Medical Certificate: What You Must Know



Obtaining a medical certificate is extremely important when it comes to providing legal and valid proof for a number of scenarios. An absence from employment, missing classes at a university, being considered “fit to fly” or reimbursements for tickets to an event due to being sick or from an injury are all reasons to see a doctor for a medical certificate.

English speaking doctors provide the best information about the importance of medical certificates and how to obtain one when necessary.

Obtaining a Medical Certificate

It is so important for medical practitioners to keep in mind their legal and professional responsibilities when issuing medical certificates. When issuing a medical certificate, it must be honest and not misleading. Practitioners may only sign medical certificates they believe, to be completely accurate. 

This means the medical certificate must be based on facts known to the doctor. Many doctors require a consultation before providing a medical certificate to certify they are signing off on the correct information. This includes the practitioner’s own observations as well as information provided by the patient. Any medical statements in the certificate must have a factual basis.

With this being said, medical practitioners may decline to issue a certificate. This may occur if they do not consider that absence from work is necessary given the nature of the illness. This could also be if a certificate is requested retrospectively. The practitioner must be confident about the facts of the matter.

What should be included in a medical certificate?

In order to be considered valid, documentation of a medical certificate must include:

  • Being in the form of an official, original & hard copy document.
  • The name and address of the practitioner issuing the certificate clearly stated.
  • Date the certificate is written and signed by the practitioner.
  • Date the examination took place.
  • The condition of degree of incapacity of the patient.
  • Date the medical practitioner considers the patient is likely to be recovered.
  • Be addressed to the party requiring the certificate as evidence of illness, for example, an employer, insurer or magistrate.


Fit to Fly Certificates

When you have had a health problem or you are wearing a cast, your airline or travel insurance company may require a fit to fly certificate. This is to ensure that you are in good condition to fly. You must not be a risk to yourself or the airline by having you on a plane. English speaking doctors can provide this certificate with a normal consultation, in just 45 minutes wherever you are. 

Sick Leave Notes

The most common need for a medical certificate is sick leaves. If you are attending a course or working in Barcelona and there is a valid reason that you are not feeling well, our doctors will be more than happy to make a consultation. They will check on your health, prescribe what’s necessary and give you a valid note to present at your university or workplace.

Event Reimbursements 

Other times many people get sick and find themselves in need of medication and a doctor’s note excusing them from that expensive excursion trip they booked. Being able to get medical care with a quick online doctor’s visit not only saves them valuable vacation time, it can also save them a lot of money.

If you would be in need of a medical certificate in Barcelona, introduce your details in the platform and our English speaking doctors will give you the assistance and the care you deserve.