Emergency info for trip from Sarria to Santiago

There are major hospitals in Lugo and Santiago de Compostela. Most of the towns along the way (Sarria, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzua) have medical centres.

It is easy to get a taxi in an emergency and yes, the route is always close to roads and access out. It is not wilderness, but a footpath across closely settled farmland dotted with frequent small settlements. At the same time, some places are not on a main road (although many are) so it might take 30 minutes before a taxi arrived.

It would help to know what kind of emergency you think may be a possibility, and how urgent the need for treatment.

Kanga has mentioned many necessary basics regarding emergency assistance in her helpful post. For additional peace of mind you might consider preparing via Google a list of taxis + telephone numbers available along the route and keeping it handy on your portable phone. In case of dire emergency call 112 the common European number for urgent help.

mspath said:

... In case of dire emergency call 112 the common European number for urgent help.

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Actually not only in dire need. If you are unable to speak the local language you are actually encouraged in Europe to call 112 also in not life-threatening emergencies as they typically have English speakers on duty that will 'sort you out'. So yes, memorize 112 and Buen Camino, SY

Take a photo of signs like these for local taxi service.


Only this one started with the number of the devil, but many think that the temptation is a test of willpower!!

Because this post relates to medical issues, if I may offer further info…and sorry, it's a bit long.

I made an earlier post after I returned from CF two weeks ago suggesting that pilgrims take their respective country's health card which I had done (my Canadian Provincial health card). I said further that I had not been charged for medical service I received in Astorga for acute bronchitis on Oct 19 and I thought it was because of my Health card. I was wrong.

I certainly expected to pay for this service and was ready to pay on the spot, but at no time did they ask for payment, or give me instructions on where and how pay - and there was no Euro amount on the copy that they gave me. My Spanish is poco to say the least and nobody at the clinic spoke English. They just said Adios, so I assumed there was no charge and left because I had to keep walking. I had heard or read somewhere that sometimes Pilgrims will receive medical help gratis, depending on the condition. I kept thinking "Well, how kind is that?". Imagine my surprise when one month to the day after my treatment, I received a Registered letter asking for payment or action would be taken. In their defence, I can understand that to process paperwork of this sort can take time. Add to that the time to send something from Spain to Canada even if it is Registered. Ivar was kind enough to give me some help in understanding the procedure. So today payment is being sent via wire transfer.

It used to be that pilgrims were treated for free, but with 230 000+ pilgrims yearly, not to mention the recession that has hit Spain hard, this isn't anymore the case nor possible. A good reason always to carry health insurance, especially if you are from a non-EU country and don't have a EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Buen Camino! SY

I agree with SYates. There are more and more stories of pilgrims being charged for health care. IMHO travel insurance with good health cover is essential for everyone including those with European Health Cards - this will secure emergency treatment in Spain but excludes possible major costs such as repatriation.

SYates said:

It used to be that pilgrims were treated for free, but with 230 000+ pilgrims yearly, not to mention the recession that has hit Spain hard, this isn't anymore the case nor possible. A good reason always to carry health insurance, especially if you are from a non-EU country and don't have a EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Buen Camino! SY

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SYates thanks, but I'm not making an insurance claim. The amount is not that great and I can write it off on my tax return. Much easier than going through the belabouring process of 26 pages of insurance forms. I simply don't have the time, nor the inclination. If it were a large amount, I would. How's it going on the John Muir?