When one suffers a medical emergency, one does not always choose to call 112 first, but we also find the emergency number 061. However, they are not the same, but we find some important differences. For example, before going into more detail, one of these two numbers is paid, so it is a factor that can make a difference.
Although, that’s just the beginning. Therefore, if you suffer a medical emergency at any time, we are going to see which number is better to call at that moment, if 112 or 061. More than anything, because there are other telephones that fulfill the task of being medical information numbers or similar. So here you can find the differences.
Is calling 112 or 061 free?
First of all, one of these two numbers is not free. In this case, calling 061 is not free. This health emergency telephone number always has an additional cost, since it is a number that is not included in the flat rates offered by mobile operators in Spain. This reminds us of other pay phones such as 091 of the National Police, 092 of the local Police or 062 of the Civil Guard.
Whether we call from the landline or from the mobile, we will have to pay anyway. As much as we have unlimited minutes. In addition, the additional price that we will have to pay to call this number will depend on the telephone company that we have contracted and if it is a contract or prepaid rate.
And the 112? Calling 112 is free. As much as we call from a landline or a mobile line, it is totally free. In addition, this is the number that is shared in all the member countries of the European Union, that is, if we go to France, Portugal, Italy… we can call 112. And, since 2008, it has been established that all member states had this phone.
The problem with the 061 being paid is that it can generate saturation. For example, for Movistar customers it has a call establishment price of 0.0787 euros and a price per minute of 0.0139. And, in Vodafone, it costs 0.2 euros to establish the call and 0.12 euros per minute for contract rates and 0.15 euros for prepaid rates.
What number is better to call
112 is intended for emergencies or urgency. For example, if we suffer an accident or have witnessed it, in case of fires, health care, if we are robbed or suffered an attack, etc. That is, you can call for any emergency. In addition, this number is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
On the other hand, 061 is the number dedicated exclusively to the emergency service and health emergencies. Although, clearly, it is also available 24 hours a day throughout the year, the truth is that calls cost us money.
However, in the event of a health emergency, we would have to choose to call 061, even if we have to assume an extra payment on the telephone bill. However, we can also call 112, since it will help us for any type of emergency as we told you, whether it is in the field of aid and rescue, health, traffic or security.
