Doctor's Letter Translation: For Treatment Abroad, Insurance Claims, and Second Opinions
Need your German Arztbrief translated for a clinic abroad, an insurance claim, or a specialist's second opinion? Our sworn translators deliver medically accurate certified translations that hospitals, insurers, and physicians trust. Or bring your foreign medical report to Germany: we translate it so your German doctors understand your full treatment history.
You usually receive your quote within a few hours, often sooner.
What is an Arztbrief, and why does it matter?
In Germany, the Arztbrief (doctor's letter) is the standard medical summary that physicians use to communicate with each other. It contains your diagnoses, test results, treatment history, medications, and recommendations. Unlike a simple doctor's note, the Arztbrief provides a complete picture of your health situation. When you seek treatment abroad or need a foreign insurer to cover your costs, this document must be translated accurately, preserving all medical terminology. For official purposes like insurance reimbursements, many institutions require a beglaubigte Übersetzung, a certified translation prepared by a court-sworn translator.
Your path to a certified translation
Send your document
Upload a clear scan or photo of your Arztbrief through our website or email it to us. You do not need to send the original paper document.
Receive your quote
You usually receive your quote within a few hours, often sooner.
Confirm with one click
Your quote email contains a confirmation button. One click, and our sworn translator begins working on your medical report immediately.
Receive your translation
You receive the certified translation as a PDF by email, followed by the stamped and signed original by post. Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote.
Pay at your convenience
The invoice arrives with your translation. You have 14 days to pay by bank transfer, only after you have the document in hand.
When you need your Arztbrief translated
A translated doctor's letter bridges the gap between healthcare systems. Whether you are planning surgery abroad, claiming insurance reimbursement, or seeking a specialist's opinion in another country, the translated Arztbrief ensures your medical history speaks clearly to everyone involved.
Planned medical treatment abroad
You are scheduling surgery or specialized treatment at a clinic outside Germany and need your German medical records translated so the foreign medical team can plan your care.
- Doctor's letter with diagnosis and treatment plan
- Surgical reports, imaging results
- Insurance pre-authorization documents
Insurance reimbursement claims
After emergency treatment abroad or a planned procedure, your German or international health insurer requires translated medical documentation to process your cost reimbursement.
- Hospital discharge summary
- Itemized treatment invoices
- Proof of insurance coverage
Second opinion from international specialists
You want a specialist in Switzerland, the US, or another country to review your case and provide an independent medical opinion before deciding on treatment.
- Complete Arztbrief with medical history
- Lab results, MRI and CT reports
- Pathology findings if applicable
Continuing treatment in Germany as a foreign patient
You were treated abroad and now need German doctors to continue your care. Your foreign medical report must be translated so specialists here can understand your diagnosis and previous treatment.
- Foreign hospital discharge letter
- Medication lists and prescriptions
- Health insurance documentation (EHIC or private)
What we need from you
To prepare your certified translation, we need a legible copy of your medical documents. Here is what helps us deliver the most accurate result:
- A clear scan or photo of your Arztbrief (all pages including attachments)
- Any related documents: lab results, imaging reports, surgical summaries
- The target language (usually English, but we cover many languages)
- Any deadline you are working toward, so we can plan accordingly
Good to know
You do not need to send original paper documents. A well-lit photo from your phone or a PDF scan is sufficient. Our translators note in the certification that the translation was made from a copy, which is accepted by hospitals and insurers throughout the EU. If your insurer or foreign clinic has specific requirements, let us know and we will advise you.
Questions about your medical translation?
Individual price based on your document
Your questions answered
Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote. The exact timeframe depends on the length and complexity of your medical documents. If you have a tight deadline, such as an upcoming surgery date or an insurance submission window, mention it when you request your quote and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
A clear scan or phone photo is sufficient for creating your certified translation. You keep your original documents safe at home. Our sworn translator certifies that the translation accurately reflects the submitted copy, and this format is accepted by hospitals, insurers, and authorities throughout the EU.
Yes. Our translations are prepared by vereidigte Übersetzer, sworn translators officially recognized by German courts. The certified translation includes the translator's stamp, signature, and registration number. This format is accepted by clinics, insurers, and medical institutions across the EU and in most countries worldwide. If a specific institution has additional requirements, we are happy to advise you.
You pay only after you have received your translation. The invoice arrives together with your completed documents. You then have 14 days to pay by bank transfer. No upfront payment, no credit card required.
It depends on what your foreign clinic or insurer requires. For a complete medical picture, especially for second opinions or complex treatments, translating the full documentation, including lab values, MRI or CT reports, and surgical summaries, is often recommended. When you upload your documents, we can advise you on what is typically needed for your specific situation. The German Federal Ministry of Health provides general guidance on insurance coverage for treatment abroad.
Often needed together
Medical Expert Opinion
Required for insurance assessments, disability claims, or when a detailed medical evaluation must accompany your treatment records.
Health Insurance Documents
Proof of coverage, policy details, or the European Health Insurance Card translation for treatment coordination abroad.
English Translation
The most common target language for medical documents used internationally, from US clinics to global insurers.
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Your Arztbrief, translated for the world
Your translation arrives by email and post. Hold it in your hands, then pay.
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