Medical Records Translation

Moving to a new country means moving your healthcare too. If you have existing medical conditions, ongoing treatments, or a complex medical history, your Portuguese doctors need to understand your records. A certified translation ensures nothing is lost between your previous healthcare provider and your new one.

Whether you need English medical records translated into Portuguese for a local doctor, or Portuguese records translated into English for UK authorities, I handle the full process from start to finish.

Certified translation for Portugal (English to Portuguese)

If you’re registering with a Portuguese GP, being referred to a specialist, or submitting medical documentation for a residence permit, your records need to be in Portuguese. All translations are certified by a Portuguese lawyer, as required by Portuguese law. I handle the full process: translation, certification, and delivery of a document ready for submission.

Continuity of care with a new doctor. When you register with a Portuguese GP or specialist, they’ll want to understand your medical history. While some doctors in Lisbon speak English, the official medical record needs to be in Portuguese. A certified translation of your existing records, including diagnoses, treatments, medications, and test results, ensures your new doctor has the complete picture.

Specialist referrals within the SNS. If you’re referred to a specialist through the Portuguese national health service (SNS), the referral process works better when your history is documented in Portuguese. A translated summary of your relevant medical history avoids delays and miscommunication.

Ongoing prescriptions and medication. If you take regular medication prescribed abroad, a Portuguese doctor needs to understand what you’re taking and why before issuing a local prescription. A translated prescription or medical letter from your previous doctor makes this straightforward.

Residence permit applications. Some visa categories require medical documentation as part of the application. If you have a medical condition that’s relevant to your application, translated medical records may be needed.

Insurance claims. If you’re claiming on Portuguese health insurance or submitting receipts to an international insurer, they may require translated medical reports, especially for significant treatments or hospital stays.

Legal proceedings. If medical evidence is relevant to a legal case in Portugal, whether a personal injury claim, a disability assessment, or a custody matter, medical records must be translated and certified for court use.

Disability or incapacity assessments. If you’re applying for disability benefits or an incapacity assessment in Portugal, foreign medical records supporting your condition need to be translated.

UK authorised translation (Portuguese to English)

If you need Portuguese medical records translated into English for UK purposes, I personally translate your Portuguese documents into English. I’m listed on the GOV.UK directory as an authorised translator for British nationals in Portugal, so my translations are officially recognised by the UK government.

UK insurance claims. If you’ve received treatment in Portugal and need to submit medical reports to a UK insurer, they’ll need an authorised English translation of the Portuguese records.

HMRC and disability benefits. If you’re claiming UK disability benefits or need to provide medical evidence to HMRC while living in Portugal, Portuguese medical records must be submitted in English.

UK solicitors and legal cases. If Portuguese medical evidence is relevant to a legal case in the UK, whether personal injury, family proceedings, or pension-related claims, an authorised translation is required.

Returning to the UK. If you’ve been receiving treatment in Portugal and are returning to the UK, translated medical records help your new UK GP or specialist understand your treatment history.

Informal translation for personal understanding

Sometimes you just need to understand what a Portuguese medical document says, without needing it for any official purpose. If you’ve received test results, a discharge letter, or a specialist report in Portuguese and want to know what it means in plain English, I can provide an informal translation. It won’t carry legal certification, but it gives you a clear understanding of your medical situation.

The apostille

Medical records do not typically require an apostille for use with healthcare providers or insurance companies. However, if the records are being submitted to a court, a government authority, or as part of a formal legal or administrative process, an apostille may be needed. Check with the receiving institution.

What you need to provide

Send me clear scans or photographs of the medical documents you need translated. Make sure all text is legible, including any handwritten clinical notes (I’ll let you know if anything is too difficult to read). If there are multiple documents, let me know the priority order in case you need some sooner than others.

Pricing and turnaround

Certified translation for Portuguese authorities, including lawyer certification, starts from €75. The price depends on the length, complexity, and number of documents. A single-page GP letter will cost less than a multi-page hospital discharge summary.

GOV.UK authorised translation (Portuguese to English) starts from €65, depending on document length and complexity.

Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 working days. Priority turnaround is available for urgent medical situations.

Send me the documents and I’ll give you an exact quote and timeline.

Why work with me

I’m Duda. I handle the entire document process so you don’t have to navigate it yourself. I tell you exactly what you need, coordinate the certified translation through a Portuguese lawyer (as required by Portuguese law), review everything for accuracy, and deliver a document ready for submission.

For British nationals, I’m listed on the GOV.UK directory as an authorised translator and interpreter. My Portuguese-to-English translations are officially recognised by the UK government.

I trained as a lawyer in Brazil, I work in compliance and anti-money laundering, and I’ve personally navigated the Portuguese healthcare system in Portugal. I know what Portuguese authorities expect because I’ve been through the process myself.

I also offer a medical interpreter service if you need in-person interpretation at a doctor’s appointment or hospital visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can my doctor in Portugal just read the English records? Some doctors in Lisbon speak English and may be comfortable reading English records informally. However, for the official medical file, for insurance purposes, and for any formal process, a certified Portuguese translation is needed.

Do you translate prescription records? Yes. If you need your current prescriptions documented in Portuguese so a local doctor can continue your medication, I can handle the translation of the prescription details and any supporting letters from your previous doctor.

Can you also interpret at a medical appointment? Yes. I offer a medical interpreter service for doctor’s appointments, hospital visits, and specialist consultations. This is separate from translating written records.

How do you handle confidentiality? All documents are treated with strict confidentiality. I don’t share, store, or discuss your medical information with anyone other than you.

What’s the difference between certified and informal translation? A certified translation includes certification by a Portuguese lawyer and is accepted by Portuguese authorities, healthcare institutions, and courts. An informal translation gives you a clear English version of a Portuguese document for your own understanding, without legal certification.

Get a quote in minutes

Send me scans of your medical documents on WhatsApp and I’ll reply with a price and timeline.

Message Duda on WhatsApp →

Prefer email? eduardanejaimc@gmail.com

Or use the contact form → and I’ll get back to you within a few hours.