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Documents and translation

For treatment or a second opinion abroad, complete, well-organised records in an understandable language save time and money.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark background, a tidy folder.
Figure 1.Folder — Documents and translation

01Short answer

The core pack: a short medical summary (diagnosis, dates, treatments, complications), recent test results, bone marrow and genetic reports, imaging discs, a medication list and allergies. Give key documents to a professional medical translator; some centres require an official or certified translation. Keep digital copies of everything and carry originals in your hand luggage. Ask the hospital abroad about free or paid medical interpreter services.

02Simple explanation

Summary: one or two pages.

Translation: professional.

Copies: digital and paper.

03Scientific explanation

Consistency: names and dates should be spelled the same in every document.

Privacy: send records only through secure channels.

04What happens in the body?

Folder

Organise with coloured tabs.

Translation

Keep the original and translation together.

On a dark background, documents in two languages.
Figure 2.Desk — Documents and translation

Disc

Bring imaging on a disc or by link.

On a dark background, a disc sleeve.
Figure 3.Disc — Documents and translation

05The document pack

Four steps.

Summary — Prepare it.1SummaryPrepare it.
Translation — Use a professional.2TranslationUse a professional.
Digital — Scan it.3DigitalScan it.
Originals — Carry them.4OriginalsCarry them.
ReadyThe pack is complete.
ProtectedFewer errors.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
FolderOrganise with coloured tabs.
TranslationKeep the original and translation together.
DiscBring imaging on a disc or by link.

07Key terms

Medical summary
A short overview of your case.
Certified translation
A translation with an official stamp.
DICOM
The file format for scans.
Medication list
A list of your current medicines.

08Key points

  • Ask your doctor for a short summary.
  • Ask about the translator’s medical experience.
  • Scan everything.
  • Keep originals in hand luggage.
  • Update your medication list.

09Frequently asked questions

How long does translation take?

From a few days to a week depending on volume.

Can I use an online translation app?

Not advised for official medical documents.

Into which language?

Usually English or the centre’s language.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How long does translation take?

  2. Can I use an online translation app?

  3. Into which language?

My questions

12Sources

  1. HealthIT.gov (ONC). How to get your health record
  2. LEP.gov (U.S. Government). Language access for people with limited English proficiency
  3. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Seeking a Second Opinion
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medical Tourism: Getting Medical Care in Another Country
  5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  6. U.S. National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov
  7. Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum. Krebsinformationsdienst
  8. KWF / NFK / IKNL. Kanker.nl
  9. American Cancer Society. Where to Find Cancer Care
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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