Good Health Certificate

Around the world, travel, work, and study programs are dependent on an authorized medical fitness assessment as part of the approval. For visa processes, job relocations, and university admissions, health certification has now become a regular requirement worldwide. A Good Health Certificate is the internationally recognized document that embassies, employers, universities, and government systems all rely on for verification of fitness and assurances of compliance with the health standards of the host country.

The New Approach to Certification

Long gone are the days of seeing a doctor in person. GetMedicalCertificate.com offers speedy, digital, and licensure-verified options. You’ll be relieved by a unique patient experience, with no clinic appointments, no hassles, and no headaches. We make it easy to apply securely online, speak with a medical professional, and receive our medical certificates that are compliant with WHO and IHR-2005 regulations and accepted across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Advantages

• Internationally recognized authoritative documentation
• Verification by license physicians using virtual technology
• Fully electronic, secured, and paper-free certificate
• Can be used for travel, work, study, and visa purposes

Using GetMedicalCertificate.com Compliance and being medically cleared is only a few clicks away, official, fast, and internationally accepted.

GetMedicalCertificate.com provides a convenient, entirely online service for receiving a Certificate of Good Health for any of your verification needs. This service is designed to eliminate any requirement to attend a clinic in person — the applicant submits a secure online health questionnaire that is then assessed remotely by qualified healthcare practitioners. Following the doctor’s assessment and approval of the information provided, the Certificate of Good Health is securely issued in minutes, and includes all verification details, including a doctor registration number, signature and contact information to ensure full acceptance by your organization or authority. 

Users of this platform enjoy convenience and compliance by obtaining certificates recognized in Europe from anywhere with an internet connection. The certificates produced by GetMedicalCertificate.com are a form of official verification of fitness to work or to satisfy other regulations and do not require waiting, as with conventional medical appointments. This service enables clearance to work, or to comply with regulation, legally and quickly to serve individuals in need of immediate qualified, verifiable results.

What is a good health certificate?

Simply put, it’s a document issued by a clinical provider which indicates a person does not have a contagious disease and is mentally and physically able. You may have also seen this referred to as a Medical Fitness Certificate or Health Declaration Certificate.

Why does a good health certificate have significance in European Countries?

A good health certificate has significance in European Countries because it protects an individual’s medical fitness with international health standards and practices. The certificate serves as official verification of not having infectious disease and being physically able for possible travel, study, work, or other international activities.

What purpose does a Good Health Certificate serve in travel, visa applications, university studies, employment abroad, or insurance applications?

A Good Health Certificate is considered documentary evidence of medical fitness, which authorities require to grant visas, foreign employment, admission to universities, or eligibility for insurance. It demonstrates compliance with WHO regulations and IHR-2005 (International Health Regulations-2005), which protect the public and improve the health status of people crossing borders.

Who can issue a Good Health Certificate in Europe?

Only medical registered doctors who are licensed to practice in the country issue a Good Health Certificate. The physician must have a valid registration number and must be registered with their local or country medical authority.

Is a Good Health Certificate the same as a medical test report?

No. Medical test reports provide relatively limited information and results of laboratory testing but a Good Health Certificate is a formal statement from a physician or other health professional who summarizes the applicant’s overall health based on examination and tests conducted.

What are the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005)?

The International Health Regulations (IHR-2005) is a framework for international health established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide assistance to countries in  preventing, detecting and responding to actual and potential public health emergencies that may cross borders and a global approach to health security.

What are the components of a Good Health Certificate?

A Good Health Certificate typically contains the applicant’s name, date of birth, passport number, date of examination, a declaration of good health, name and registration number of the examining doctor, the doctor’s signature, date of issue and the appropriate official stamp of the medical authority.

Is it accepted globally?

Yes, as long as it’s certified to standards of the WHO and IHR-2005. Additionally, embassies and employers all around the world will accept this type of certificate.

Can one good health certificate be applied to multiple situations?

Typically yes, as long as it’s within the time frame of expiration (e.g., 90 days). However, luck above are all different organizations requiring a new certificate for each.

What format will a good health certificate be issued in?

A digitally signed PDF, which can be downloaded and printed too if preferred.

Does a Good Health Certificate cover mental health?

Yes, it will confirm both physical and mental readiness for travel, work, or study.

Do visa applicants need a health certificate to apply for a visa?

Yes. In most cases, applicants for long-stay visas, such as work, study, family or retiree visas, are required to submit a medical fitness certificate. This document assures authorities that the applicant is healthy, free from communicable diseases and is fit to live and work or study in the host country. The embassies and immigration authorities use this document as a means of establishing that incoming residents do not represent a public health risk and that they are physically able to fulfill their visa purpose. Countries may have different requirements, however, it is a good idea to obtain a recent certificate (usually within the last three to six months time) from an authorized medical practitioner.

Is a medical fitness certificate required for students who wish to apply abroad?

Yes, for many students applying internationally, a medical fitness certificate is required. This is particularly true for students applying for health, medical, nursing, sports, or physical education studies. Universities in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East, can include a medical fitness certificate as a pre-admission, or pre-enrolment condition. A medical fitness certificate is often sought to ensure students are medically fit to attend lectures and participate in laboratory or clinical experiences, and to adhere to public health laws. Some institutions may require a medical clearance or fit to study certificate even for non-medical programs for obtaining residence permits and/or residence in campus housing.

Are foreign workers required to provide this information? 

Yes, foreign workers are always required to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment before their work permit or contract is signed and approved by their employer. Employers undertake pre-employment medical assessments to evaluate the new employee’s fitness for the duties assigned to them, to evaluate occupational health risks, and as regulatory compliance with requirements from labour regulators and immigration. Good health is used as verification to protect the employer and employee for assurance the employee is free and not a carrier of a chronic or infectious disease that could interrupt their employee duties or cause health risks in the workplace.

Is it required for retirement or non-lucrative visa (D7 type)?

Yes, individuals applying for retirement or non-lucrative visas, such as Portugal’s D7 visa, must provide proof of overall good health and not present a risk of communicable disease. The certificate serves a purpose for the government or authority to understand that retirees or people earning income remotely will not be considered a burden on the healthcare system of the host country. It is one of the main elements to be considered for residency permits for long-term stays without formal employment. Oftentimes, it will be accompanied by insurance and proof of income or receipts of a pension.

 Are family visa applicants required to have a good health certificate?

Yes, family and dependent visa applications typically require a medical fitness certificate, part of the process for reunification. Governments rely on this certificate to be satisfied that every family member they are permitting to enter the country is healthy and will not bring any public health issues. Medical screening for dependents, such as spouses, children, or elderly parents, may consist of a simple physical examination, a limited number of lab tests, and possible vaccination records. The health certificate gives immigration officers, and the family that is sponsoring the application, confidence that health standards are being met.

Is it open to digital nomads and freelancers to work remotely on a visa?

Yes! Many digital nomad or remote work visa programs, such as Spain, Portugal, Thailand, and the UAE, require participants to provide evidence of medical fitness. The health requirement seeks to make sure that remote workers living long-term in another country and the region are healthy, and not likely to require extensive medical support locally. The medical fitness certificate often comes along with a broader set of documentation (proof of income, health and valid health insurance and accommodations, etc.) The medical certificate is particularly important for long-term remote residence permit holders who are seeking to renew their permitting.

Does it need health insurance or travel insurance?

Most likely yes. Insurance companies and travel agencies will often ask for a medical fitness or health clearance certificate before they will issue a comprehensive health, travel, or expatriate insurance policy. This also serves the purpose of allowing the insurer to assess risk in terms of the applicant’s eligibility for specific plans based on the information from the applicant’s medical fitness or health clearance certificate. For travellers or expatriates to use it to become eligible for approval for insurance claims or renewal to help expedite the process while they are overseas with a pre-existing medical condition, the certificate must also be recent or dated to the current trip.

Are universities asking for it before you enroll? 

Yes. Many universities and colleges, especially in Europe, Asia, and Oceania, require new students (including exchange students and scholarship students) to have a medical examination and be issued a health certificate before they are allowed to register as a student. This can be particularly relevant for courses involving physical training, sports, and clinical practice. Health documents may also be requested by authorities in the country for issuing a student residence permit. Generally, you should obtain the medical report in your home country prior to travel.

Do children or dependents require one? 

Sometimes. Children and dependents applying under family or dependent visa types may require a simplified health certificate to confirm they do not have a communicable disease and are medically fit to travel. In the case of younger dependents, this can also include immunization records and paediatric health reports.  While they may not always be required, having these documents prepared can help ensure the visa is processed without delay and may prevent delays in family reunification applications.

How to apply for a Good Health Certificate online?

You can quickly apply by filling out the secure online Health Form. After completing the form, a licensed physician will review your answers and any previous medical background. If approved, your Good Health Certificate will be emailed to you securely as a PDF.

What documentation do I need?

You will be required to provide a government-issued ID with photo (e.g., a passport), your medical history, and the reason for applying (e.g., for your visa, or for employment or educational purposes, or for personal health purposes).

Do I need to visit a clinic to get a good health certificate?

You do not need an in-person appointment. The entire process is handled online by way of tele consultation, allowing for the most convenience and privacy.

How long does it take?

Certificates are typically reviewed and issued within 24 hours, after physician approval. There may be additional time if more information is requested.

Can I apply for someone else?

You can absolutely apply on behalf of someone else, such as a dependent or an elderly parent or child, if you have their consent.

What if my doctor requires further information?

If your doctor indicates that additional information or medical records would be helpful, you will receive a secure message or email asking you to provide those additional documents before your certificate can be approved.

How will I receive the certificate?

When your certificate has been approved, it will be sent as a PDF file to your registered email and you will be able to download and print it.

Can I request a male or female doctor?

Yes! You may request that we provide either a male or female doctor during the application process, based on availability of the specialty.

Is this process confidential?

Yes! All personal and medical information is encrypted and is handled according to international privacy practices. Only licensed health professionals can review your information.

Can I upload lab or medical reports?

Yes. It is optional to upload any recent medical reports, but it is always a good idea to provide them if you have chronic medical conditions or have had recent health testing. Providing medical records or lab reports is optional but it may help in providing you with faster and more accurate recommendations.

Are‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ embassies accepting the certificate?

A Good Health Certificate is an internationally recognized document, designed to meet the requirements of embassies for visa, immigration, and residency formalities.

How long does the certificate stay valid?

It is generally valid for 90 days from the date when the certificate is issued. However, the validity requirements may differ from one embassy or institution to another.

Can I keep the same certificate for later use?

Within its validity period, you may also use the certificate again, provided that there has been no significant change in your medical condition since the time of issuance.

What if my embassy needs a specific format?

Without charging you extra, we can change your certificate’s layout or wording to comply with the embassy’s requirements or the formal features of the authority.

Do I need a translation?

If the destination country of your documents is not English-speaking, your certificate may be issued in several European languages upon your request.

Could I utilize it for both residency and employment?

The same certificate can be used as a single step for various purposes, such as employment, residency, or studies, provided that the validity period is respected.

What if the embassy refuses the document?

In case the certificate is declined because of its format or the way it is written, we are able to provide a new version that corresponds to their requirements.

Is this certificate accepted all over Europe?

Certainly, it follows the regulations of WHO/IHR-2005 and can be found in all the European Union member countries.

Am I allowed to use this for university, employment, and visa at the same time?

Yes, the certificate is applicable for different uses as long as the date of issue is within the time frames required by each party.

Do I have to take a medical test in order to get this certificate?

Generally, there is no need for a physical medical test. The Good Health Certificate is given based on the patient’s self-report of health and the doctor’s professional review during the teleconsultation. In case your answers raise medical concerns, confirmation may be required.

Will it disclose diseases or health issues?

No, it normally only includes a phrase like “fit for travel”, “fit for work”, or “fit for study”. It does not disclose any personal or sensitive health information unless a certain authority specifically requests it.

What if I suffer from some chronic disease?

You are eligible to buy a ticket just like other people. The doctor who evaluates your file may write a note that your condition is under control, and you are physically fit for normal everyday activities, thus your health certificate stays valid for its stated purpose.

Are mental health problems covered?

Indeed, the evaluation includes physical as well as mental health aspects in order to be sure of the total well-being of the person. Nevertheless, mental health remains completely confidential and is not mentioned in the certificate.

Do I need to point out the drugs I take?

Certainly, we advise you to declare any ongoing medication or treatment. This will allow the doctor to be more precise in the fitness evaluation and also confirm that your current treatment does not interfere with your ability to travel, study, or work.

What will I do if I am pregnant?

Pregnancy will not hinder you from getting a Good Health Certificate. The doctor may write a short confirming you are physically fit for traveling or visa provision if there is no complication.

Could I be turned down?

In certain situations, yes. For instance, if you have a serious condition that may cause risk to public health, such as active tuberculosis or a rapidly spreadable severe infection, your application will be rejected until the problem is fixed.

Can I submit another application later?

You sure can. When your condition gets better or you provide updated medical records showing that you have recovered and are in good health, then you may submit another application.

Is there a physical examination by a doctor?

The answer is no. The entire procedure is done online through a tele-assessment. The doctor makes the final decision based on your health details and any optional medical reports you submit.

Is it possible to get a general fitness version (without health details)?

Yes, if you want to keep your health information confidential, you may ask for a “general fitness” certificate which only states that you have no communicable diseases and are fit for travel, work, or study. This format is most suitable for embassy or visa applications.

Does this certificate conform to the standards of WHO and IHR-2005?

Indeed, the Good Health Certificate meets all requirements detailed in the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005) by the World Health Organization (WHO). It follows the same line as the global standards adopted by embassies, immigration authorities, and government agencies all over the world.

Is an online certificate considered legally valid?

Yes. ‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍A digitally signed certificate is issued by a qualified and properly registered doctor. It contains a time stamp, digital verification code, and doctor registration details that make it a valid document for medical and administrative ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍use.

Will my information be shared with others?

Definitely not. Your health information will be maintained in full confidentiality. It will be secured, encrypted, and accessed only by authorized health professionals in accordance with international regulations for data protection and medical ethics.

Can I request to make changes or modifications in the future?

Certainly. There is no charge for the very minor changes, such as correction of the name spelling, date of the event, or typographical mistakes. Nevertheless, if you want to change medical-related information, then a new tele consultation or review will be necessary for reasons of correctness and regulations.

What if I want to get a duplicate copy of the certificate?

You can get hold of a similar duplicate whenever you feel like. The duplicate that has been verified will be sent back to your registered email address in the form of a downloadable PDF, just like the original.

Is it possible to get this certificate notarized or stamped?

Definitely. If an embassy, employer, or institution requires it, then notarization or physical stamping can be facilitated. The service may take some additional time depending on the area.

Is‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ this possible to utilize this in the case of medico-legal or insurance claims?

Definitely not. Such a certificate is intended only for general health clearance, the scope of which may be extended to, among others, overseas travel, college applications, and employment. It is not designed to be used in legal proceedings or in a workers’ compensation or insurance  ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌claim.

Is‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ a Good Health Certificate a valid document for a flight or travel clearance?

Generally, a valid Good Health Certificate is recognized as a standard “fit-to-travel” document by airlines and travel authorities if the certificate is recent and signed by a qualified doctor or medical professional.

But what happens if the doctor refuses to provide me with a certificate, is a refund given?

There is no option for a refund after the doctor’s review. According to the policy, the applicant is obliged to provide the accurate case information. Our services are entirely non-refundable. For more information, please consult the refund policy.

What are the steps to obtaining a Good Health Certificate in Europe?

You can complete it online by filling out a form where you indicate your health condition and the reason. A licensed doctor will be assigned to check your case.

Are online medical certificates recognized in Europe?

In Europe and EU/EEA countries, officially certified documents issued by doctors with an active medical license are accepted in any case.

Would I be eligible if I had a mild chronic condition (such as mild asthma, controlled hypertension)?

Yes, as long as it is a stable, appropriately treated chronic condition, and it does not interfere with your intended purpose. The doctor will assess your answers, and at their discretion will determine whether or not a certificate can be issued.

Can I ask you to provide urgent delivery (within 1 hour)?

We do our best to process quickly, but we cannot guarantee a fixed “within 1 hour” time for all requests. If urgent turnaround is needed, please note this on your submission, and we will try to prioritize.

Is the certificate valid indefinitely?

No. The certificate is valid as of the assessment date. The receiving organization may expect a certificate dated within something specific (e.g., within 1 year).

Does the Good Health Certificate have an expiration date?

Yes. The Good Health Certificate is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. However, some embassies, employers and other schools may expect a more recent Good Health Certificate. Always check the validity required by the authority making the request before submitting.

Can I print the certificate?

Yes. You will receive a downloadable PDF that you can print. If the receiving body allows, you may send the PDF electronically.

Can I have the certificate sent directly to my employer, visa office or club?  

In most cases, yes, you send the PDF yourself. However, if the receiving body requests the direct submission from us, please reach out, and we will see if that is possible (potentially requiring additional verification).

Will the doctor provide a consultation over video?

The doctor will review your online form and the information you choose to share. After that, the doctor will connect with you directly via chat to go through your symptoms, clarify any concerns and personalise suggestions. Video consultations are not typically required, unless the doctor feels it is necessary to do further assessments.

What happens if the doctor says no to providing a certificate?

If the reviewing doctor believes your health history warrants a physical examination or further tests, they will inform you that you will not receive a certificate via this service. They may suggest that a full clinical examination is warranted.

Will the certificate mention any condition I have declared?

The certificate is in a set format supplied by the company. The certificate will note that you were assessed and are in good general health for the specified purpose. However, it will not disclose anything about your general medical history, nor will it disclose details of any condition you have declared.

Will I get a refund if the doctor does not approve my certificate?

No, the fee is not refundable. It does not matter if the doctor does not approve the certificate. Refunds are only considered in the event of technical difficulties encountered via the platform that prevented your order or consultation from being processed. If you have any questions, please contact care@getmedicalcertificate.com.

Can children or minors apply for a Good Health Certificate?

Yes, with parental/guardian consent and accurate information. The parent/guardian must fill in the form and make that declaration on behalf of the minor.

Is this health certificate valid for visa submission to any country?

Many countries accept general Good Health Certificates, but visa criteria vary across the globe. You should always confirm with the appropriate embassy or consulate whether they allow certificates that were issued remotely, as well as any language or formats that are necessary.

What happens when the receiving organization does not accept the certificate?

We cannot guarantee acceptance with all organizations. If your certificate is rejected because it does not adhere to their rules, you may have to acquire a new health certificate, incurring any fees necessary to obtain the correct wording or format. We encourage you to clarify requirements ahead of time.

Can I modify/cancel my application after it is submitted?

You can cancel your application before the doctor has reviewed your application, and request a refund based on our cancellation policy. After a doctor has reviewed your application and issued (or denied) a certificate, cancellation will not be possible.