Medical Certificates Guide
This guide explains the most common medical certificates people request for travel, work, study, sport, and insurance. All requests are sent directly to an independent GMC-registered doctor and documentation is issued only where the GP determines it is clinically appropriate.
What you’ll get on this page
- Which certificate type is usually needed for each situation
- What the reviewing doctor can (and cannot) confirm in a certificate
- How the online assessment process typically works
- When in-person care is required
What is a medical certificate?
A medical certificate is a document issued by an independent GMC-registered doctor confirming relevant medical information for a specific purpose (for example: fitness to travel, medical absence, or a health-related cancellation). The content of any certificate depends on the information available and the doctor’s independent clinical judgement at the time of assessment.GP-reviewed
Issued after the independent doctor reviews the information provided.
Purpose-specific
Written by the doctor to meet common requirements for that scenario.
Time-sensitive
Reflects health status at the time of the GP’s assessment.
How it works
Each request is sent directly to an independent GMC-registered doctor for individual assessment. The GP may decline to issue documentation if the information provided does not support certification.Submit details
Provide the reason for your request and relevant medical context.
Independent GP review
Your submission is sent directly to an independent UK GMC-registered doctor who reviews the information and applies their clinical judgement.
Issued if appropriate
If the GP determines it is clinically appropriate, documentation is issued digitally.
Find the right certificate type
Start with the category closest to your situation. If you’re unsure, browsing the full list is usually fastest.Travel
Fit to fly, unable to fly letters, and related travel documentation.
Fit to fly certificate Unable to fly due to medical reasons letter More travel-related certificates
Work & study
Absence, support letters, and common administrative certificates.
Sports & events
Participation certificates and event-specific documentation.
Clinical review, eligibility, and what can be confirmed
A certificate generally reflects what the reviewing doctor can reasonably confirm based on the information provided at the time of assessment. Where additional examination, testing, or urgent evaluation is required, the GP may determine that online certification is not suitable.
When in-person care is required
Some situations are not suitable for online certification. Seek in-person medical care if you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, or if a physical examination is needed to assess safety.Examples where online assessment may not be suitable
- Chest pain, breathing difficulty, neurological symptoms, or suspected serious infection
- Severe dehydration, uncontrolled bleeding, or acute injury needing examination
- Situations requiring imaging, ECG, blood tests, or specialist assessment
- Requests made for convenience without a clinical basis
Acceptance and decisions
Airlines, event organisers, universities, employers, and insurers may apply their own criteria for acceptance. A certificate provides the doctor’s clinical confirmation where appropriate, but does not guarantee acceptance, refunds, compensation, or payouts.
For general travel health guidance, see: NHS Fit for Travel – Air travel.