While Spain is generally a safe city to visit, the authorities always advise visitors to take care of their health first before they visit the country so that they can avoid unnecessary 'health' accidents so as not to disrupt their trip. Travelling to Spain should be enjoyed to the fullest and getting sick while on a trip spells a lot of trouble and regret, the latter being more than the former because they will never get to see the rest of the country or spend time on every attractions and sights in their itinerary other than sleeping on the bed, trying to get better.
But if you have arranged with medical health insurance beforehand, the local healthcare system in Spain will be of assistance to you. In fact, they are designed to assist visitors during their time in need. The National Health Service of Spain covers a large area of networks of hospitals and health centers throughout the country. The latter provides different health care procedures such as midwives, nursing, pediatrics, etc. They are generally situated fifteen minutes away from most residences. In small villages and rural areas, local surgeries are open on selected days depending on visits from the staff of the healthcare services within the region. Hospitals provide specialized attention that have access through the referral of the primary health care providers. Emergency and accident services are available at hospitals and selected healthcare centers.
For buying your medication, you can purchase them from pharmacies. To spot a pharmacy, look for the green cross symbol. Doctors will provide prescriptions for you or if you already have one, bring it along with you, especially when it is a special request from your doctor that you should maintain your medication. This is applicable only when you come from one of the EU countries or the country you are living in has health agreements with the country of Spain. This means that the prescription you have will be the same and can be provided by the pharmacies here.
If you are facing medical emergency, dial 112 to contact the authorities. This is a number valid throughout the country and free of charge. For most tourist areas, languages spoken by the emergency staff are generally Spanish but they also understand, German, French, and English. Smoking is prohibited in certain areas in Spain, especially transportation vehicles used by the public, health facilities, training or educational centers and play areas for children.