For genuine emergencies on Mallorca, head to a public emergency room (Urgencias) — above all the Son Espases University Hospital in Palma, open around the clock. In a life-threatening situation call 112; the ambulance takes you to the right hospital.
European Emergency Number · free, 24/7, works on any mobile, even without SIM
Call 112 nowThe Balearic health service (Servei de Salut, IB-Salut) runs several public hospitals with a 24-hour emergency room. In an emergency the ambulance service (112/061) decides which hospital you go to — you do not choose yourself.
In the southwest (Calvià, Andratx, Peguera, Santa Ponsa) there are local health centres (Centros de Salud) for primary care; serious emergencies are taken to Palma.
In a life-threatening situation always call 112 first (heart attack, stroke, severe injury, difficulty breathing). For urgent but non-life-threatening cases there is the medical helpline 061. Both are free and available around the clock.
If you can travel safely yourself and it is not an emergency, the Urgencias ER — or a Centro de Salud the next day — is the better route; ER waiting times for non-urgent cases can be long.
EU citizens are treated within the public system on the same terms as locals using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) — emergency care is therefore generally covered. Bring your EHIC and ID.
There are also several private hospitals with an emergency room in the greater Palma area. These bill privately; the cost is usually covered by your travel/international health insurance (submit the private invoice). Clarify cover and direct billing with your insurer in advance.
The Son Espases University Hospital in Palma is the largest public hospital in the Balearic Islands and has a 24-hour emergency room (Urgencias). In an emergency the 112 ambulance service automatically takes you to the appropriate hospital.
Within the public health system EU citizens with an EHIC/GHIC are treated like locals; necessary emergency care is covered. Private clinics bill separately — travel health insurance is advisable for those.
In a life-threatening situation, no — call 112. The ambulance treats you en route and takes you to the right emergency room. Driving yourself only makes sense for minor, non-urgent issues.