Medical Documents and Translation

Medical reports, test results and prescriptions often have to cross a language barrier, and the person asking for them rarely says what form the translation must take. Because these documents are used for insurance claims, visas and treatment, an error can have real consequences, so they are worth preparing carefully.

When a medical document needs a sworn translation

• Insurance claims. Insurers often want an official translation of reports, invoices and discharge summaries.
• Visas and residence applications. Some applications ask for medical documents in a specific language.
• Treatment abroad. A hospital or doctor in another country may want your records translated before it relies on them.
• Legal and official cases. Courts and authorities usually want a sworn translation.

The receiving office decides what it needs. Ask whether it wants a sworn translation, whether it also wants it notarized, and whether it needs any further certification. See Sworn vs. Notarized Translation in Turkey for the difference.

What to send us

• Every page of the document, including pages with stamps, signatures or notes.
• Clear images. Handwriting, doctors' stamps and small print must be readable.
• Your passport details, so the name is spelled the same way throughout.
• The language and the receiving office. Tell us who will read the translation, so we can advise on the next steps.

Medical documents are personal, so send only what the receiving office actually asks for. Our guide to preparing documents for sworn translation has more on what to include.

Mistakes that cost time

• Sending only part of a report. A missing page can make the whole translation unusable for an insurer or a hospital.
• Unreadable handwriting or stamps. Unclear text slows everything down and invites errors. If something is hard to read, tell us.
• Name mismatches. The name on the report should match your passport and your insurance policy. See Names in Translation.
• Assuming any translation will do. Insurers and authorities may insist on a sworn or notarized translation.
• Not asking about certification. Whether the documents also need an apostille or legalization depends on the receiving office and the country.

How we help

Send us the documents and tell us the language, the receiving office and your deadline. We will confirm what the translation needs to be and handle the sworn translation, and the notarization and any apostille or legalization when they are required.