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2022-05-31 16:43 Language Learning

English For Immigration: At The Doctor’s – Vocabulary, Phrases, and Dialogues

doctor talking to patient
Updated: December 2025
Reading Time: 10 minutes
This article is part of our English for Immigration series by SmallTalk2Me – an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform designed to help you train English fluency through real-life conversation simulations.

Why Medical English Matters for Immigrants

Moving to an English-speaking country means you'll eventually need to navigate the healthcare system. Whether it's a routine check-up, an unexpected illness, or an emergency, being able to communicate clearly with medical professionals can make a significant difference in the quality of care you receive.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn essential medical vocabulary for describing symptoms and conditions, key phrases for scheduling appointments and talking to doctors, practical dialogues to practice before your visit, and tips for successful medical conversations.

Looking for a complete resource? Check out our English for Immigration Guide

Medical English Vocabulary

Before you visit a doctor's office or hospital, make sure you understand these common terms used in medical conversations.
Healthcare Professionals
  • General Practitioner (GP) / Family Doctor – a doctor who treats general health issues
  • Specialist – a doctor who focuses on a specific area (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist)
  • Nurse – a healthcare professional who assists doctors and cares for patients
  • Surgeon – a doctor who performs operations
  • Pharmacist – a professional who dispenses medications
  • Receptionist – staff who schedules appointments and handles paperwork
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – first responders for medical emergencies

Common Minor Illnesses
  • Cold / Flu (influenza) – viral infections with symptoms like congestion, fever, and body aches
  • Headache / Migraine – pain in the head (migraine is more severe)
  • Stomach ache / Upset stomach – pain or discomfort in the abdominal area
  • Sore throat – pain or irritation in the throat
  • Cough – a reflex to clear the airways (can be dry or productive)
  • Running nose / Congestion – excess mucus or blocked nasal passages
  • Fever / Temperature – elevated body temperature
  • Nausea / Vomiting – feeling sick to your stomach / throwing up
  • Diarrhea – frequent, loose bowel movements
  • Rash – irritated or inflamed skin
  • Dizziness – feeling lightheaded or unsteady
  • Fatigue – extreme tiredness

More Serious Conditions
  • Infection – invasion by harmful microorganisms
  • Allergic reaction / Allergy – immune response to a substance
  • High / Low blood pressure – abnormal force of blood against artery walls
  • Food poisoning – illness from contaminated food
  • Diabetes – condition affecting blood sugar regulation
  • Asthma – chronic respiratory condition
  • Fainting / Losing consciousness – temporary loss of awareness

Injuries and Trauma
  • Cut / Wound – an opening in the skin
  • Bruise – discoloration from internal bleeding under the skin
  • Burn – injury caused by heat, chemicals, or radiation
  • Sprained / Twisted ankle – stretched or torn ligaments
  • Broken bone / Fracture – a crack or break in a bone
  • Swelling – enlargement due to fluid accumulation
  • Bleeding – loss of blood from the body

Medical Tests and Procedures
  • Blood test – analysis of a blood sample
  • Urine test – analysis of a urine sample
  • X-ray – imaging to see bones and internal structures
  • CT scan / CAT scan – detailed cross-sectional imaging
  • MRI – detailed imaging using magnetic fields
  • Ultrasound – imaging using sound waves
  • Vaccination / Immunization – injection to prevent diseases
  • Physical examination – general check-up of your body

Medications and Treatments
  • Prescription – a doctor's written order for medication
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine – medication available without a prescription
  • Pill / Tablet / Capsule – solid forms of oral medication
  • Painkiller / Pain reliever – medication to reduce pain
  • Antibiotics – medication to treat bacterial infections
  • Antihistamine – medication for allergies
  • Injection / Shot – medication delivered by needle
  • Ointment / Cream – topical medication applied to the skin
  • Eye/Ear drops – liquid medication for eyes or ears
  • Nasal spray – medication sprayed into the nose
  • Bandage / Plaster – covering for wounds
  • Surgery / Operation – medical procedure involving incision
  • Anesthesia – medication to prevent pain during surgery
  • Physiotherapy / Physical therapy – treatment through movement and exercise

Important Documents and Terms
  • Health insurance card – proof of your insurance coverage
  • Medical history / Medical records – documentation of your past health
  • Referral – a letter from your GP to see a specialist
  • Copay / Co-payment – your share of the medical costs
  • Deductible – amount you pay before insurance covers costs
  • Consent form – document giving permission for treatment

Useful Phrases for Medical Conversations

Memorize these expressions to communicate confidently with healthcare providers.
Scheduling an Appointment
  • "I'd like to make an appointment with a doctor."
  • "I need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible."
  • "Is there any availability this week?"
  • "I'd like to see a specialist. Do I need a referral?"
  • "Can I reschedule my appointment?"
  • "I need to cancel my appointment."

Describing Your Symptoms
  • "I'm not feeling well."
  • "I've been feeling unwell for [number] days."
  • "I have a headache / stomach ache / sore throat."
  • "It hurts here." (while pointing to the area)
  • "The pain is sharp / dull / throbbing / constant."
  • "On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain is about [number]."
  • "The symptoms started [time period] ago."
  • "It's getting better / worse / staying the same."
  • "I feel dizzy / nauseous / tired."
  • "I have a fever. My temperature is [number] degrees."

Discussing Medical History
  • "I'm allergic to [substance/medication]."
  • "I'm currently taking [medication name]."
  • "I have a history of [condition]."
  • "This condition runs in my family."
  • "I had surgery for [condition] in [year]."
  • "I don't have any known allergies."

Insurance and Payment
  • "I have health insurance. Here's my card."
  • "I don't have health insurance. How much will this cost?"
  • "Does my insurance cover this procedure?"
  • "What is the copay for this visit?"
  • "Can I get an itemized bill?"
  • "Do you offer payment plans?"

Asking for Clarification
  • "Could you repeat that, please?"
  • "Could you speak more slowly?"
  • "I don't understand. Could you explain that differently?"
  • "Could you write that down for me?"
  • "What does [medical term] mean?"
  • "Is there an interpreter available?"

15 Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When visiting the doctor, make sure you get answers to these important questions. This will help you understand your condition and treatment plan.
  1. What do you think is causing my symptoms?
  2. Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?
  3. What treatment options are available?
  4. What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?
  5. Are there any side effects I should watch for?
  6. How and when should I take this medication?
  7. Can I take this with my other medications?
  8. How long will it take to recover?
  9. Are there lifestyle changes that could help?
  10. When should I come back for a follow-up?
  11. What symptoms would require emergency care?
  12. Do I need to see a specialist?
  13. Is there a generic version of this medication?
  14. Can I get a copy of my test results?
  15. Is there anything I should avoid while recovering?

Practice Dialogues

Practice these real-life scenarios to build confidence before your medical visits. Read the dialogues out loud to improve your speaking skills.

Dialogue 1: Calling Your Insurance Company

This dialogue demonstrates how to contact your insurance company when you need medical care abroad. Notice the vocabulary used to describe symptoms and arrange a doctor's visit.

Insurance Rep: Hello! How can I help you?
Patient: Hi! I'm abroad right now and I have your medical insurance. I need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Insurance Rep: Could you tell me your name and surname please?
Patient: Alex Woodow.

Insurance Rep: Thank you. Could you tell me what happened?
Patient: I've been feeling unwell for a couple of days. I have a headache and nausea. And I'm feeling a bit dizzy.

Insurance Rep: I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have a temperature?
Patient: Yes, 37.7. Yesterday it was higher.

Insurance Rep: I see. We'll send a GP to you tomorrow. Is that OK?
Patient: Sure. What time will the doctor come?

Insurance Rep: Unfortunately, I can't tell you the exact time. But it will be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Patient: Fine, I'm at home in any case.

Insurance Rep: Could you give me your address, please?
Patient: Germany, Berlin, Hemmingasse, 25.

Insurance Rep: All right. Please prepare your ID and insurance for the doctor's visit tomorrow.
Patient: Thank you. Goodbye!

Insurance Rep: Goodbye!

Dialogue 2: Visiting a General Practitioner (GP)

This dialogue shows a typical consultation with a general practitioner. Notice how the patient describes their symptoms and how the doctor explains the diagnosis and treatment plan.

GP: Good morning! Please take a seat. What's the problem?
Patient: I haven't been feeling well for a few days. I keep having a sore throat and I've been coughing a lot too. And I have a temperature.

GP: Hmm… Have you been taking anything for the sore throat and cough?
Patient: Yes, I've taken a number of pastilles, tablets, sprays and paracetamol too. But they don't really help.

GP: Let me see… Well, your temperature isn't very high but it's above normal, your throat is inflamed and I'm afraid you have bronchitis. I think it's time to take antibiotics to make sure the infection doesn't spread. OK?
Patient: Yes, thank you.

GP: OK. I'll give you a prescription for antibiotics, new pastilles for the throat and a new nose spray. I've also written down when to take all this medicine.
Patient: Thank you, doctor. Where could I buy these drugs?

GP: They are sold at almost any pharmacy, including the pharmacy on the first floor of this building.
Patient: Great, thank you.

GP: You're welcome. Please take the antibiotics and other medicine for a week and come to see me next Wednesday. All right?
Patient: I'll make an appointment today. Thank you.

GP: Get well soon. Goodbye!

Dialogue 3: Discussing an Injury with a Surgeon

This dialogue demonstrates a conversation about a physical injury. Notice the vocabulary related to trauma, diagnostic tests, and treatment options including surgery.

Surgeon: Hello! Please take a seat. Now, what seems to be the problem?
Patient: Good morning. Two hours ago I slipped on ice and fell on my arm. Now it's aching a lot.

Surgeon: Let me have a look. Hmm… Yes, it looks swollen. You should have an X-ray. You need room 25 on this floor. Please have an X-ray and come back.
Patient: Thank you!

After the X-ray

Surgeon: Let's look at your X-ray. It shows fractures here and here. Unfortunately, you need to be admitted to the hospital and have surgery to fix these fractures. Without it the bone might heal in the wrong position.
Patient: I see. I don't have health insurance in this hospital. How much will it cost me?

Surgeon: It's about 2,000 euros. The receptionist on the first floor can tell you the exact price.
Patient: OK. When should I have this surgery?

Surgeon: It's better to do it tomorrow morning at 10:00. Meanwhile you can take this painkiller to decrease the pain. Please come 2 hours before the surgery as we need to run a blood test.
Patient: Fine. Do I need a prescription for the painkiller?

Surgeon: No, you can buy it at any pharmacy without a prescription.
Patient: Thank you, doctor. Will you perform the surgery tomorrow?

Surgeon: Yes, me and my team. See you tomorrow.

Tips for Successful Medical Conversations

Before Your Visit

  • Write down your symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are
  • Make a list of all medications you're currently taking
  • Bring your health insurance card and ID
  • Know your medical history, including any allergies
  • Prepare questions you want to ask the doctor
  • Consider bringing a friend or family member for support

During Your Visit

  • Speak slowly and clearly – don't rush
  • Don't be afraid to ask for clarification: "Could you explain that again?"
  • Ask the doctor to write down important information
  • Point to where it hurts if you can't find the right words
  • Take notes during the conversation
  • Ask about an interpreter if needed
After Your Visit

  • Make sure you understand the prescription – dosage, frequency, duration
  • Ask the pharmacist if you have questions about your medication
  • Schedule any follow-up appointments before leaving
  • Keep all receipts and medical documents for insurance claims
  • Follow up with the doctor if symptoms don't improve

Ready to Practice Your Airport English?

Reading vocabulary lists and dialogues is a great start, but real fluency comes from practice. SmallTalk2Me is an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform that helps you train English fluency through realistic conversation simulations with instant feedback.

Start practicing now — try our English for Immigration course to role-play lost luggage conversations with instant AI feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency. Practice describing your luggage, asking questions to airline staff, and build confidence before your real trip.

More Articles in the English for Immigration Series

This article is part of our comprehensive English for Immigration series. Explore other essential topics to prepare for life abroad:


📖 For a complete overview of all immigration topics, visit our English for Immigration Guide – your one-stop resource for mastering English in real-life immigration situations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What English phrases should I use to describe symptoms to a doctor?

Key phrases include:
"I've been feeling unwell for [number] days,"
"I have a [headache/fever/sore throat],"
"The pain is [sharp/dull/throbbing],"
and "On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain is about [number]."
Always describe when symptoms started, how severe they are, and whether they're getting better or worse.

How do I schedule a doctor's appointment in English?

Use phrases like
"I'd like to make an appointment with a doctor,"
"Is there any availability this week?"
or "I need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible."
Be prepared to provide your name, insurance information, and a brief description of why you need to see the doctor.

What questions should I ask in English at the doctor's office?

Important questions include: "What do you think is causing my symptoms?" "What treatment options are available?" "Are there any side effects I should watch for?" "How and when should I take this medication?" and "When should I come back for a follow-up?"

What should I say if I don't understand the doctor?

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Use phrases like "Could you repeat that, please?" "Could you speak more slowly?" "I don't understand. Could you explain that differently?" or "Could you write that down for me?" You can also ask "Is there an interpreter available?" if needed.

How can I improve my English for medical conversations?

Practice with AI-powered conversation simulators like SmallTalk2Me, study medical vocabulary lists, watch medical drama TV shows in English with subtitles, and role-play common dialogues before your visit. The more you practice speaking, the more confident you'll feel in real medical situations.