Prepare the return and follow-up handover
Returning home is a coordination step that should be discussed before the trip. This worksheet helps organize questions and documents; it does not set a recovery schedule, decide fitness to fly or replace clinical aftercare instructions.
Ask who is responsible for each part
Write down the treating team's follow-up arrangements and the home clinician or service involved, if any has agreed to participate. Do not assume that an appointment, message service or local clinician is already arranged.
The CDC recommends obtaining overseas medical records for subsequent care. The NHS also provides a treatment-abroad checklist covering practical preparation. Use those sources alongside advice specific to your own care.
- Who supplies the discharge summary and other relevant records?
- Who explains follow-up instructions and answers later questions?
- Which appointments are confirmed, and who pays for them?
Keep clinical decisions separate from ticket dates
Ask the treating professional about the return arrangements relevant to your case and confirm any airline requirements directly with the airline. A pre-booked flight or a planned length of stay is not approval to travel.
Record which reservations are flexible and who contacts suppliers if the plan changes. Do not use an online calculator or a general guide to choose a medically appropriate departure date.
Prepare a clear handover folder
Use a contents list so you can see what has been received and what is still missing. Record the provider issuing each document, its date, and the professional or service authorized to receive it.
Ask the relevant professionals which documents and instructions they need, including any translation requirements. Confirm how to share them privately. Keep financial receipts and supplier terms organized separately from clinical information.
Clarify contact arrangements before you leave
Keep the clinical team's instructions and contact routes readily available, including what they advise if a problem occurs. Ask them to clarify anything you do not understand rather than relying on the travel coordinator for a medical decision.
Prognova does not provide an emergency service or clinical follow-up. Your coordinator keeps your discharge papers, contacts and follow-up tasks in one place, but your treating team and your doctor at home remain responsible for your care.
Return to the complete planning guideKeep this checklist
Print this page or copy these headings into your notes. Keep sensitive medical details out of public planning tools.
- Confirm the people responsible for follow-up.
- Request the records your clinicians need.
- Clarify return-travel decisions with the appropriate professionals.
- Check the status of each appointment and payment.
- Keep the clinical contact instructions available.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked on 23 October 2026. Official guidance can change; follow the current instructions relevant to your circumstances.