Knowing where to find healthcare in Playa Blanca gives you peace of mind on holiday. The resort has a public health centre, several private clinics with English-speaking doctors, dentists and well-stocked pharmacies — all within easy reach of our Optima Villas properties. This guide covers everything you need, from your GHIC card and emergency numbers to mobility equipment hire.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the old EHIC for British travellers. It entitles you to the same state healthcare as a Spanish resident during a temporary stay, which includes Lanzarote and the rest of the Canary Islands. If you still hold a valid EHIC, you can keep using it until its expiry date — after that, you will need to apply for a GHIC.
Applying is free through the official NHS website. Avoid third-party sites that charge a fee. Each family member needs their own card, and you can add your spouse and children to your application. Cards are valid for up to five years.
A GHIC covers medically necessary treatment in public facilities — things like doctor consultations, X-rays, stitches and hospital admission. You will need to pay a contribution towards prescriptions, just as local residents do (between 10 % and 60 % of the cost). A GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover private clinics, repatriation, trip cancellation or dental treatment. We strongly recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance alongside your GHIC for complete peace of mind during your holiday.
The Centro de Salud (public health centre) is on Avenida el Varadero, near the petrol station at the entrance to the resort. It is run by the Servicio Canario de la Salud and is your first point of contact for non-emergency state healthcare in Playa Blanca.
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Outside those hours, urgent cases are redirected to the Centro de Salud in Tías or to the hospital in Arrecife. To see a doctor, take your passport and GHIC (or EHIC) and give the address where you are staying. The receptionist will ask you to fill in a short form and you will either be seen straight away or given an appointment for later the same day.
Centro de Salud Playa Blanca
Avenida el Varadero, s/n, 35580 Playa Blanca
Tel: +34 928 517 542
The island’s main public hospital is the Hospital Universitario Doctor José Molina Orosa, on the outskirts of Arrecife — roughly 35 minutes by car from Playa Blanca. It has a 24-hour Accident & Emergency department. If you are admitted, you will need your passport and GHIC. Staff may have limited English, but they will treat you exactly as they would a local patient.
Be aware that if an ambulance has not been called by a doctor or the emergency services, you may be charged for the transport. This is another good reason to have travel insurance that covers ambulance costs.
Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa
Ctra. Arrecife–Tinajo, km 1.3, 35550 Arrecife
Switchboard: +34 928 595 000
Emergencies: +34 928 595 533
Because the public hospital is some distance away, many tourists prefer the convenience of a private clinic for non-emergency treatment. Private clinics charge for consultations and prescriptions, but waiting times are shorter and all staff speak English. If you have travel insurance, check whether your policy covers private treatment and keep all receipts to claim afterwards.
Clínica Jorgani is a well-established private medical centre with a branch in Playa Blanca. They offer general practice, cardiology, paediatrics and a range of specialist services. Appointments can be booked in advance, and house visits are available if needed.
Avenida Papagayo 18, Local 54-C, 35580 Playa Blanca
Tel: +34 928 349 617
Web: internationalclinic.es
Clínicas Dr. Mager has been providing healthcare in Playa Blanca for over 35 years. Their multilingual team speaks English, German, Spanish and several other languages. Services include general medicine, X-rays, dermatology, orthopaedics and more. A 24-hour emergency line is available.
Calle el Varadero 30, 35580 Playa Blanca
Tel: +34 928 517 938
24-hour emergencies: +34 649 973 366
Web: lanzamedic.com
Dental treatment in Spain is not covered by public healthcare or your GHIC — all dental clinics are private. However, treatment is often cheaper than in the UK. There are several dental clinics in Playa Blanca, including:
Clínica Endodent
Calle La Galana 3, Bajo, 35580 Playa Blanca
Tel: +34 928 349 184
Located in the centre of the resort — the first left turn off Avenida Papagayo after the roundabout by the tourist office.
Dental Klinic Low Cost
Calle el Correíllo 46, 35580 Playa Blanca
Tel: +34 928 813 300
On the same street as the post office, which runs parallel to the pedestrian shopping street, Calle Limones.
Easydent
Plaza Nuestra Señora del Carmen 6, 35580 Playa Blanca
Tel: +34 928 349 171
By the little church on Avenida Papagayo, about 400 metres from Calle Limones.
Playa Blanca has several pharmacies (farmacias) where you can buy over-the-counter medicines, sunscreen and other essentials. Pharmacies are identified by a green cross sign. Opening hours are generally Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 21:00 and Saturday mornings, though a duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) operates outside these hours on a rota basis — the schedule is posted on the door of every pharmacy. Pharmacists in Spain can advise on minor ailments and sell some medications that would require a prescription in the UK.
Holidaymakers who need mobility scooters, wheelchairs, hoists or other equipment can arrange delivery to their accommodation before they arrive. Island Mobility Lanzarote is a family-run company based in Playa Blanca that stocks a wide range of equipment and will deliver and collect from your villa or hotel.
Tel: +34 696 389 034
Web: islandmobilitylanzarote.com
Email: info@islandmobilitylanzarote.com
Save these numbers in your phone before you travel:
Lanzarote enjoys year-round sunshine and the UV index can be high even on cloudy days. To stay healthy during your stay, apply a high-factor sun cream regularly and reapply after swimming, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest hours (roughly 12:00–16:00). A hat, sunglasses and a light cover-up are sensible additions to your day bag. For more on what to expect from the climate, see our Lanzarote weather guide.
With a little preparation, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday knowing that healthcare in Playa Blanca is never far away. Browse our Playa Blanca guide for more practical information, or explore our collection of villas to start planning your trip.