Italian Medical Certificate: How to Get It Online in 2 Hours 2026

Do you urgently need a medical certificate in Italy but your GP has no appointments available for weeks? This comprehensive 2026 guide explains everything about medical certificates in Italy: when they’re needed, legal requirements, workers’ rights, and how to get an online medical certification in 2 hours.

What is a Medical Certificate in Italy?

A medical certificate (also called a sick certificate or sick certificate) is a document issued by a doctor that confirms a person’s temporary inability to work due to illness or injury.

Legal Base

Following are some of the legalities you need to know before applying for a medical certificate:

• Legislative Decree 112/2008: Compulsory telematics certification
• INPS: Manages sickness benefits
• Workers’ Statute: Rights during illness
• CCNL: Sectoral collective agreements

When Do You Need the Medical Certificate?

Illness from Work

Duration Absence	Requirement	Indemnity
Day 1–3	Communication to the employer	No (shortage)
Day 4+	Compulsory medical certificate	Yes (50% salary)

Other Situations

• Gym: Certificate of sporting suitability
• License: Renewal of driving licence
• School: Extended absences of more than 5 days
• Public competitions: Physical fitness
• Sports activity: Competitive and non-competitive

For cyclists, the most-requested sport-specific certificate is the Maratona dles Dolomites medical certificate during the spring entry window.

For runners, the equivalent flagship is the Rome Marathon medical certificate.

Italy’s other flagship marathon is the Milan Marathon medical certificate.

For triathletes, the Ironman Italy medical certificate uses the identical agonistico framework.

Other major Italian granfondos such as the Nove Colli medical certificate use the same document type.

High-altitude challenges like the Granfondo Stelvio medical certificate use the same framework.

Tuscan classics like the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche medical certificate also follow the same standards.

For competitive sport requiring the Italian Federation’s specific paperwork, our Sports Fitness Certificate Italy is the right service.

INPS Telematics Certification System

How It Works

Since 2010, all medical certificates must be transmitted electronically to INPS:

1. Doctor sends: Certificate to the INPS system
2. INPS generates: Unique protocol number
3. Worker receives: Protocol number (to be communicated to the employer)
4. Employer accesses: Certificate via INPS portal

Obligations of the Worker

The employee must communicate the following for smooth operations:

• Immediately communicate the absence
• Provide certified protocol number
• Respect availability bands for tax visits
• Do not engage in activities incompatible with the disease

INPS Sickness Allowance 2026

Amounts

• Days 1–3: No INPS allowance (shortage)
• Days 4–20: 50% of average daily earnings
• Days 21+: 66.66% of average earnings
• Maximum duration: 180 days per calendar year

To claim INPS sickness allowance, order a Sick Leave Certificate Italy from a registered Italian doctor for €34.99.

Search Bands (Tax Visits)

• Morning: 10:00 – 12:00
• Afternoon: 17:00 – 19:00
• Every day: Including holidays and weekends
• Exemptions: Serious disorders, life-saving therapies, disability

How to Obtain the Medical Certificate Online?

You can obtain your Medical certificate through our online service. Our process has been designed to ensure you receive a comprehensive medical evaluation while accommodating your busy schedule.

1. Step 1: Fill up the form on the link to complete the health assessment
2. Step 2: Upload the custom format for the Medical certificate on the form too. If you do not have the template, you can download them from here.
3. Step 3: Upload your vitals and other related health measurements on the secure link provided on email.
4. Step 4: A licensed medical practitioner will review your case and share the signed note within 120 minutes*.

Our online medical certificate service in Italy is delivered by Italian-registered doctors with INPS-compatible templates.

Below is a table comparing the different ways of obtaining a medical certificate to help you decide:

Method	Cost	Waiting Times
SSN Primary Care Physician	Free (ticket if provided)	1–2 weeks
Medical Guard	Free	Night/holiday hours
Private Doctor	€50–80	A few days
Online Certificate	€34.99	2 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Online Certificate Valid for INPS?

Yes, if issued by a licensed physician and transmitted telematically to the INPS system with protocol number.

Can I Backdate the Certificate?

Medical ethics limits backdating. Maximum 1–2 days for obvious illness.

How Long Does a Medical Certificate Last?

The doctor sets the period, typically 3–15 initial days. If still sick after expiration, a new certificate is needed.

What Happens if I Miss My Tax Visit?

You will face total or partial loss of benefit, unless justified (hospitalization, urgent medical examination).

Are Self-Employed Entitled?

Only if registered in the INPS Separate Management. Amounts and durations differ from employees.

Key Takeaways: Italian Medical Certificates 2026

• Compulsory certificate from the 4th day of absence due to illness
• INPS telematics system since 2010
• INPS allowance: 50–66.66% of salary
• On-call time slots: 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00 daily
• GP: Free but 1–2 weeks waiting
• Online certificate: €34.99, 2 hours delivery
• Protocol number needed per employer
• Online certificates valid if telematically transmitted to INPS
• Shortage first 3 days (no allowance)
• Tax visits: unjustified absence = loss of benefits

Last updated: February 2026. Reflects current Italian legislation and INPS rules.