Allergy season can be a challenging period for many residents in Madrid. This guide explains how to manage allergies, track pollen counts, and get medical treatment in the city.
You will find options for public doctors, private allergists, and over-the-counter medications. Standard treatment steps and local pollen trends are compared below.
Main allergy triggers in Madrid
The main pollen triggers in Madrid come from grasses, olive trees, and London plane trees.
Grass pollen is a major trigger during late spring. The Spanish term for grass pollen is polen de gramíneas (grass pollen).
Olive tree pollen is also very common. The Spanish term for olive tree pollen is polen de olivo (olive pollen).
London plane trees line many streets in the city center. The Spanish term for this tree pollen is polen de plátano de sombra (plane tree pollen).
These pollens peak at different times of the year, causing seasonal allergic rhinitis.
How to find English-speaking doctors in Madrid
Tracking local pollen counts
The Community of Madrid operates a dedicated pollen monitoring network.
The Spanish name for this network is Red Palinocam (Pollen Monitoring Network). They publish daily reports from January to June.
You can check these reports online or sign up for daily SMS alerts. This help you plan outdoor activities during peak days.
We recommend keeping windows closed on high-pollen days and washing your face after returning home.
Accessing allergy treatments in Spain
You can receive allergy care through both the public and private health systems.
In the public system, you must visit your primary care physician first. The Spanish term for this doctor is médico de cabecera (family doctor).
They work at your local health center. The Spanish term for a health center is centro de salud (health center).
Your doctor can refer you to a specialist. The Spanish term for an allergist is alergólogo (allergist).
If you have private insurance, you can book directly with an allergist without a referral.
Allergy medications and pharmacy access
Many standard allergy medications are available without a prescription at local pharmacies.
The Spanish term for a pharmacy is farmacia (pharmacy).
You can purchase antihistamine tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays directly. If you need stronger prescription drugs, you must visit a doctor.
The Spanish term for a medical prescription is receta médica (medical prescription).
Public system prescriptions are subsidised, reducing your out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter.
Step-by-step: How to get allergy treatment
Follow these steps to access allergy diagnostics and treatments in Madrid.
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Track your daily symptoms and note the times when they are most severe.
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Book an appointment with your public GP or a private allergist.
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Undergo skin prick testing or blood tests to identify your specific triggers.
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Receive your customized treatment plan, which may include immunotherapy or antihistamines.
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Obtain your written prescription for the required allergy medications.
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Purchase the medications at a local pharmacy and begin your treatment.
Checklist: What to prepare for your visit
Prepare these items before you visit your GP or allergist:
- Your TIE or passport : Required for patient identity verification.
- Symptom calendar : A log of when your allergy symptoms occur.
- Previous test results : Reports of allergy tests conducted in other countries.
- Current medication list : Detailing any drugs you are taking.
- Payment method : Cash or card to cover private consultation fees.
Most private clinics allow you to register your documents via email before you arrive.
Pricing and treatment costs
Public diagnostics and treatments are free. Private care involves out-of-pocket consultation fees and medication costs.
| Service or medication | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private allergist consult | €80 to €120 | Initial diagnosis and symptom review |
| Allergy skin prick test | €50 to €100 | Tests response to local pollens |
| Antihistamines (monthly) | €10 to €30 | Over-the-counter or prescription |
| Immunotherapy (annual) | €200 to €400 | Pollen allergy shots or drops |
Private health insurance can cover these fees. The Spanish term for private health insurance is seguro de salud privado (private health insurance).
Your policy might require a small copayment. The Spanish term for this copayment is copago (copayment).
Other policies require you to pay first and request a refund. The Spanish term for this refund is reembolso (reimbursement).
Example: You purchase a monthly supply of antihistamines for €15 without a prescription. With a public system prescription, your copayment is 40%, so you only pay €6. You save €9 at the pharmacy counter.
Health insurance in Spain: public vs private
Pollen peak seasons comparison
This table compares the main pollen seasons in Madrid.
| Pollen type | Source | Peak months | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plátano de sombra | London plane trees | March to April | High (causes intense itching) |
| Gramíneas | Wild grasses | May to June | Very high (affects most sufferers) |
| Olivo | Olive trees | May to June | High (widespread in Spain) |
| Cupresáceas | Cypress trees | January to March | Moderate (winter allergen) |
Knowing these seasons helps you start your preventative medications at the right time.
Questions and answers
What are the most common pollens in Madrid?
Grasses, olive trees, and plane trees. Grasses and olive trees peak in late spring, while plane trees peak in early spring.
How can I check daily pollen counts in Madrid?
Online via Red Palinocam. You can check the official Madrid website or sign up for daily SMS alerts.
Do I need a prescription to buy antihistamines in Spain?
No, for standard strengths. Many antihistamines and nasal sprays are available over the counter.
Are allergy treatments covered by public healthcare?
Yes. Diagnostic tests, allergist consultations, and prescriptions are covered by the public system.
Does private health insurance cover allergy skin tests?
Yes. Most private health insurance policies cover diagnostic tests if referred by an approved doctor.
What is the Spanish term for hay fever?
Rinitis alérgica. The Spanish term for allergic rhinitis is rinitis alérgica (allergic rhinitis).
Hay fever is commonly referred to as fiebre del heno (hay fever).
Can I get allergy shots (immunotherapy) in Madrid?
Yes. A specialist doctor can prescribe personalized immunotherapy to desensitize your immune system.
The Spanish term for this treatment is inmunoterapia (immunotherapy). It is also called vacuna de la alergia (allergy vaccine).
Do pharmacies in Madrid open on Sundays for allergy medicines?
Yes, duty pharmacies do. Select pharmacies are open 24 hours or have Sunday opening hours.
Can a private allergist write a public prescription?
No. Public pharmacies only subsidise prescriptions issued by public system doctors.
How can I reduce pollen exposure at home?
Keep windows closed. Use air conditioning with pollen filters and wash your hair before bed.
