How to Get a Medical Certificate: Your Complete Guide to Online and Offline Options

What Is a Medical Certificate and When Do You Need One?

A medical certificate (also called a sick note, medical report, or doctor's letter) is an official written statement from a qualified healthcare provider confirming your health status or fitness for a specific activity. It's essentially a professional attestation of your medical condition or capability.

Unlike casual health advice or informal notes, a medical certificate is a legal document with standing that employers, universities, insurance companies, airlines, and government agencies across Spain and Europe recognise and accept.

Common Reasons You Might Need a Medical Certificate

Work-related reasons:

• Taking sick leave due to illness (baja médica in Spain)
• Returning to work after illness or injury (fit-to-work certificate)
• Pre-employment health clearance
• Occupational health monitoring for safety-critical roles
• Workplace accommodation requests due to medical conditions

Travel purposes:

• Fitness-to-fly clearance (particularly after surgery, during pregnancy, or with medical conditions)
• Destination health requirements (some countries require specific medical documentation for entry)
• Travel insurance medical reports (proving pre-existing conditions or fitness to travel)

Educational reasons:

• University or college absence documentation
• Examination accommodations (for disabilities, mental health conditions, or physical limitations)
• Disability support service registration
• Academic appeal support with medical evidence

Insurance and legal purposes:

• Life insurance health assessments
• Disability insurance medical evaluations
• Critical illness insurance medical screening
• Legal proceedings (mental capacity assessments, care arrangements)

Sports and recreational activities:

• Sports participation clearance
• Gym membership medical clearance
• Adventure activity medical certification
• Competitive sports fitness assessment

Other certifications:

• Driving licence medical assessment
• Security clearance medical reports
• Immigration medical examinations
• Mental health treatment certification

The Different Types of Medical Certificates Explained

Understanding the specific type of certificate you need is crucial because different certificates address different purposes and have different validity periods.

Sick Notes (Justificante Médico or Baja Médica)

Purpose: Document that you're unwell and unable to work.

Who issues it: Your doctor at a public health centre (centro de salud), private clinic, or through telemedicine services.

Content: Specifies dates you're unwell and unable to work, though doesn't typically detail your diagnosis to employers.

Validity: Typically covers 3–7 days for acute illnesses. In Spain, for absences longer than 3 days, you typically need an official parte de baja from the public health system.

Cost through public healthcare: Free if you're registered in the Spanish Social Security system or have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Cost through private/telemedicine providers: €19–€50.

Important distinction: A sick note certifies you are unfit to work. It's different from a fitness-to-work certificate, which certifies you are ready to return.

Fitness-to-Work/Return-to-Work Certificates (Alta Médica)

Purpose: Confirm that you're medically fit to resume work after illness or injury.

Content: Professional medical assessment that you've recovered sufficiently to perform your job duties safely.

Who needs this: Often required after extended illness, surgery, or medical treatment before returning to work.

Validity: Typically 3–6 months.

Cost: €30–€100 through private providers.

Fitness-to-Fly Certificates

Purpose: Medical clearance confirming you're safe to travel by air.

When required: After recent surgery (typically within 14 days), during pregnancy beyond 28 weeks, or with specific medical conditions.

Content: Doctor's assessment that your condition won't be adversely affected by cabin pressurisation, altitude changes, and flight duration.

Validity: Usually 7–10 days from issue date (must be valid on your travel date).

Cost: €19–€50 for online services; up to €100 through private clinics.

Pre-Employment Medical Screening Certificates

Purpose: Confirm you're medically suitable for a specific job role.

Content: Varies by industry—construction workers might need different assessments than office staff. Usually includes health screening, fitness evaluation, and job-specific capability assessment.

Validity: Typically 1–2 years, depending on the role.

Cost: €80–€200 depending on comprehensiveness.

Educational Medical Certificates

Purpose: Document absence from university/college or support requests for examination accommodations.

Content: Confirms ongoing medical condition or acute illness preventing attendance, supports disability service registration or exam accommodations.

Validity: Typically for the academic year.

Cost: €25–€50 through online providers.

Travel Insurance Medical Reports

Purpose: Declare pre-existing health conditions to insurance companies.

Content: Comprehensive medical history, current conditions, medications, fitness for travel assessment.

Validity: As required by insurance policy.

Cost: €40–€80 depending on complexity.

Specialist Certificates (Sports, Driving, Immigration)

Purpose: Fitness assessment for specific activities or regulatory requirements.

Examples:

• Sports participation clearance: Cardiovascular fitness assessment, injury risk evaluation
• Driving medical: Vision and hearing tests, reaction time assessment
• Immigration medical: Communicable disease screening, physical and mental health evaluation

Validity: Varies significantly by purpose—typically 1–5 years.

Cost: €50–€150+ depending on requirements.

How to Get a Medical Certificate: Step-by-Step Guide

Your path to getting a medical certificate depends on how quickly you need it and what type you require. Here are all the main routes available in Spain and across Europe.

Route 1: Through Public Healthcare (Traditional Approach)

This is the most established path in Spain and other European countries, though it can be slow.

Step 1: Contact your local health centre (centro de salud)

• Call during practice hours or use your regional health service's online portal
• Explain you need a medical certificate
• Ask about availability and appointment times

Step 2: Attend your appointment

• Bring your health card (tarjeta sanitaria) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms or medical situation in detail

Step 3: Request the specific certificate you need

• Specify the exact type (sick note, fitness-to-fly, etc.)
• Provide context about when you need it
• Ask about typical processing time

Step 4: Receive your certificate

• Doctors can issue paper certificates or digital copies through regional health portals
• Collect from the health centre or access online

Timeline: 1–7 days (often longer during busy periods)

Cost: Free through public healthcare if you're covered; private consultations typically €40–€80

Pros:

• Free through public healthcare if you're registered
• Comprehensive medical knowledge of your history
• Official documentation for social security purposes

Cons:

• Long wait times (days to weeks)
• Limited appointment availability
• May not issue certain types of certificates
• Not available 24/7
• Language barriers for non-Spanish speakers

Route 2: Online Telemedicine Services (Fastest Modern Option)

This is now the fastest and most convenient way to get most types of medical certificates, especially popular with expats and travellers in Spain and Europe.

How it works:

Step 1: Choose your online provider

Reputable telemedicine providers in Spain and Europe include:

• UrgentDoc (urgentdoc.eu): Same-day certificates from EU-licensed physicians; multilingual support in English, Spanish, and more
• Regional telemedicine platforms offered by private healthcare providers
• International telemedicine services operating across the EU

Step 2: Select your certificate type

Most platforms list available certificate types upfront:

• Sick notes
• Fitness-to-fly certificates
• Return-to-work clearance
• Fit-to-work statements
• Travel medical reports

Step 3: Complete the online medical questionnaire

Fill out:

• Detailed symptoms or medical situation
• Current medications
• Medical history relevant to your certificate
• Duration of absence or reason for certificate
• When you need the certificate

Step 4: Upload supporting evidence

Most providers ask for:

• A brief video or written description of your symptoms or situation
• Photo ID (passport, national ID, or residence card) to confirm identity
• Medical records or discharge notes (if applicable—recent test results, hospital letters, etc.)
• Photographs of relevant conditions (for dermatological or injury-related certificates)

Step 5: Submit and pay

• Pay securely online (typically €19–€60)
• Receive email confirmation
• Your application enters the physician review queue

Step 6: Doctor reviews your case

• An EU-licensed physician reviews your submission
• May contact you by phone, video call, or email for clarification if needed
• Assesses whether to issue the certificate
• Issues digitally or on paper if requested

Step 7: Receive your certificate

• Most providers deliver via email within hours or same day
• Some offer next-working-day guarantee
• Express options available (additional fee)
• Certificates are valid across the EU and internationally recognised

Timeline: Same day to next working day (express options sometimes within hours)

Cost: €19–€60 depending on certificate type and urgency

Pros:

• Fastest option available
• No appointment needed
• 24/7 availability for submissions
• Often same-day delivery
• EU-licensed physicians
• Multilingual support (ideal for expats and travellers)
• Convenient from home or hotel
• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Internationally recognised certificates

Cons:

• No existing doctor relationship
• Doctor only sees information you provide
• May require refund if circumstances aren't suitable
• May not be suitable for complex medical situations requiring physical examination

Route 3: Private Clinics (Clínicas Privadas)

For those seeking more personalised attention with faster service than public healthcare, private clinics offer excellent options throughout Spain and Europe.

How it works:

Step 1: Find a suitable private clinic

Types of providers:

• Private medical clinics: Full-service private practices (Sanitas, Adeslas, Quirónsalud in Spain)
• Travel clinics: Specialise in travel-related medical assessments
• Occupational health clinics (mutuas): Focus on workplace health and fitness-to-work assessments
• International clinics: Cater to expats and tourists with multilingual staff

Step 2: Book an appointment

• Call directly or book online
• Many offer same-day or next-day availability
• Some accommodate walk-ins

Step 3: Attend your consultation

• Usually 10–20 minute appointment
• Doctor discusses your situation in person or via video call
• More thorough assessment than online questionnaire-only services
• Can address complex situations

Step 4: Receive your certificate

• Often issued same day (on paper and digitally)
• Available to take away immediately or emailed
• Doctor signs original for formal use

Timeline: Same day to next day (or walk-in for urgent need)

Cost: €40–€150 depending on clinic and certificate type

Pros:

• Face-to-face assessment
• Faster than public healthcare
• Better for complex situations
• Can discuss concerns directly with doctor
• Often English-speaking doctors available
• Professional clinic environment

Cons:

• Higher cost than online or public options
• Requires travel to clinic location
• Limited hours (not 24/7)
• Less convenient than online options
• Appointment booking usually required

Route 4: Workplace Occupational Health Service (Mutua)

In Spain, employers are required to provide occupational health coverage through a mutua (occupational accident insurance provider). These can issue work-related medical certificates.

How it works:

Step 1: Contact your company's mutua or HR department

• Ask if they can issue the certificate you need
• Explain your situation
• This service is provided at no cost to employees

Step 2: Attend appointment

• Meeting with occupational health nurse or doctor
• Focused on your fitness for your specific job role

Step 3: Receive your certificate

• Usually issued within days
• Directly to your employer and/or you

Timeline: 2–5 working days

Cost: Free (employer pays through social security contributions)

Pros:

• Free to employee
• Tailored to your specific job role
• Professional assessment by occupational health specialists
• Direct communication with employer

Cons:

• Limited to work-related certificates
• Requires employer participation
• May feel less private (employer involvement)
• Not available for other certificate types (travel, education, etc.)

Route 5: University/College Health Services (For Students)

If you're a student in Spain or Europe, your educational institution likely has health services that can issue certificates.

How it works:

Step 1: Contact your university's health centre

• Phone, email, or visit in person
• Explain you need a medical certificate

Step 2: Book appointment

• Often faster than public healthcare
• Many have extended hours during exam periods
• Some offer same-day appointments

Step 3: Attend assessment

• Medical professional evaluates your situation
• Focused on educational impact

Step 4: Receive certificate

• For student absence documentation
• For examination accommodations or support service registration

Timeline: Same day to 2 working days

Cost: Free or minimal fee (often included in student fees)

Pros:

• Free or low cost for students
• Understanding of academic timelines
• Can integrate with disability support services
• Often multilingual staff at international universities

Cons:

• Limited to education-related certificates
• Not available to non-students
• Less suitable for other certificate types

Comparing Your Options: Which Route Is Right for You?

| Situation | Best Option | Why | Timeline | Cost | | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------ | ----------------- | -------------------- | | Urgent (need same-day) | Online telemedicine (UrgentDoc) | Guaranteed same-day delivery | Same day–next day | €19–€60 | | Minor illness, can wait | Public healthcare | Free option if registered | 1–7 days | Free–€40 | | Complex medical history | Private clinic | Full consultation, thorough assessment | 1–2 days | €40–€150 | | Travel-related | Travel clinic or online telemedicine | Specialist in travel medical clearance | 1–2 days | €25–€100 | | Work fitness assessment | Mutua (occupational health) | Job-specific assessment | 2–5 days | Free (employer pays) | | Student absence | University health centre | Free and integrated with academic system | Same day–2 days | Free | | Expat/tourist needing certificate | Online telemedicine (UrgentDoc) | Multilingual, no local registration needed | Same day–next day | €19–€60 |

What Information You'll Need: Preparation Checklist

To speed up your application, have this information ready:

Personal Information:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• NIE/DNI number (if residing in Spain) or passport number
• Contact number and email
• Proof of identity (passport, national ID, or residence card)

Medical Information:

• Current symptoms or medical situation
• When symptoms started
• Relevant medical history
• Current medications and dosages
• Any allergies
• Chronic health conditions
• Recent hospital visits or treatment
• Names of healthcare providers treating you

Certificate-Specific Information:

• Exact type of certificate needed
• Who it's for (employer, airline, university, etc.)
• When you need it by
• Duration required (how many days off, when you can return, etc.)
• Any relevant discharge notes or hospital letters (if recently treated)

Supporting Documents to Upload:

• Photo ID (front and back)
• Brief description or video of your symptoms
• Recent medical records (if applicable)
• Discharge summaries (if recently hospitalised)
• Test results or imaging reports (if relevant)
• Prescription records or medication list

Common Questions About Getting Medical Certificates

Can I get a medical certificate without seeing a doctor in person?

Yes, through online telemedicine: Reputable telemedicine services like UrgentDoc allow you to obtain medical certificates without a physical appointment. An EU-licensed physician reviews your case and makes the assessment based on the information you provide. This is fully legal and certificates are recognised across Europe.

What if I'm refused a medical certificate?

This happens occasionally when:

• Your situation doesn't genuinely warrant the certificate
• You've provided insufficient or contradictory information
• Your condition doesn't meet the specific criteria

Most reputable providers offer full refunds if they can't issue your certificate. You can then try alternative approaches (e.g., visit a local clinic or seek a second opinion).

How long is a medical certificate valid?

Validity varies:

• Sick notes: 3–7 days typically
• Fitness-to-fly: 7–10 days
• Return-to-work certificates: 3–6 months
• Educational certificates: Academic term or year
• Pre-employment screening: 1–2 years

Always check your specific certificate's validity period printed on the document.

Can I get a medical certificate for time already taken off?

Yes, through retrospective certification: You can request a doctor to issue a certificate covering time you were already off work—though this requires that you were genuinely unwell during that period (the doctor will assess your credibility based on your description and any supporting evidence).

What happens if I claim a medical certificate dishonestly?

This is fraud and has serious consequences:

• Employers can discipline or dismiss you
• Insurance companies can deny claims
• Criminal charges are possible under Spanish and EU law
• Your employer can report to authorities
• Future certificate requests may be scrutinised more closely

Always provide accurate information to healthcare professionals.

Can I use a medical certificate from another EU country?

Yes, within the EU: Medical certificates issued by licensed physicians in any EU member state are generally recognised across the European Union under mutual recognition principles. However, for official baja médica (sick leave) through the Spanish social security system, you may need documentation from a Spanish healthcare provider.

Are telemedicine certificates accepted by employers and airlines?

Yes: Certificates issued by EU-licensed physicians through reputable telemedicine platforms are legally valid and accepted by:

• Employers across Spain and Europe
• Major airlines (for fitness-to-fly certificates)
• Universities and educational institutions
• Insurance companies
• Government agencies

The key is ensuring your certificate comes from a licensed medical professional and a legitimate healthcare provider.

Can doctors refuse to issue a medical certificate?

Yes, if:

• They believe you're not genuinely unwell
• The situation doesn't warrant certification
• You're asking them to document something they can't professionally confirm
• Your information is inconsistent or suspicious

Good providers protect their reputation by refusing inappropriate requests.

Tips for a Smooth Medical Certificate Application

Be thorough and honest: Incomplete or contradictory information causes delays or refusal.

Provide clear supporting evidence: Quality descriptions and any relevant photos help doctors assess quickly.

Specify exactly what you need: Don't just say "medical certificate"—specify fitness-to-fly, sick note, return-to-work, etc.

Upload good quality documents: If photographing documents, ensure they're clear and fully readable.

Apply with time buffer: If possible, apply a day or two before you need it rather than in last-minute panic.

Keep copies: Save digital copies of issued certificates for your records.

Verify your provider: Check that doctors are EU-licensed, read reviews, and confirm the provider is legitimate before paying.

Understand validity: Confirm the certificate will still be valid when you actually need to use it.

Consider language requirements: If your employer or institution requires documents in a specific language, ask if translations are available.

Key Takeaways

• Medical certificates are official documents issued by qualified healthcare providers attesting to your health status or capability for specific activities
• Multiple routes exist: Public healthcare (free but can be slow), online telemedicine (fastest and most convenient), private clinics, occupational health (mutuas), and student health services
• Online telemedicine is now the fastest option, delivering same-day certificates for €19–€60 without appointments—ideal for expats and travellers in Spain and Europe
• Different certificates have different purposes, validity periods, and requirements—ensure you're getting the exact type you need
• Quality matters: Use EU-licensed physicians and verify provider legitimacy before paying
• Timeline depends on urgency: Same-day service available through online providers like UrgentDoc; public healthcare typically takes days
• Preparation speeds everything up—gather required documents and medical information before applying
• Certificates are recognised across the EU—telemedicine certificates from licensed physicians are legally valid
• Honesty is essential—fraudulent certificates have serious consequences and damage your credibility

Whether you need a sick note for work, fitness-to-fly clearance for your flight, or medical documentation for university, the right medical certificate is now just a few clicks away through reputable online providers like UrgentDoc.