Hi everyone, I’ve recently seen some questions on the forum about how to bring parents over for a medical check-up or short-term care. One of the most crucial documents is the hospital invitation letter. It sounds very official, but it’s not that hard to obtain if you follow the right steps. I just went through this process for my family, so I’m sharing my experience today to help others who might need it.
First, it’s important to understand that this invitation letter is specifically for applying for a medical purpose visa. It’s completely different from the standard invitation letter issued by the police station for tourism or family visits. Its main purpose is to prove to the visa officer that the applicant’s reason for visiting Spain is genuine and specific: to receive medical services. This document carries even more weight, especially for complex medical conditions requiring long-term treatment in Spain.
What Information Must the Invitation Letter Contain?
A proper hospital invitation letter is like a detailed instruction manual; it must be complete and clear. I’ve organized the key information into a table so you can double-check everything and ensure it’s foolproof.
| Item | Description |
|---|
| Patient Information | Full name, passport number, and date of birth. Must match the passport exactly. |
| Accompanying Person’s Information | If a family member is accompanying the patient, their information must also be included. |
| Hospital and Doctor Information | The hospital’s full name, address, contact details, and the attending doctor’s name and medical license number. |
| Medical Details | A brief description of the patient’s condition and the planned treatment or tests. It doesn’t need to be exhaustive but must be clear. For more details on what to include, you can check this guide on hospital invitation letters. |
| Timeline/Schedule | A specific appointment date and the estimated duration of treatment or stay. |
| Cost and Payment Information | Must state who is responsible for the medical expenses, typically the patient (self-funded) or covered by insurance. |
| Official Format | Must be on the hospital’s official letterhead, with the doctor’s original signature and the hospital’s official stamp. |
How to Apply?
In my experience, the most efficient way is to directly contact the International Patients Department at a private hospital. They are experienced in handling such matters, communication is easier, and many offer services in English or even Chinese. The process at public hospitals is much slower, and they may not be willing to issue these letters for non-residents. When you apply, the hospital will usually ask for a summary of the patient’s medical records from their home country and require an appointment deposit. Once they receive the documents and the payment, they will have a doctor assess the case and issue the invitation letter.
Finally, a few reminders: plan ahead
! It’s wise to allow at least a month for the entire process, from contacting the hospital to receiving the original copy of the invitation letter. Once you get the letter, double-check every letter and number carefully. You don’t want a small typo to delay the important visa application process. I hope all your family members can come over smoothly and stay in good health!
