Make one folder for the hospital visit
Create a folder on your phone, in cloud storage or on paper. Label it with the traveler’s name, the hospital and the visit date.
Ask for these two items:
- A written record of the hospital care you received. [source]
- Medication information with that written record. [source]
Use a short request
Ask in English or Spanish, then point to the saved text if that makes the request easier to follow.
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| May I have a written record of the care I received? | ¿Me puede dar un registro escrito de la atención que recibí? |
| Please include information about the medications. | Por favor, incluya la información sobre los medicamentos. |
Ask what written material is available for that visit. Keep the original wording and page order so each item remains connected to the hospital visit.
Organize the material you receive
Give each saved item a simple name that begins with the visit date and hospital. Add “care record” or “medication information” at the end so you can distinguish the two without opening every file.
For paper pages, keep them together in one envelope or document sleeve. A legible photo can help you find the information while traveling. Check that the full page is visible before storing the image with the visit folder.
Use a short personal note beside the records:
Traveler: __________
Hospital: __________
Visit date: __________
Written care record saved: __________
Medication information saved: __________
Remember what to say after the trip
When you see a healthcare professional after a recent trip during which you were ill, tell them about any medical care you received abroad. [source]
Add the trip location and hospital name to your personal note before that conversation. Keep this note distinct from the hospital’s own written material so your labels do not alter what the hospital provided.
For choosing and contacting care during the trip, use the medical care guide and hospital directory. The travel health appointment page covers the separate preparation to complete before departure. Keep emergency contacts available with your accommodation details.
Common questions
What should I ask for after hospital care abroad?
Ask for a written record of the hospital care you received. [source] Keep the request focused on that visit, then label the material you receive with the hospital and visit date in your own folder. This gives the trip’s hospital paperwork one place in your travel files.
Should I ask for medication information too?
Ask for medication information with the written record of your hospital care. [source] Keep those pages or files beside the care record rather than separating them into a general travel folder. Use the same hospital and visit label on each saved copy so they remain connected.
What should I say to a healthcare professional after the trip?
When you see a healthcare professional after a recent trip during which you were ill, tell them about any medical care you received abroad. [source] Put the trip and hospital names in your personal note beforehand so you can state the encounter clearly during the conversation.
Sources
- After hospital care abroad, ask for a written record of the care you received.
- Ask for medication information with the written record of your hospital care.
- When you see a healthcare professional after a recent trip during which you were ill, tell them about any medical care you received abroad.
Travel information only; for medical or legal decisions, consult a qualified professional.