17 Jul Medical documents for travel: which ones should you translate before going abroad?
If you are travelling abroad, preparing your medical documents can be just as important as checking your passport or taking out insurance. Having certain medical documents translated can make it easier to receive medical care in an emergency, avoid communication problems with healthcare professionals and speed up diagnosis.
In this article, we explain which medical documents you should translate before a trip, who should do this and why it can make a difference during a stay abroad.
Why translate medical documents before travelling?
When we attend a healthcare centre abroad, doctors need quick access to relevant information about our health. The more information they have, the more accurate their diagnosis will be. If you do not speak the same language as the healthcare professional fluently, it can be difficult to explain important details such as allergies, current treatments or specific medical conditions, especially when you are nervous and under the pressure of being in an unfamiliar country.
That is why taking translated medical documents with you can make communication with doctors and hospitals much easier, especially if you are travelling outside the European Union. Having documents translated in advance can reduce the risk of being prescribed unsuitable medication, save time in an emergency and help ensure faster, more effective care. This makes things easier for the doctor treating us, not only because the information is provided in their language, but also because it gives them reliable and accurate details that we may not be able to communicate properly ourselves.
Which medical documents should be translated before travelling?
Although there is no mandatory list, there are several medical documents that it is advisable to translate before travelling abroad, especially if you have a chronic illness, take regular medication or are visiting a country where your language is not spoken.
1. List of regular medication
A list of regular medication is one of the most important medical documents for travel. If you need healthcare abroad, it will allow professionals to see quickly what treatment you are receiving. This document should include:
- The name of the active ingredient.
- The dose.
- How often it is taken.
- The reason for the treatment.
This can be especially important for people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or heart problems.
2. Allergy information
Allergy information is one of the most important types of medical documentation during an international trip, so it is important to have a document that explains the allergy and treatment accurately.
A simple translated document listing allergies to medication, food or medical materials can be a great help in an emergency. In some cases, it may even be advisable to carry a translated medical card so this information can be shown immediately.
Alternatively, for food intolerances such as coeliac disease, a quick internet search will provide information cards in several languages that can be shown to waiting staff in cafés and restaurants to make sure you are not served anything you are intolerant to. Although these are not certified translations and are not particularly useful for healthcare professionals, they can make mealtimes much easier.
3. Medical summary report
A translated medical summary report is particularly useful for people with chronic illnesses or complex medical conditions. This report should include:
- Relevant medical history.
- Main diagnoses.
- Current treatments.
- Medical recommendations.
Another option would be to carry a full medical history, but an up-to-date summary should be more than sufficient when it comes to a short tourist trip.
5. Prescriptions
Having your prescriptions translated can be especially useful in two situations. The first is if you need to travel with medication that is subject to special controls.
The second has more to do with your destination. Some countries, such as Japan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, have very strict rules on certain medications and may require you to go through special checks when you land. Having a translated copy of the prescription helps justify the legitimate use of the medicine to customs authorities, who might otherwise confiscate it.
As an added benefit, if your medication is lost during the trip, the prescription can make it easier to obtain an equivalent alternative.
Who should translate their medical documents before travelling?
Although any traveller can benefit from this preparation, it is especially recommended for people with chronic illnesses, travellers who take regular medication, people with severe allergies, pregnant women, older people and families travelling with children who have specific medical needs.
The importance of carrying translated medical documentation
Most trips are uneventful. However, when a health problem arises far from home, having translated medical documentation can make it much easier to receive appropriate care.
Preparing the most important health information in advance gives you greater peace of mind when travelling and ensures that, if necessary, medical professionals can quickly access essential information about the patient’s health.
Travelling with peace of mind starts with good preparation
Preparing medical documents for travel is a simple step that can make it much easier to receive healthcare in an emergency. Although you probably will not need them, having translated medical documentation will help medical professionals understand your medical history quickly and reduce the risk of communication errors. If you are travelling abroad with regular medication or have a chronic illness, having a professional translation can give you greater peace of mind throughout your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which medical documents should I have translated for my trip?
The most useful ones are a list of regular medication, allergy information, a summary of your medical history and prescriptions.
Can I be asked to provide translated documents to bring medication into a country?
Yes. It is advisable to look into this when organising your trip. When packing, it is advisable to take the medication in its original box, along with a translation of the prescription confirming the need to take that medication. It is also advisable to carry a blister pack in your hand luggage in case the airline loses your checked baggage and your medication is inside it, especially if it takes some time for the baggage to be found.
Where can I get my medical documents translated for travel?
At Okomeds, we specialise in medical translations. Send us your documents for a no-obligation quote and make sure your documentation is translated by experienced specialist translators.
Is it compulsory to translate medical documents for travel?
Not always. However, it is highly recommended if you are travelling outside the European Union, have a chronic illness or need to travel with medication subject to special controls.
What language should medical documentation be translated into?
Ideally, documents should be translated into the official language of the destination country or, if that is not possible, into English, as it is the most widely used language for international communication in healthcare.
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