When you apply to emigrate and/or work in a new country then you will need to show a medical report showing you are fit and healthy and ready to get started on your new job. The same applies for a business visa.
This report can simply be a letter from your family GP or the hospital which has access to your medical records.
But, before the document can be handed over to an authority in a foreign country – one that is a signatory to The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961 – it has to be made legal. This is achieved by using an apostille.
By medical records we mean a compilation of any test results, Drs notes, X-rays and correspondence between your GP surgery and the hospital or some other specialist, such as a dietician, physiotherapist, optician, dentist etc.
If you’ve been seen by an occupational therapist at work then there may even be notes from them in your medical file. That’s because it covers any kind of medical treatment from GP visits to hospital care (as an inpatient or outpatient), including other medical professionals, that you have received in your lifetime.
Crucially for any future employer, your medical records also identify any allergies you have and if you have any health conditions worth noting.
Other information contained in your medical records include medication you have taken in the past, any scans etc, prescription charts, any telephone recordings and even lifestyle factors such as whether you are overweight, smoke and drink. It will probably also have a record of your BMI and information about whether or not you do any regular form of exercise. There is also standard admin information such as your age and address.
Do I have the right to see my medical records?
Everyone registered with the NHS – or private care – can obtain their medical records on request. This is a legal right, you don’t even have to explain why you want to see your them. Nor do you have to pay for the right. That’s because under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) this is a free service.
Obviously, you will have to give proof that they are indeed the person on the particular medical record they are applying for. This can be done using a passport or some other recognised form of identification such as a driving licence.
When medical records can be refused
There are only two reasons why you may be refused the right to access your medical records. This is if your GP, a health consultant or some other medical professional believes that accessing them wouldn’t be in your best interests ie because seeing them could cause you serious mental or physical harm.
Another reason you may be refused access to medical records is if the records also relate to another individual.
In either of the above cases it’s possible to have another individual look at your medical records provided you give written consent for him or her to do so. This would usually be a solicitor.
How to get a copy of your medical records
It’s possible to view a summary of your medical records online. Do this by first asking your GP surgery what online service provider they use (the information should also be on their website). Next, let the receptionist know you would like to sign up for online services over the phone or by going to the surgery (if you haven’t already). You’ll then be given a form to register and when you do, a log-in and instructions.
Another way to check your medical records is to use the NHS app. You can do this if you are registered with a GP surgery and aged 13 year or over. The App can be downloaded for free via the App Store and Google Play.
It’s also possible to formally request your medical records in writing. This way you’ll receive the hard copy you need for your new employer overseas.
To do this first find out where your medical records are held by asking at your GP surgery. Write to the address asking for copies of your medical records and anything in particular you would like to have a written note of.
You can expect to hear back within three weeks (although because of the pandemic this may take longer). If you don’t, follow up your request via a phone call or another letter. After 40 days without no information you can make a formal complaint to the surgery or hospital in question. There is also a free helpline to ask if you need further help. This is the Patients Association, tel: 0800 345 7115.
Getting your medical records legalised for overseas
The time your apostille takes to be legalised depends on whether or not the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has a copy of your GP signature (or that of the medical health professional who verifies your records). If not, they will have to write to them, adding a few days onto the process. This means that, in normal times, it could take up to a week to receive your apostille confirmation stamp.
Get in touch
Need help with obtaining an Apostle? Then call us today, tel: +44 2080 172 216. Our Whatsapp number is +44 7496 701 341. Or, you can email us via orders@apostille-services.co.uk
