Helping someone else with their healthcare in Spain as a carer

Key rules

• Booking: You can usually book appointments by phone or in person with the patient's health card number or ID details.
• Records: Relatives have no automatic right to records; you need the patient's signed authorisation or proof of legal representation.
• In the room: The patient decides whether you stay in the consultation.
• Cannot decide: If an adult cannot decide, you need a guardianship or a notarised preventive power of attorney.

What you can do without any paperwork

You can go with the patient to consultations, and you can phone or visit the health centre to book appointments for them. Both are common, especially for older, dependent or non-Spanish-speaking patients. For phone or desk bookings, the patient's health card number or ID details are normally enough.

The patient decides whether you stay in the consultation room. Some services limit companions, for example during examinations, certain tests or emergencies. Ask the centre in advance.

What you cannot do on your own

Your help is limited by confidentiality and consent. Relatives have no automatic right to the patient's medical records, and health data has special legal protection. This applies in both public and private care.

• Information and records: you need the patient's written, signed authorisation, or proof that you legally represent them.
• Decisions: the patient makes their own treatment decisions while they are able to. Being a partner or relative does not change that.
• Online apps and portals: these usually need the patient's own digital certificate, Cl@ve or user account. Some regions let a registered representative use them with authorisation, so ask the regional health service. Do not log in with the patient's details unless the service allows it.

How to get consent in writing

An adult who can decide can authorise you to receive information. They sign a written authorisation and you attach copies of both IDs. Many hospitals have their own form, available from admissions, patient services or the regional health portal. Forms and recognition rules differ by centre and region, so ask which one to use.

The patient can also name a representative in an advance directive (instrucciones previas, also called voluntad anticipada). It is registered in the region.

To ask for records, go to the centre's patient services or clinical documentation unit with the authorisation and both IDs. The documents list below has the full set.

If the patient can no longer decide

Parents or legal guardians act for minors. For an adult who cannot decide, you need a legal support measure, such as a court-approved guardianship or a preventive power of attorney signed before a notary. A family tie alone is not enough. A lawyer or notary can explain which route fits.

Interpreting

Public services rarely supply professional interpreters. Some regions or hospitals have telephone or on-site interpreting or cultural mediators. Ask the centre. If it has none, bring a friend, relative or private interpreter.

If the patient has died

Close relatives, or people linked to the patient by family or de facto ties, may be able to see the records unless the patient forbade it. Access must not harm third parties or reveal confidential notes.

The checklist and FAQ below cover the practical steps.

Documents you need

• A written authorisation signed by the patient, saying you may receive information or records. Many hospitals give their own form at admissions or patient services.

• Copies of both your ID and the patient's ID, to go with the authorisation or a records request.

• The patient's health card number or ID details, which are normally enough to book appointments by phone or in person.

• Proof of representation, such as a guardianship decision or a preventive power of attorney signed before a notary, if the patient cannot decide for themselves.

• An advance directive (instrucciones previas), registered in the region, if the patient has named a representative in it.

Checklist

• Ask the patient whether they want you in the consultation room, since the patient decides.

• Check with the centre in advance that a companion can attend, as some services limit it for examinations, certain tests or emergencies.

• Ask the centre whether it has a telephone or on-site interpreter or cultural mediator.

• Arrange a friend, relative or private interpreter if the centre has none.

• Bring the patient's health card and ID, plus a signed authorisation if you want to receive information.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an interpreter through the public health service?

Sometimes, because public services rarely supply professional interpreters, but some regions and hospitals offer telephone or on-site interpreting or cultural mediators. Ask the centre before the visit whether it has one.

Can I use the patient's health app to book appointments for them?

Usually no, because online apps and portals generally need the patient's own digital certificate, Cl@ve or user account. Some regions let a registered representative with authorisation use them. Otherwise, phone or visit the health centre with the patient's health card number.

Can I see the medical records of a relative who has died?

Yes, close relatives or people linked to the person by family or de facto ties may usually access the records of a deceased patient, unless the patient forbade it.

What if the patient can no longer make decisions for themselves?

Then a simple authorisation is not enough, and you need a legal support measure such as guardianship, or a preventive power of attorney signed before a notary. A representative named in an advance directive (instrucciones previas) may also act. Ask a notary or the court about the right route.