Tag Archive for: Translation and Interpretation

Why Insurance Companies Need Translation and Interpretation Services

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Due to globalization, people need to travel frequently to foreign countries. It can be for business purposes, higher education, and vocations. Whatever the purpose of your traveling is, you must secure yourself financially in a foreign land. Here the insurance services are of great help to you. They help you greatly if you face any unexpected accident. For instance, if you face any injury in a foreign land then you must go for medical insurance services. How can you understand insurance services in a foreign land because of language differences? For this, you must go for medical translation and interpretation services.

Difference Between Medical Translation and Medical Interpretation

Insurance services help to claim the money in case of an accident. Most often medical interpretation and medical translation are used interchangeably so people often confuse one with the other. Let’s remove the ambiguity between the two. Hospitals and clinics use both the services of medical translations and interpreters. The main difference in both is the use of communication mediums. The translation is about converting the written content from one language to another whereas interpretation is about altering the language orally. Some skills are common in translators and interpreters. The important thing to keep in mind is that a good interpreter might not be a good translator and vice versa.

Interpreters must work with objectivity because they are independent in their work. This thing sometimes causes a problem for them especially when they are interpreting for family and friends. Interpreters should be bilingual but this cannot ensure their success.

Medical translators work differently from interpreters because they need to provide services in written form. Therefore translators must possess good written skills in the language in which they are required to provide services. In the translation process, you must read an original context, and find relevant equivalent words in the target market. Finally, you must edit and proofread the content. If you are working with a medical translator then it is recommended to take the opinion of a second translator to get error-free medical translation services.

How to Translate Medical Documents for Insurance Companies  

Before going for medical document translation services, you must collect all the necessary documents in one place. They include hospital bills, medical check-ups, blood tests, and all the documents related to illness and injury. It is recommended to get a copy of each document to keep the medical record with yourself before giving them to the translation or insurance company. For the translation of medical documents, like medical claims you should not rely on software. For example, google translate will just give you an idea of the text. Therefore for the best health care services at economic rates, you should not take risks of both your health and wealth.

The medical documents about health and insurance contain difficult words and phrases that cannot be translated by a simple translator. For this, the translator should be a subject matter expert in the medical field. Therefore, you must hire a professional translation company because they employ a subject matter expert after strict scrutiny. You cannot make your health and wealth prone to different software.

Interpretation and Translation Required for Medical Insurance

For the processing of medical insurance, translators and interpreters are required throughout the process. It includes

  • The early phase of contact with the client.
  • Translation of medical reports, assessments, affidavits, and witness statements.
  • Client Meetings
  • Investigations for diagnosis
  • Trials

To get the required coverage from the insurance company, you must take the assistance of a reliable translation company.

Information Needs to be Accurate Both in Law and Language

If you require medical assistance in a foreign language then a translator should have a complete understanding of the foreign language with the law of that country. A minute mistake will harm the entire process and you must bear a high cost. Moreover, the interpreter is also required to interpret the foreign country’s law accurately. Additionally, they clear you regarding any ambiguities in understanding the law.

Happy Clients will Lead to Higher Retention Rates

When patients feel that they can rely on a specific insurance company then the next step is to look for translation and interpretation services. If the translation and interpretation services are not taken care of then people will not opt for your insurance policies. The health of the client and the growth of the insurance company are associated with impeccable translation and interpretation services.

The Role of Translation and Interpretation Services for Health Insurance

One of the worst things that one can come across in a foreign land is any ailment or unexpected accident. This one requires medical treatment. Not all of us can bear medical expenses in a foreign land. Moreover, it is not easy to understand insurance policies in a foreign land unless you understand their language. Here the translation and interpretation play an imperative role in making you understand the entire process and how to opt for it. Some hospitals don’t start treatment until you give them proof of insurance coverage.

In this regard, the hospital administrator contacts the victims to know the worth of their coverage. In such a situation, you must take the assistance of a medical interpreter that can act as a median between the hospital and the insurance company. Moreover, a translator would assist in translating documents for the hospital and medical facility to start a relevant treatment and to know how much money would be needed. Moreover, the insurance company also asks for police reports and witness statements to know the validity of your case.

Importance of Health Insurance Translation Services

Although English is a universal language it does not mean that everyone can speak and understand English. The translation of health insurance documents for people that do not speak and understand English is a critical process and requires experience and expertise in this field. Initially, bilingual people used to work as a translator in the medical field. To work according to federal and state laws, medical insurance translation services are the most critical translation services for the healthcare system. LEP, low English proficiency people like to communicate in their language. Health insurance translation services are significant for LEP because in this way they can understand the cost and terminologies used in the treatment in the best way.

a) Health Insurance Translation Services Help you to Understand Medical Rights 

Usually, the terms used in medical documents and insurance policies are obscure even for native speakers of the country. By getting a health insurance translation service, people can get aware of their health rights and know how they can take better leverage from them. This applies to the entire healthcare system. There are many cases in which people are unable to interact properly with doctors and insurance companies. For example, if you are an ex-pat and you have been given health insurance from your company then you can understand the health facilities given to you only by health insurance translation services. On the other hand, health insurance companies also want their clients to understand the health privileges given to them. Therefore translation services in health insurance are pivotal.

b) Health Insurance Services are Used for the Welfare of People

Many welfare countries also want health care providers of their country to take the assistance of translation and interpretation services in their practices. This shows that a large number of populations depend on their services. In the USA, healthcare facilities are very expensive. Therefore people who have taken health insurance services can save a lot of money and enjoy great health privileges. According to one study, 25 million US citizens have low English proficiency. Therefore, if they claim medical insurance then they must go for health insurance translation services to make their process more professional and efficient. Translation services in the healthcare industry are considered ethical because they help to save the lives of people.

c) Insurance Companies give you Leverage in Many Ways

If the insurance companies take the assistance of professional medical translation agencies, then they are in a better position to understand federal and state laws and can abide by them. It will increase both their financial and administrative efficiency. For LEP clients, the translation agencies come with communication strategies that can resonate with customer requirements. On the other hand insurance companies can improve the quality of customer services and help to process the insurance services in minimal time.

If the insurance company has its website, then translating a website into multiple languages will help to increase the customer’s enrollments and decrease expenses. Many insurance companies have included insurance forms online. People can understand and fill out the insurance forms if they are provided to them in their native languages. It will increase the information access and efficiency of the insurance firm. Over-the-phone interpreting can also increase the sales of the insurance company. In short, translation services will enhance the corporate image of the insurance company.

Miscommunication Prevented by Translation Services

One of the main reasons for the importance of medical translation services for insurance is to avoid miscommunication. Insurance companies are aware of the risks associated with wrong communication. The problems caused by errors in translation can result in lawsuits and the most dangerous part is the loss of health and death.

Do you know why miscommunication is in havoc in the medical insurance field? It is because of difficult terminologies used in medical and insurance. Therefore to have impeccable translation results one should hire a professional translation company.

Wrapping Up

The welfare states of the world take interest in providing the best healthcare services to their citizens. Many people from developing countries also visit these states to get better health facilities. To mitigate the communication gap between medical health and insurance companies, translation and interpretation services are of great help. It will ease the work of all three parties, patients, medical care providers, and the insurance company. For this, you must hire a professional translation agency. It will help the medical practitioner to treat the patient with utmost care. On the other hand, it will help health insurance companies to enhance their efficiency.

What is The Difference Between Translation and Interpretation?

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It is a commonly known fact that there are approximately 7139 languages spoken in the world today. But a lesser-known fact is that about 40% of these languages are endangered, with less than 1000 speakers left to speak them. With such a constantly changing dynamic of languages spoken by communities whose lives are changing with the languages, it comes as no surprise that communication is a vital aspect of survival. Translation and interpretation make this communication possible between communities, persons, and businesses. Both are required for making communication easier and both have their own challenges and benefits, which distinguish them from one another. This is why professional translation agencies are needed if one wants to avail these services. 

While these two terms ‘translation’ and ‘interpretation’ are used interchangeably, there are some clear differences between the two. Here we take a look at what is denoted by translation and interpretation and what are the features that make them differ from each other.

Translation and Interpretation – A Spotlight

Translation

The translation is defined as “an act, process, or instance of rendering from one language to another” by Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Simply put, translation is the transfer of written text from one language (called the source language) to another (called the target language) while ensuring that the core meaning of the text remains the same.

Translators use software and other tools to convert one language to another. Some of these tools are translation memory and glossaries, which facilitate the translation process and fill the missing gaps. This is the reason why these translators can easily go through the text. And can refer to other written material in order to ensure accurate translation. And herein lies the main difference between translation and interpretation – translators work with written material such as print and websites, while interpreters work on live translation, legal proceedings, live TV broadcasts, medical examinations, and sign language. 

Interpretation

Interpretation is defined as the oral reproduction of spoken language and is basically what you call “rephrasing”. An interpreter, therefore, is a person who repeats the message in a different language and deals with live conversation. Since it is delivered live, either simultaneously (in unison) or consecutively (immediately after), no help is taken from written material, scripts, dictionaries, or other helping material. Interpreters need to transpose the source language within its context, by taking care to preserve its original meaning. The only exception is that an interpreter rephrases idioms, colloquialisms, and other cultural-related references. 

Key Differences Between Translation and Interpretation

Translation

As explained above, translation is the transfer of one language to another. It is also a fact that different texts require different translation processes.

  • Technical Translation

Involve translation of booklets, guides, manuals, technical standards, and patents.

  • Financial Translation

It involves the precise and accurate translation of annual financial reports, bank records, accounting statements, and invoices.

  • Legal Translation

Involve translation of business agreements, legislation, employment documents, and merger and acquisition documents. 

It involves translation that abides by the medical standards of the target country. This involves the translation of clinical trials, manuals of medicine usage, pharmaceutical, and patient reports.

  • Website Translation / localization

Localization involves the adaptation of the text to local conventions. A website translation involves the translation of websites, user guides, mobile app localization, and software localization.

Interpretation

These are the types of interpretation:

  • Simultaneous Interpretation

Referred to as live interpreting, spoken language is interpreted from one language to another without any delay. For simultaneous interpretation, specialized equipment is a must. It is used in conferences, state visits, congress sessions, lectures, and training sessions.

  • Consecutive Interpretation

Known as gradual interpretation, this type of interpretation involves the interpretation of spoken word into the target language in parts of sentences. It is mostly used for lectures, seminars, business meetings, press conferences, public lectures, state visits, and audits.

Differences in Language Skills

One common thing that both translator and interpreter have in common is the command of their native and target language. But certain differences lie in this skill too.

A translator must possess a thorough and deep knowledge of grammar and stylistics. This is because his/her main task is to translate texts from the source language to the target language. In addition to this, they must also be capable of using and translating the words in a way that attracts the attention of the target audience. While it is true that most translators translate exclusively into their mother tongue, only some translators are adept at translating their mother tongue to a foreign language. 

On the other hand, an interpreter must have proficiency in both the source and target language. This is due to the reason that they are required to interpret simultaneously from one language to another without any delay. They must also speak clearly with proper articulation and must have a flawless command of spoken language. 

Differences in Personality Traits

There are certain personality traits that must be present in translators and interpreters. A translator must be detail-oriented and a perfectionist. This means he should never settle on the first option. He must also be analytical and have an observing attitude. Above all, a translator must be patient as researching and finding suitable words in the target language can be an arduous and time-consuming task.

On the other hand, an interpreter must possess excellent communication skills and should be capable of working under pressure. During work, they must be focused solely on interpreting and should be able to handle multiple tasks at one time. When interpreting, they must pay attention. This is because they have to listen to the speaker first, then process it, remember it, and then reproduce it in another language while keeping the original meaning intact. This is particularly required during simultaneous interpretation where the interpreter needs to be particularly sharp – it pays off to be a good listener too!

Differences in Work Tools

Since translation is a difficult task, many translators need particular tools which might assist them in the course of translation. Some commonly used translation tools used by translators are CAT tools (Computer Assisted Tools) and Microsoft Word. In order to achieve the required quality, translators must also utilize the reference material and should be skilled at building and maintaining glossaries.

On the contrary, such “assistance” is not available to interpreters. Although they can use reading material beforehand, it is not usually available at the time of interpretation. This is the reason why interpreters should be highly alert and attentive during interpretation sessions since even a minor mistake can have serious consequences.

Difference in Accuracy

Preciseness and accuracy are more required during translation as compared to interpretation. This is because even though interpreters aim for perfection, live interpretation is difficult and something is bound to be left out. On the other hand, translators have enough time to translate, test and check their work before delivering it, which is why it should be more accurate.

Getting Professional Interpretation and Translation Services

Now that you know the differences between translation and interpretation, you should also have knowledge of how to access professional translation and interpretation services. 

When choosing a translator, you must first have a clear idea of your business goals. For instance, if your goal is to rank high on search engines, it is important to choose a translation service that offers SEO optimization. If localization is your goal, you should choose an agency, which has skilled translators who are native to your target language.

When choosing an interpreter, the first thing you should check is the agency’s experience with the terminology industry. For instance, some agencies are specialized in the medical industry while others are skilled at delivering interpretation for business deals. Make sure that you are choosing a service, which is expert in your industry and also offers different ways of interpretation. This may include live interpretation, over-the-phone interpretation, and simultaneous interpretation.

Translation and Interpretation – What is Common?

There is one thing that is common in both a translator and an interpreter – the love for languages. Irrespective of whether they work with written or spoken content, both translators and interpreters are required to reproduce the information correctly and accurately. They must also be culturally aware and should possess a deep understanding of the cultural nuances. This will make their tasks easy for them, along with lending professionalism and accuracy.

The Last Word

Interpretation and translation are two closely related linguistic disciplines, but they are rarely undertaken and performed by the same people. This is because certain differences lie between translation and interpretation. In addition, the skill set, aptitude, training, and approach of the two processes are so different that it is quite impossible for a person to be a master of both.

Nevertheless, despite the differences, translation, and interpretation both are needed by companies, individuals, and businesses across the world. This makes these two processes highly demanded in this digital and fast-paced age. This is the reason why you should carefully seek out professional translation agencies, which not only have skilled translators but interpreters as well if you wish to take your projects on the global front.