Home Documents Doctor's Letter (Arztbrief)

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.

Accepted across the entire EU
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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

1

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.

2

Receive your quote

Within a few hours, you receive a personal quote by email with a transparent fixed price based on your specific document.

3

Confirm with one click

Your quote email contains a confirmation button. One click, and our sworn translator begins working on your medical report immediately.

4

Receive your translation

You receive the certified translation as a PDF by email, followed by the stamped and signed original by post. Standard delivery takes 3 to 6 business days.

5

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?

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Individual price based on your document

Your questions answered

How long does it take to translate a doctor's letter?

Standard delivery takes 3 to 6 business days. 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.

Do I need to send the original Arztbrief, or is a scan enough?

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.

Will foreign hospitals and insurance companies accept the translated Arztbrief?

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.

When do I pay for the translation?

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.

Do I also need to translate lab results, imaging reports, or surgical summaries?

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.

Daniel Reyes
Written by
Daniel Reyes
Embassy Translations | February 2026
4.9 / 5 from 687 reviews
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