When Your Child Gets Ill in Tenerife: A Parent’s Guide to Getting Medical Help
English speaking doctor
A holiday or a family life in Tenerife is usually about sunshine, beaches and time outdoors. But when a baby or child develops a fever, earache, vomiting, a rash or a painful insect bite, parents often have one immediate question: Where can I find a doctor my child and I can understand?
At MedCenter Tenerife in El Médano, we provide calm, family-oriented medical care for babies, children and teenagers. We speak English, German and Spanish and take the time to explain what is happening, what treatment may be helpful and which warning signs parents should watch for.
Common reasons families visit us
Children can become unwell quickly, particularly during travel or after long days in the sun, wind and water. We regularly see children with:
• fever, colds and respiratory infections
• ear pain, sore throat and tonsil symptoms
• vomiting, diarrhoea or signs of dehydration
• abdominal pain
• rashes, allergic reactions and eczema flare-ups
• sunburn, heat exhaustion, insect bites or jellyfish stings
• minor injuries, sprains and cuts
• urinary symptoms and skin infections
Sometimes a consultation is mainly about reassurance. A child may be tired, irritable or not eating as usual – and parents simply need a clear medical assessment. We understand that this is just as important as treatment itself.
A calm consultation for children and parents
Children notice very quickly when the adults around them are worried. That is why we aim for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and adapt the consultation to the child’s age. We listen carefully to parents, examine the child gently and explain each step in understandable language.
Where necessary, we can arrange further diagnostics, prescribe appropriate medication or refer to a specialist or hospital. For families staying in the south of Tenerife, home visits may also be possible in suitable situations.
When should you seek urgent medical advice?
Please do not wait if your child is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, has breathing difficulties, signs of significant dehydration, a persistent high fever, severe pain, a stiff neck, a rapidly spreading rash, or if you simply feel that something is seriously wrong.
For a life-threatening emergency, please call 112 immediately.
For acute but non-life-threatening problems, contact us as early as possible. We keep time available for urgent consultations and will help you find the right next step.
Medical care and insurance
MedCenter Tenerife is a private medical practice. You will receive a detailed medical invoice and documentation for submission to your private, travel or statutory health insurance provider. Reimbursement depends on your individual insurance policy, so we recommend checking your cover with your insurer where possible.
Here for local families and visitors
Whether you live in El Médano, are visiting Tenerife with your family, or are staying elsewhere in the south of the island, we want you to feel supported when your child is unwell.
A clear explanation, a careful examination and a calm plan can make a difficult day feel much more manageable.
MedCenter Tenerife
General & Family Medicine with a focus on pediatric care
El Médano, Tenerife South
English · German · Spanish
Stefanie Liffler
Specialist in General and Internal Medicine