UTI in Barcelona: when an online GP visit can help

Informational content from Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera's site. This version is not documented as medically reviewed by him.

If you are visiting or have just moved to Barcelona, it can be hard to know where to go when you feel unwell.

Burning when you pee, or needing to go all the time, is unpleasant anywhere. It is harder when you do not know the local system. This page explains when a video visit with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera can help, when you should go in person, and where to go in Barcelona.

Book a video visit€50 · 15 min · Tue · Thu · Fri · Sat

Can an online visit help?

Some uncomplicated lower UTIs may be assessed online. The doctor will decide whether remote care is safe and whether testing or in-person evaluation is necessary.

Common symptoms

Managing urinary symptoms abroad can be uncomfortable, particularly when you are unsure where to seek care or how to explain your symptoms in Spanish. A urinary tract infection may cause:

Burning or pain when urinating
Frequent urination
Urinary urgency
Lower abdominal discomfort
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Blood in the urine

What the doctor can do by video

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, pregnancy possibility, previous UTIs, kidney disease, allergies, medications, sex, and other relevant health factors. Treatment may include:

Assessment for uncomplicated cystitis
Advice on hydration and symptom management
Antibiotics when clinically appropriate
Urine testing or culture when indicated
Assessment for sexually transmitted infections or other causes of urinary symptoms
Referral for urgent in-person assessment when kidney infection or complicated UTI is suspected

Prescriptions are not automatic. The choice and duration of treatment depend on the clinical assessment, pregnancy status, allergies, local antimicrobial guidance, and the possibility of resistant infection.

When to go in person or call 112

A video visit is for urgent, non-emergency care. If you have any of the signs below, do not wait for a video visit: go to a hospital emergency department (urgencias) or call 112.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

Fever, chills, or shaking
Pain in the back or side below the ribs
Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Confusion, fainting, or severe weakness
Pregnancy with urinary symptoms
Significant blood in the urine
Symptoms in a child, older person, or person with major immune or kidney problems

In a life-threatening emergency, call 112. It is free, works from any phone in Spain, and you can ask for English.

Public hospital emergency departments in Barcelona

These public hospitals have emergency departments (urgencias). Go to the nearest one if you have warning signs. Opening and access can change, so check the hospital page if you can.

Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
District: Eixample
Carrer de Villarroel, 170, Barcelona
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
District: Horta-Guinardó
Carrer de Sant Quintí, 87, Barcelona
Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron
District: Horta-Guinardó
Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, Barcelona

Pharmacies on duty in Barcelona

Outside normal hours, a pharmacy on duty (farmacia de guardia, or farmàcia de guàrdia in Catalan) stays open in each area. The Barcelona College of Pharmacists has a map tool, Farmaguia, that shows which pharmacies are open.

Barcelona College of Pharmacists (COFB): open pharmacies

Public healthcare in Barcelona

Public healthcare in Barcelona is run by CatSalut, the Catalan health service. For health advice or help finding out-of-hours care in Catalonia, 061 Salut Respon can direct you. Dr. Yelamo's practice is private and online: it is not part of CatSalut.

Price and days

Urgent Care video visit: €50 for 15 minutes, paid online when you book. No subscription. You get an itemised invoice for your insurer.
Visits run on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You get a secure video link by email and WhatsApp.
A private electronic prescription under Spanish law is issued only if clinically indicated after a video assessment. It is never guaranteed.
You must be in Spain at the start of the visit.