The Right to Access Your Original X-Ray Images Before Leaving

Your right to obtain original imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) before leaving a hospital in Germany
What you can request – and how to get it

At the end of a hospital stay in Germany – especially in the context of medical travel – many patients ask the same question:
Am I allowed to take my imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray, etc.) with me?
The answer is yes – but within a clearly defined legal framework.

What does German law say?

Under § 630g of the German Civil Code (BGB), patients have a comprehensive right to access their medical records. This includes, among other things:

X-ray images
CT, MRI, PET and other cross-sectional images
the original patient file or copies thereof
diagnostic reports and findings related to these images

This right applies to all patients, regardless of nationality:

German citizens
residents and insured persons in Germany
international patients who come to Germany only for treatment

Which types of images can you receive?

Hospitals and radiology practices usually offer different formats:

Digital data in DICOM format
– stored on a CD or USB stick
– suitable for radiologists and physicians in your home country
Printed images / films
– available on request, often for a small fee
Preview files (JPG / PDF)
– for quick viewing on a computer or smartphone
– useful for orientation, but not always ideal for detailed diagnostics

In many cases, the images are handed out together with a discharge report or final medical letter – in German and, if requested, sometimes in English.

How to request your imaging in practice

To make sure you receive your data in time, you should act proactively:

Submit a request
– verbally at the ward or radiology department
– or in writing via a short form or letter
Specify what you need
– e.g. “All CT scans from 12.03.2025 in DICOM format”
– plus the corresponding medical reports
Clarify the way of delivery
– CD or USB stick
– secure download link or encrypted e-mail, if available
Prove your identity
– passport or ID card
– patient or case number, if known
Sign a data-release form (if required)
– some hospitals ask you to sign a short data access / privacy form

💶 Costs:
Most hospitals charge a small handling fee, typically around 5–20 € for data carriers and processing.

What if you forgot to request the images before leaving?

Your rights do not expire when you leave the hospital. You can still:

contact the hospital via e-mail or phone
authorize a trusted person in Germany to collect the CD on your behalf
ask for postal delivery or a temporary download link

Make sure that:

sensitive data is transmitted only through secure channels
files sent by e-mail are ideally password-protected (ZIP, PDF, etc.)

Why are your images so important?

Having your own copies of the imaging helps you:

continue treatment with your local doctor in your home country
obtain a second opinion at a later stage
maintain a complete medical history
provide documentation for insurance purposes or official authorities

For complex diseases (tumours, spine surgery, cardiac procedures), original images are often crucial for future medical decisions.

Can a hospital refuse to hand over your images?

In principle, no. The right of access is anchored in law. Refusal is only allowed in very rare, specific situations, for example:

if viewing the records would seriously endanger the patient’s mental health, and this is medically justified
if the documents contain protected data of third parties that cannot be anonymised (e.g. research cohorts, other patients)

Even then, the hospital must justify its decision. A blanket “no” is not permissible.

Conclusion

In Germany, you have a clear legal right to access and receive copies of your imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.).
This right also applies to international patients.
It is best to request your data early, ideally a few days before discharge.
If you forget, you can still request your images later from abroad.

This way, you keep control over your own medical history – no matter where you continue your treatment.

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur, and some information may not yet be fully confirmed. The contents of this article are therefore intended as initial guidance only. For binding and definitive advice, please always consult the responsible authorities, health insurance funds, and qualified medical or legal professionals.