-TAH dees-po-NEE-bleh seen reh-SEH-ta
'Receta' (recipe / prescription) is the standard word for medical prescription. Some Spanish-speaking countries (Mexico) require prescriptions for medications that are over-the-counter in others.
I need to see a specialist.
especialista.
IPA /neseˈsito ˈbeɾ a un espesjaˈlista/
neh-seh-SEE-to ver ah oon es-peh-syah-LEES-ta
GP referral system varies by country; ask whether you need a referral ('una derivacion' / 'un volante') before booking with a specialist.
Regional notes
Spain
Public healthcare (SNS - Sistema Nacional de Salud) treats emergencies regardless of nationality. EU and UK citizens with EHIC or GHIC cards are entitled to public-system treatment at member-state rates. Spanish pharmacists are highly trained and authorised to dispense many medications without prescription that would require one in the UK or US. Always ask the pharmacist before the GP if your issue is minor.
Mexico
Public healthcare (IMSS, INSABI) covers Mexican citizens; foreign visitors typically use private hospitals and clinics. Private healthcare is significantly cheaper than US equivalent (a private consultation runs 500-2000 pesos as of 2026). Mexican pharmacies are well-stocked and pharmacists are knowledgeable; many common UK/US prescription drugs are available over-the-counter.
Argentina
Public healthcare is universal but private healthcare is widely used by middle-class Argentines. Buenos Aires hospitals are well-equipped. Argentine medical Spanish uses some Italian-influenced expressions (e.g. 'me siento mal' is universal; 'estoy descompuesto' is more Argentine).
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Can pharmacists in Spain prescribe medications?
Spanish pharmacists are authorised to dispense a wide range of medications without prescription, including many antibiotics, painkillers, and treatments for common conditions. For chronic prescriptions and stronger medications, you need a GP visit. For minor issues, always ask the pharmacist first; many trips to the doctor in Spain are avoidable by speaking to a pharmacist.
How do I describe pain in Spanish?
The universal construction is 'tengo dolor de [body part]' (I have pain of [body part]). For sharper pain, 'me duele mucho' (it hurts me a lot); for occasional pain, 'a veces me duele' (sometimes it hurts me). The verb 'doler' follows the gustar construction (inverted from English); 'me duele la cabeza' literally means 'the head hurts to me'.
What is the difference between estrenido and constipado?
'Estrenido / estrenida' means constipated (digestive blockage). 'Constipado / constipada' is a Spanish false friend that means 'has a cold' (congested), NOT constipated. Saying 'estoy constipado' in a medical context means you have a cold; if you need to discuss digestive issues, use 'estrenido'.
Will my travel insurance work in Spanish-speaking countries?
Most international travel insurance is accepted at private hospitals across Spanish-speaking countries. Public hospitals may require upfront payment with reimbursement claims afterward. Always carry your insurance card and emergency-contact number; private hospitals will often call your insurer directly during the admission to confirm coverage.