Gran Canaria usefull contacts

Here is vital information for travelers in Gran Canaria regarding emergency services, hospitals, police, and other key resources, based on the most recent and reliable information available:

Emergency Services

General Emergency Number: 112
- This is the universal emergency number across Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands, connecting you to police, ambulance, or fire services.
- Operates 24/7, with operators speaking multiple languages, including Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian.
- In case of mobile network saturation, as reported on April 28, 2025, you may need to visit a nearby hospital or police station directly if calls to 112 fail.
Ambulance: Dial 112 and specify you need medical assistance.
Fire Brigade: Dial 112 and request fire services.
Red Cross: +34 928 22 22 22 for additional emergency support.
Maritime Rescue: +34 928 467 757 for sea-related emergencies.

Note: If you don't speak Spanish, having a translator or someone who can assist with communication is advisable, especially for medical emergencies.

Hospitals

Gran Canaria has a robust healthcare system with both public and private hospitals offering high-quality care. Major hospitals in Las Palmas include:

University Hospital of Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín
- Address: Plaza Barranco de la Ballena, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Phone: +34 928 450 000
- Services: 24/7 A&E (emergency department), specialized care, and referrals from other Canary Islands.
- Primarily serves the northern part of the island.
CHU Insular - Maternal Infant (Hospital Insular)
- Address: Avda. Marítima Sur, S/N, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Phone: +34 928 444 000 (general), +34 928 444 321 (adult emergencies), +34 928 444 671 (pediatrics), +34 928 444 800 (gynecology)
- Services: 24/7 A&E, serves southern residents, and includes maternal and infant care.
Hospital San Roque (Private)
- Address: Meloneras (southern Gran Canaria)
- Phone: +34 928 40 40 40 (Clinica San Roque general number)
- Services: Casualty department, but a referral from a Centro de Salud (health center) may be required for EHIC use.
- Note: It's unclear if you can directly access the casualty department without a referral using an EHIC.
Hospital La Paloma (Private)
- Address: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Phone: Not listed in provided data, but contactable via their website: www.hospitallapaloma.com
- Services: 24/7 A&E, specializing in rapid interventions for emergencies like traffic injuries.

Additional Notes:

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): EU/EEA residents can use an EHIC for free emergency treatment at public hospitals (e.g., Doctor Negrín, Insular). Present your EHIC and passport at the admissions desk. Non-emergency treatments may incur costs.
Private Insurance: Non-EU travelers should have private medical insurance, as EHIC is not valid for them.
Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC): If you lose your EHIC, a PRC can be arranged to cover emergency care.
Language: Some doctors and receptionists speak English, but this is not guaranteed. The British Medical Clinic in Puerto Rico (+34 928 56 00 16) offers English-speaking services and translation for tests done at Spanish facilities.
Payment: Public hospitals may require you to sign a form agreeing to cover costs if EHIC is not applicable. Private hospitals often require immediate payment (e.g., €70–100 for a consultation, €40 for additional check-ups). Keep receipts for insurance reimbursement.

Police

Gran Canaria has two main police forces:

Policía Nacional (National Police):
- Emergency Number: 091
- Responsibilities: Covers urban areas, handles serious crimes, and provides a foreign tourist service for reporting crimes like theft or burglary.
- Foreign Tourist Service: +34 902 102 112 (9:00 AM–9:00 PM, multilingual: Spanish, English, German, French, Italian).
- Locations: Police stations are available across the island, e.g., near Nilo Commercial Center in Playa del Inglés or in Arguineguín for Puerto Rico visitors.
Guardia Civil (Civil Guard):
- Responsibilities: Covers rural areas and highways, identifiable by green uniforms and green-marked vehicles.
- Note: Less likely to speak English, so a translator may be needed.
Policía Local (Local Police):
- Emergency Number: 092
- Responsibilities: Handles minor issues and municipal matters, identifiable by blue uniforms and blue-marked vehicles.
- Locations: Puerto Rico (near Avenida Mogán, next to Atlantic Medical Clinic), Playa del Inglés (near Nilo Commercial Center).

Reporting a Crime:

For immediate emergencies (e.g., crime in progress), call 091 or 112.
To report a theft or obtain a police report (e.g., for insurance claims or a duplicate passport), visit a police station in person. In Arguineguín (for Puerto Rico) or Playa del Inglés (for Maspalomas/Playa del Inglés), you'll need to provide details in Spanish or bring a translator, as English fluency is limited.
Contact your hotel or tour operator for assistance; they can arrange a translator or accompany you to the station. A professional translator may incur a fee.
Police reports are necessary for insurance claims but catching perpetrators is rare.

Recent Police Activity:

On April 9, 2025, Las Palmas police assisted in escorting an ambulance for an urgent patient transfer from CHU Insular to Doctor Negrín, indicating active coordination with emergency services.
Recent reports mention arrests related to drug operations and theft, but these are isolated incidents and do not suggest widespread safety concerns.

Additional Vital Information

Pharmacies (Farmacias):
- Recognizable by a green cross sign. Para-Farmacias are not full pharmacies.
- Open 24/7 with an on-call system; check the door of any pharmacy for the nearest on-duty pharmacy's location.
- Provide medications, including homeopathic options. Keep receipts for insurance.
- Find on-duty pharmacies via the Colegio Oficial de Farmacéuticos website for Gran Canaria.
Consulates:
- British Consulate:
  - Address: Edificio Cataluña, Luis Morote 6-3, 35007 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
  - Phone: +34 928 26 25 08 or +34 928 26 26 58
  - Hours: Winter: 8:00 AM–1:30 PM; Summer: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
  - Services: Assists with emergencies, lost passports, or hospital visits.
- Other consulates (e.g., Germany, Colombia, Morocco) are available in Las Palmas. Contact details can be found via expatica.com.
Health Precautions:
- Sun Protection: Use high SPF sunscreen to avoid sunburn, as the sun is intense.
- Hydration: Drink bottled water to avoid intestinal issues, though tap water is generally safe.
- Food Safety: Restaurants adhere to strict Spanish food safety standards, making dining out safe.
- Swimming: Follow beach flag systems (green: safe, yellow: caution, red: no swimming) and lifeguard advice due to strong currents.
Lost Property:
- For lost valuables or theft, contact the local police (091 or +34 902 102 112).
- For items lost on public transport or at the airport, contact the provider first.
- For lost bank cards, call: American Express (+34 902 375 637), Mastercard (+34 900 971 231), Visa (+34 900 991 124).
Travel Insurance:
- Strongly recommended for all travelers, as EHIC does not cover repatriation, private care, or lost baggage. Some policies require an EHIC as well.
- For travelers over 70, check specialized insurance options (e.g., www.rejseforsikringsguiden.dk).[](https://canariainfo.dk/en/emergency)
Recent Weather Events:
- Flooding occurred in March 2025 in southern, eastern, and western Gran Canaria, but no travel warnings were issued, and no serious injuries were reported. Check local weather forecasts (e.g., www.eltiempo.es) before travel.

Tips for Travelers

Store Emergency Numbers: Save 112, 091, 092, and the British Medical Clinic (+34 928 56 00 16) in your phone.
Carry EHIC/Insurance: Always have your EHIC (if applicable) or private insurance details on hand.
Secure Valuables: Use hotel safes to prevent theft, the most common crime in tourist areas like Puerto Rico and Playa del Inglés.
Language Barrier: Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook, as police and some medical staff may not speak English fluently.
Tourist Information: Visit the Casa del Turismo in Parque Santa Catalina, Las Palmas, for maps and assistance.