The Cunning Canary

It’s a good idea to find out where the nearest doctor’s surgery is when you arrive… just in case! There are English speaking dentists and doctors around the tourists resorts of Gran Canaria and they are all qualified to the European standard. If you are looking for a pharmacy, there are quite a few. Just look out for the green cross. There is a list here of all the pharmacies on the island and when they are open.

Photo By Elrudojulio

Insurance and E111 Cards 

If you have medical insurance or an E111 card, you will need to pay for your consultation and then claim it back when you get home. If you are over 65 or disabled, you will get free medical care here if you bring an E121 form. You can find more information on insurance here: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/help-and-advice/advice-banks/article.html?in_advicepage_id=117&in_article_id=395353&in_page_id=90

I pay for any doctor’s visits when I go (which is rarely, since I am a fairly healthy specimen!) and the same with dental treatment. I had a root canal last week which wasn’t exactly enjoyable but it was professional and cheaper than in the UK.

Photo By Mataparda

Doctors’ Surgeries in Gran Canaria

Looking at just the South of the island, I can recommend the British Medical Clinic in Puerto Rico. Dr Paul is the only English doctor on the island. If you are staying in Playa del Inglés, you can try the Clinica San Roque in Meloneras (you will need to get a taxi but it’s only 5 euros or so).

Dentists in Gran Canaria

If you are looking for an English-speaking dentist in Puerto Rico, you can try the surgery I used which is called San Martín. It’s right opposite the main shopping centre. Alternatively my other half recommends Orinoco surgery but there always seems to be a waiting list! If you are in Playa del Inglés, you can try Clinica Salus Las Palmeras Dental Clinic which is in Maspalomas.

Photo By Nmoira

Chemists in Gran Canaria

You don’t need a prescription for certain pharmaceutical items, including Ventolin (for asthma), antibiotics (all types) and birth control pills. The chemists in the tourist areas speak very good English and can recommend medication if you tell them where it hurts.

Photo By Gerald Yuvallos

If you tend to swell up a lot when the mozzies bite, you might want to bring some anti-histamine pills with you or buy them here. You can get mosquito repellent here too. For some reason they never seem to bite me (not that I’m complaining about that!) Apparently if you eat Marmite they will leave you alone too (bring your own because it’s hard to find here!)