Apostille for Medical Records: What You Need to Know

Medical records are among the less common — but increasingly requested — documents for apostille. Whether you are relocating abroad, applying for foreign disability benefits, or pursuing medical treatment overseas, understanding when and how medical records can be apostilled is essential.

Can Medical Records Be Apostilled?

Yes — but with an important condition. Medical records are not government-issued documents, so they cannot be apostilled directly. To apostille a medical record, it must first be notarized by a Florida notary public. The notary certifies the authenticity of the document or the signature of the healthcare provider. The Florida Secretary of State then apostilles the notary's signature.

Common Scenarios Requiring Apostilled Medical Records

• Foreign disability or pension claims: Some countries require apostilled medical documentation to process disability benefits or pension claims for foreign nationals
• International medical treatment: Hospitals in some countries require apostilled medical records before accepting a patient's prior treatment history
• Foreign residency applications: Some countries require a medical certificate or health clearance as part of the residency application — this document may need to be apostilled
• International insurance claims: Foreign insurance companies may require apostilled medical records to process claims
• Adoption proceedings: International adoption packages often include medical records for both the child and the adoptive parents

The Process: Notarize First, Then Apostille

1. Obtain the medical record from the healthcare provider (signed by the provider)
2. Have the document notarized by a Florida notary public (or via remote online notarization)
3. Submit to the Florida Secretary of State for apostille
4. Arrange certified translation if required by the destination country

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