The right question is not "Does this hospital speak English?" The better question is "Which parts of this visit carry real communication risk?"
Many foreign patients can manage simple logistics with basic English, screenshots, and a translation app. That does not mean they should handle diagnosis, consent, medication changes, or discharge instructions the same way.
When a translator matters most
Translation support becomes more important when the visit involves a new diagnosis, surgery or invasive procedures, cancer, fertility, other complex treatment planning, medication changes, allergy or safety concerns, inpatient admission, or a non-international department workflow.
The doctor is only one part of the day. The front desk, cashier, nurse station, imaging desk, and pharmacy may all matter too.
When you may not need a dedicated translator
You may be able to manage without a dedicated translator if the visit is simple and outpatient, the specialty is already clear, your records are easy to understand, you have a short written summary, the hospital has some English support, and you are not making a high-risk treatment decision that day.
Even then, it is still wise to prepare as if communication will be less smooth than expected.