Medical Documents You Might Need for Your Trip

Many travelers have specific health needs that require additional planning. You might need to carry certain medications, have dietary restrictions, require special seating arrangements, or need accommodations for temporary or chronic conditions.

Substantiating these requirements generally requires some sort of written documentation. Even though digital documents on our phones have become the default way of doing things, that's not always the case when it comes to medical travel documents. Hard copies are often a must, meaning that you may have to make some physical copies before you travel.

What kinds of copies should you make? They fall into several categories:

1. Medical documentation

2. Travel and identification documents

3. Transportation and accessibility documents

4. Backup documents a.k.a copies of copies

Let’s explore:

1. Medical Documentation

Basically, these are documents that verify your medical condition and what you’re doing to treat it. They include things like:

Doctor’s letters: These area signed letters from your physician(s) detailing your condition, necessary medications, medical devices you may be using on your trip, and any special needs or restrictions you have. Doctors write these all the time; let them know you need a letter for your trip, and they’ll know what to write.
Medical-records summaries: These are concise outlines of your diagnosis, treatment plan, allergies, and emergency procedures. If you don’t see it in your healthcare portal, ask your doctor what they can do.
Prescriptions and medication lists: These are lists of the meds you take, with dosages and generic names, plus prescriptions for each. Also read: 10 Tips for Traveling With Medication
Medical alert cards: These are cards that details your condition if you wear a First Alert bracelet or its equivalent.
Health insurance card: Documentation of health coverage is good to have on any trip.

Also Read: Get Emergency Medical Assistance with Your Travel Insurance

2. Travel and identification documents

These docs are specific to your trip and/or traveling in general.
Travel protection plan documents: A plan with travel insurance and assistance services, like ours, should include Medical & Dental coverage. So read about your plan before you go, understand what’s covered and how, and keep contact information on hand.
Emergency contact information: This list should include contact info for family members, doctors, credit card companies, travel agents, and more, in addition to your travel protection assistance line.
Proof of any disability, whether it’s a card or other documentation.
Passport and visa or other required documents.

Also Read: Why You Might Need to Buy Medical Coverage Before You Travel

3. Transportation and accessibility documents

These make sure you get the help you need when you’re going from place to place.

Airline medical clearance: These documents are for airlines that require advance notification or a medical clearance form for travelers with medical conditions.

Disabled parking permit: This rearview-mirror hangtag is a must to bring if you’re renting a vehicle. It’s a must domestically, and many countries recognize foreign hangtags.

Service-animal documentation: These are confirmations, vaccination records, and airline/hotel approvals you’ll need if you’re traveling with a service animal.

4. Emergency and backup documents

These documents are what you carry just in case.

Physical and digital copies. Scan copies and store the digital docs securely in the cloud or on a password-protected flash drive. Make multiple hard copies; keep one set in your luggage and carry another set with you.
Translation of medical terms: Have a translation of key medical phrases related to your condition if you’re traveling to a country where English isn’t widely spoken. Don’t rely on Google Translate to do it for you when you’re at the hospital. Our travel protection plans include services that can assist with translating between you and local medical professionals.

Also Read: Best Free Travel Translation and Language Apps

Depending on your circumstances there may be other medical-related documents you need to bring. In addition, check our article about travel documents you should carry for more information on documents to bring along.

Hopefully the travel protection documents you carry are from Generali Global Assistance. Our suite of travel insurance with assistance services plans includes the Premium Plan, which offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Get a quote and help protect your trip. It’s quick and easy.