If you’re planning to work or relocate abroad, you may be asked to provide a medical certificate confirming your health and fitness for the role. This requirement can also apply when applying for certain business visas. This blog covers everything you need to know about getting an apostille for medical documents.
Is an Apostille Required for Medical Letters?
A medical document, or letter, is usually provided as a letter from your GP or a hospital that has access to your medical records. However, before it can be accepted by a country that is part of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, the document must be officially certified. This is done by adding an apostille. Our Apostille Services can help ensure your documents are correctly certified for international use. You can also find Official UK guidance on getting documents legalised on the UK GOV website.
What is Classed as a Medical Document?
Medical documents can include a wide range of records, such as test results, medical notes, X-rays, and correspondence between your GP and any specialists you’ve seen. This might include information from professionals like physiotherapists, opticians, dentists, or occupational therapists. Essentially, anything relating to your medical care. Your medical records help identify any allergies or health conditions an employer may need to be aware of. Your records may also include details such as prescriptions, scan results, and relevant medical history. The standard administrative information, such as your age and place of residence, is also included. We all have medical records, from the moment we are born and registered with the NHS. For more information on accessing your medical records visit the NHS website.
Accessing Your Medical Records
You can get an online summary of your medical records. To access your records online, check which system your GP surgery uses, this is usually listed on their website. You can then request access by contacting the practice. You should then get instructions, a login, and a registration form.
Reviewing your medical records can also be done by using the free NHS app. You can do this if you are enrolled with a general practitioner’s office and are at least 13 years old. A formal written request for your medical records is another option. This is often the easiest way to obtain a physical copy for your employer overseas.
In Conclusion
If you are unsure as to which documents you need when looking to move or work abroad, you can check with the organisation you are working with and also research the laws within that country. Our team are on hand to help you obtain correct legalisation for your documents. You can also learn more about the process through our Document Legalisation page.
For help with apostilles, translation and legalisation, contact Apostille & Legalisation Services on 0208 0172216.
