Sports Medical Certificate UK

Get a sports medical certificate confirming you are medically fit to participate in a competitive sporting event.

In the UK, a sports medical certificate is increasingly required for marathons, triathlons, cycling sportives, and European races

✔ Accepted by UK & EU event organisers
✔ Marathons, triathlons, extreme sports & competitive events
✔ Issued by a GMC-Registered doctor
✔ Same day for most. 9AM next-day at the latest. Only £67

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✔ Full refund if the GP cannot issue.

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Dr Maria Knobel Medical Director

Standard Service

£55 - Receive your medical certificate within 2-4 business days

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Express Service

£59 - Your request prioritized and certificate issued within 24hrs or sooner

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How It Works

Complete a short online questionnaire

No appointment required. Complete a short medical questionnaire and upload any supporting evidence.

Doctor reviews your evidence

A GMC-registered doctor reviews your submission individually. No automated approvals.
✔ Full refund if the GP cannot issue.

Receive your certificate

Certificates arrive most same day, all by 9AM next morning, delivered as a signed PDF direct to your inbox.

Very happy, I ordered my Medical Certificate in the early morning hours and before noon time of same day I had it on my inbox. Speedy service and they present the health condition precisely, get to the point.

Georgia K. · 2 months ago

They meet the incredibly fast turnaround stated (certificate/letter sent before 9am the following morning if the doctor feels that a letter/certificate is appropriate) which is incredibly quick and I am really grateful for the help provided!

Mark K. · 2 months ago

Very easy and quick to get my certificate. And the certificate was approved from the specific company to travel with my dog. I will use them again. Well done.

Emanouela M. · 2 months ago

Second time using this company and they are fabulous! Always great, fast, friendly service. Highly recommend!

Gemma H. · 3 months ago

This was my second time using Medical Cert, and once again the service was exceptionally quick and professional. Everything was handled efficiently, with clear communication throughout.

Hayley G. · 3 months ago

I found the service very straight forward and quick. Exactly what I needed to get my Padi medical form signed before our holiday. Thank you very much.

Trianda O. · 3 months ago

Process was easy and responses were quick. I would recommend their service.

Cameron M. · 3 months ago

Fast efficient service for medical certificates. I used the not fit to fly service and was provided with a certificate the next day, the price is very reasonable and enabled a flight credit refund with my airline. Would recommend and would use again if needed.

Katharine H. · 7 months ago

A fast and efficient service. It wasn't complicated and the Fit-to-fly note was accepted by the Airport without any further questions. Thank you.

Mick W. · 6 months ago

Ideal for me, I am looking to get a certificate for some medical issues I have. So this is the perfect solution for me, uploading docs was easy and the forms very straightforward to fill in. Will definitely use them again. Many thanks.

Nicholas O. · 7 months ago

Excellent service. Easy to use and certificate issued in less than 24 hours. £39 as opposed to the £150 my GP charges. Highly recommended.

Joanna R. · 8 months ago

Quick and reasonably pain-free. Received their standard certificate as well as my requested bespoke certificate, by email, by 9am the following morning. Both completed properly, signed and stamped as required. More expensive than my GP, but infinitely quicker and easier.

Will R. · 7 months ago

One of the best experiences. It's easy to get a GP note.

Himanshu T. · 3 months ago

Excellent. My GP refuses to issue DWP MED 3 Fit Notes to students. MedicalCert were excellent and extremely helpful in providing a necessary certificate. Highly recommended.

Graham H. · 9 months ago

You were amazing, you kept me updated and replied promptly to any queries I had. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Anne · 5 months ago

They helped me, they were very professional and nice.

Luna B. · 4 months ago

Very pleased. Quick service with very professional letter provided.

Ann C. · 7 months ago

Great service, pretty straight forward and easy to use the website.

Alexandru P. · 6 months ago

I was recommended Medical Cert by a friend and was so impressed with the service received. I would recommend using a laptop rather than a phone. Overall a fantastic and fast service.

Sarah · 5 months ago

Rated 4.8 / 5 based on 225 reviews. Showing our 5 star reviews.

Get my sports certificate

What is a sports medical certificate? A sports medical certificate (also called a fitness to participate certificate, fit-to-compete certificate, or certificat médical de non contre-indication) is a signed document from a registered doctor confirming you have no medical contraindications to participating in a sporting event. It is required by most French sporting events under rules set by the Fédération Française d'Athlétisme (FFA) and many European event organisers. You can get one online in the UK from a GMC-registered GP, same day or by 9AM next morning. MedicalCert cannot issue certificates for Italian events, which require in-person ECG and Spirometry testing under Italian law.

Get a Sports Medical Certificate Online — Same Day, GMC-Registered Doctors

A sports medical certificate is a signed document from a registered doctor confirming you are medically fit to take part in a sporting event. Event organisers require it to confirm that a qualified medical professional has reviewed your health and found no contraindications to participation. The requirement is most common for events held in France, where the Fédération Française d'Athlétisme (FFA) mandates it for all competitive running events, and across the EU where governing bodies including World Triathlon and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) set similar standards.

MedicalCert issues a sports medical certificate UK athletes and participants can apply for online, following individual clinical review by a GMC-registered GP. No appointment needed. Complete a short health questionnaire, upload supporting evidence, and receive your signed fitness for sports certificate same day or by 9AM next morning. If a certificate cannot be issued on clinical grounds, you receive a full refund automatically.

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Internationally accepted Signed by a GMC-registered GP with QR verification, accepted by UK and EU sporting event organisers

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Same day or by 9AM Most certificates reviewed and issued same day, guaranteed by 9AM next morning on overnight service

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Full refund if declined No certificate issued without clinical basis, full automatic refund where documentation cannot be provided

Clinically reviewed by Dr Maria Knobel, Medical Director (GMC 7495073). Last reviewed: June 2026.

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Which Events and Sports Require a Medical Certificate?

Sporting event medical certificate requirements are most common for events in France, where the Fédération Française d'Athlétisme (FFA) and the French Sports Code (Code du Sport) require participants to present a doctor-signed certificate confirming fitness to compete. A marathon medical certificate is the most common type requested, required for most French running events including those governed by FFA rules. A triathlon medical certificate is required for most events sanctioned by World Triathlon and national federations in Belgium, Spain, and across the EU. Cycling sportives governed by UCI or national federation rules also typically require a sports fitness certificate. Many UK club memberships and event organisers require a medical certificate for sports participation as a condition of entry.

Marathons and half marathons — France & EU Most French marathon and half marathon organisers require a sports medical certificate under FFA rules. Italy requires a certificate plus ECG and Spirometry for competitive events under CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) regulations.

Triathlons Ironman, Challenge, and most European triathlon series require a fitness to participate certificate, particularly for events in France, Belgium, and Spain sanctioned by World Triathlon or national federations.

Cycling events L'Etape du Tour, La Marmotte, Haute Route, and other major French sportives governed by FFC (Fédération Française de Cyclisme) or UCI rules typically require a sports fitness certificate issued within 12 months of race day.

Marathon du Médoc One of the world's most famous marathons, a sports medical certificate is required for entry and must state no contraindications to competitive running in accordance with FFA regulations.

Marathon des Sables The iconic multi-stage ultra-marathon requires a medical certificate plus an ECG dated within 12 months of the race start date. The organiser provides a specific medical form that your doctor must complete.

Golf club membership Some golf clubs and cart operators require a medical certificate confirming fitness to participate. See our Golf Medical Certificate page.

Extreme sports Skydiving, mountaineering, and off-road racing may require specific medical clearance from event operators or insurers. See our Extreme Sports Certificate page.

Scuba diving PADI and BSAC diving courses and events require a dive medical certificate. See our Scuba Diving Certificate page.

Paris Marathon (HPC system) The Schneider Electric Paris Marathon replaced the traditional certificate with a free online Health Prevention Course from 2024. Check your race's current requirements before applying.

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Paris Marathon update (2025–2026): The Schneider Electric Paris Marathon has replaced its medical certificate requirement with the free online Health Prevention Course (Parcours Prévention Santé / HPC). Runners now complete this short online course and upload the certificate to their TimeTo registration portal instead of a doctor-signed certificate. Other French events are gradually adopting the same system. Always check your specific race's requirements before applying. For events that still require a signed certificate, MedicalCert can provide one.

What Does a Sports Medical Assessment Involve?

A sports medical certificate assessment reviews your current health against the physical demands of the event you are entering. The purpose is to identify any medical contraindications, conditions that could make participation unsafe, not to assess your fitness level or athletic ability. For an online sports medical certificate from MedicalCert, the GP reviews the following as part of your consultation.

✔Cardiovascular history: any history of heart disease, chest pain, palpitations, high blood pressure, or family history of sudden cardiac death under age 40

✔Respiratory health: asthma, COPD, exercise-induced breathing difficulties, or recent respiratory infections

✔Current medications: any prescription medications, particularly those affecting heart rate, blood pressure, or blood clotting

✔Musculoskeletal conditions: recent injuries, joint problems, or ongoing pain that could be worsened by the event

✔Blood pressure and cholesterol: recent readings from your pharmacy, NHS app, or GP, particularly relevant for runners aged 40 and over

✔ECG results (where required): for Marathon des Sables, some French events for over-40s, and all Italian competitive events. You obtain the ECG independently and upload results for the GP to review

✔Diabetes and metabolic conditions: Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes management, thyroid conditions, or other endocrine disorders relevant to sustained physical exertion

✔Previous surgical history: any recent surgery, particularly cardiac, orthopaedic, or abdominal procedures within the preceding 12 months

The assessment is a clinical review of your self-reported health history and any uploaded evidence, not a physical examination. This is consistent with how the majority of UK GPs assess sports fitness, as confirmed by the British Medical Association's guidance on private medical certificates. Where the reviewing GP identifies concerns that require in-person assessment, they will advise you accordingly and issue a full refund.

GP vs Private Online: How to Get Your Sports Medical Certificate

You can obtain a sports medical certificate from your NHS GP, a private clinic, or an online private GP service. Each route has different timelines, costs, and processes. The table below compares the three options for UK-based athletes.

Factor	NHS GP	Private clinic (in person)	Private online (MedicalCert)
Typical turnaround	1 to 4 weeks (appointment wait + admin processing)	Same day to 3 days (depends on clinic availability)	Same day, all by 9AM next morning
Appointment required?	Yes, face-to-face or telephone	Yes, in-person visit	No appointment. Complete online questionnaire any time
Cost	Varies by practice. Sports certificates are a private (non-NHS) service, typically £25 to £80. Many GPs decline sports certificates entirely.	£50 to £150+ depending on location and tests	Fixed fee, published on the consultation page
Availability	Subject to practice capacity. Not all GP surgeries offer sports certificates, and some refuse to complete event-specific forms.	Limited by clinic hours and location	Available 7 days a week, submit from anywhere
Custom event forms	Some GPs will complete event forms, others will not	Most private clinics will complete custom forms	Upload your event's specific form and the GP completes it at no extra charge
ECG review	Can arrange ECG in-house (NHS wait may apply)	Some clinics offer on-site ECG	Upload independent ECG results for GP review. Cannot perform ECG online.
Accepted internationally?	Yes, if signed by a GMC-registered doctor	Yes, if signed by a GMC-registered doctor	Yes. Signed by a GMC-registered GP with QR verification

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Many NHS GP surgeries treat sports medical certificates as a private (non-NHS) service and charge a fee. Some decline to issue them altogether, particularly where event-specific forms are involved. If your GP does not offer this service, an online private provider is typically the fastest alternative.

Sports Medical Certificate Requirements by Country

Requirements vary significantly by country and event type. The table below covers the main scenarios UK participants encounter when entering European sporting events. Always verify the specific requirements with your event organiser before applying.

Country / Event type	Certificate required?	Additional requirements	Validity
France — most running events	Doctor-signed certificate OR Health Prevention Course (HPC), check your specific race	Certificate must state "no contraindication to competitive running" per FFA regulations. Runners aged 40 and over may require ECG and cholesterol test evidence.	12 months from date of issue
Italy — competitive events	Yes, mandatory for all competitive events under Italian law (CONI regulations)	Resting ECG, Stress ECG, and Spirometry (lung function test) all required within the preceding 12 months. Cannot be completed online without test results.	12 months
France — Marathon des Sables	Yes, sports medical certificate plus ECG	ECG required, dated within 12 months of race start. Certificate must note ECG results are normal.	12 months
Belgium, Spain — triathlons	Generally yes for competitive events sanctioned by national federations	Varies by organiser. Always check your specific race entry requirements.	Typically 12 months
UK — club events and memberships	Not universally required, varies by club and organiser	Some clubs require GP clearance for new members with disclosed cardiovascular or other conditions. England Athletics, British Triathlon, and British Cycling do not mandate certificates for mass-participation events.	Varies

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MedicalCert cannot issue sports medical certificates for Italian events. Italian law requires in-person physical tests (Stress ECG, Spirometry) that cannot be completed through an online consultation. If you are entering an Italian event, you will need to attend a sports medicine clinic in person.

What Your Sports Medical Certificate Includes

Every sports medical certificate issued by MedicalCert is signed by a GMC-registered GP and includes the following. Your event organiser can verify the issuing doctor's registration on the public GMC register at no charge.

✔Your full name and date of birth

✔Confirmation of no contraindications to participation in the specified sporting event

✔The nature of the sport or event (competitive or non-competitive)

✔Any relevant health notes or conditions the organiser should be aware of

✔Issuing GP's full name, GMC registration number, and signature

✔Date of issue and event or organisation name (where provided)

✔Unique QR verification code, scannable by event organisers

✔MedicalCert contact details for organiser verification

If your event organiser has a specific form for the doctor to complete and sign, such as a Marathon des Sables medical form or a triathlon organiser template, upload it with your evidence and our GP will complete it where the clinical information supports doing so.

What MedicalCert Cannot Certify

MedicalCert provides online sports medical certificates based on a GP's clinical assessment of the health information and evidence you provide. There are some sporting contexts where an online certificate is not appropriate, and we will tell you this before you pay rather than after.

Italian sporting events Italian law requires in-person physical tests, Resting ECG, Stress ECG, and Spirometry, which cannot be completed or verified through an online consultation. You will need to attend a sports medicine clinic in person.

Aviation sports and skydiving Skydiving, paragliding, and aviation sports require specialist in-person aviation medical assessments that go beyond the scope of a GP online review.

Olympic and elite competitive sports Elite and Olympic-level competition often requires sport-specific medical assessments by accredited sports medicine physicians, not a general GP certificate.

Driving medicals (motorsport) Motor racing and karting licensing medicals require specific DVLA or FIA-registered doctors and in-person physical testing.

Scuba diving (PADI/BSAC dive medicals) Full dive medicals require in-person assessment by a diving medicine physician. We offer a separate certificate for some diving activities, see our Scuba Diving Certificate page for what we can cover.

Events requiring ECG results Where an event requires an ECG in the certificate (Marathon des Sables, some French ultras, runners aged 40 and over for certain events), you will need to obtain an ECG independently and upload the results. Our GP can then review and certify based on those results.

What to Prepare Before Applying

Unlike a sick note, a sports medical certificate assesses your fitness for physical exertion, not illness. The more relevant health information you provide, the smoother your application will be. Our GPs assess each case individually, so clear and accurate evidence leads to faster review.

Useful information to have ready

📋 Your recent blood pressure reading (from your pharmacy, NHS app, or GP, within the past 6 months is ideal)
🩸 Your cholesterol levels, screenshots from your NHS app or a blood test result are sufficient
📱 Your NHS Summary Care Record or medical history, available free via the NHS app
❤️ Any ECG results if you have had cardiac testing, required for Marathon des Sables and for some events for runners aged 40 and over
📄 Your event organiser's specific form, if they have one, upload it and our GP will complete it alongside the standard certificate
🪪 A copy of your passport or driving licence for identity verification

You do not need all of the above. For most healthy participants, a completed health questionnaire, blood pressure, and basic medical history is sufficient. The NHS app makes accessing your Summary Care Record straightforward. If you are unsure what to include, submit what you have and our GP will contact you directly if additional information is required.

How to Get Your Sports Medical Certificate

Complete the health questionnaire Provide your medical history, blood pressure, cholesterol, any relevant conditions, and your event details. Upload your NHS Summary Care Record and any supporting evidence.

GP reviews your case A GMC-registered doctor reviews your submission individually. They assess whether you have any contraindications to participating in your event. No automated approvals.

Certificate issued or refund given Where no contraindications are found, your signed sports medical certificate is issued. If our doctors cannot certify, full automatic refund. They may contact you for additional information.

Delivered to your inbox A signed PDF arrives same day or by 9AM next morning. Includes your GP's GMC number and QR verification code. Upload directly to your event registration portal.

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Most sports medical certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If you race regularly, one certificate can cover multiple events of the same general type entered within that period, provided no significant change in your health has occurred.

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Sports Medical Certificate — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sports medical certificate? +

A sports medical certificate is a signed document from a registered doctor confirming that a patient has no medical contraindications to participating in a specified sporting event. It is also known as a fitness to participate certificate, a fit-to-compete certificate, or in French, a certificat médical de non contre-indication à la pratique sportive en compétition. The certificate is based on a clinical assessment of the patient's health history, not a fitness test. It is required by most French sporting events under Fédération Française d'Athlétisme (FFA) rules and by many European event organisers. UK GPs and private online GP services including MedicalCert can issue sports medical certificates that are accepted internationally.

Do I need a medical certificate for a marathon or half marathon UK? +

For most UK marathons and half marathons, no. Events organised by UK Athletics affiliated clubs such as the London Marathon, Great North Run, and most parkruns do not require a sports medical certificate. However, if you are entering a marathon or half marathon in France, a sports medical certificate is almost always required under FFA regulations, and most French events will not let you collect your race number without one. If your event is in Italy, you will need in-person medical testing under CONI regulations. Always check the entry requirements published on your specific event's website. MedicalCert can issue a sports medical certificate online for French and most European events, same day or by 9AM next morning.

Does the Paris Marathon still require a sports medical certificate? +

No. The Schneider Electric Paris Marathon replaced its medical certificate requirement with the free online Health Prevention Course (Parcours Prévention Santé / HPC) from 2024 onwards. Runners complete this short online course and upload the certificate to their TimeTo registration portal. Other French races are gradually adopting the same system. Always check your specific event's current requirements on the official race website, as some races continue to require a doctor-signed certificate.

Which events still require a doctor-signed sports medical certificate? +

Many French and European events still require a traditional doctor-signed certificate, including the Marathon du Médoc, Marathon des Sables, L'Etape du Tour, La Marmotte, most Belgian and Spanish triathlons, and the majority of French running and cycling events that have not yet adopted the HPC system. Italian events require a certificate plus in-person ECG and Spirometry under CONI regulations. Always confirm requirements with your specific event organiser before applying.

Can you provide a certificate for Italian sporting events? +

No. Italian law requires competitive sports participants to undergo in-person physical testing including a Resting ECG, Stress ECG, and Spirometry (lung function test), all completed within the preceding 12 months. These tests cannot be performed or verified through an online consultation. For Italian events you will need to attend a sports medicine clinic in person. If you have had these tests performed recently and can upload the results, contact us to discuss whether we can assist with the certificate element.

How long is a sports medical certificate valid? +

Most sports medical certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. One certificate can typically cover multiple events of the same type entered within that period, provided no significant change in your health has occurred. Some events have their own specific validity requirements, so check your event's rules. If your certificate expires before your next race, you will need to apply for a renewal.

What does "no contraindications" mean on the certificate? +

"No contraindications to participation in the sporting event" means the reviewing doctor has found no medical reason, based on the information provided, that would prevent you from safely participating. It is not a guarantee of safety or fitness performance. It is a medical opinion that your health does not present known risks that would make participation inadvisable. This wording is what most European event organisers specifically require on the certificate, and it satisfies the FFA standard phrasing of "pas de contre-indication."

Do I need an ECG for my sports medical certificate? +

For most French and UK events, an ECG is not required for the standard online sports medical certificate. However, an ECG is required for: Marathon des Sables (mandatory regardless of age), some French events for runners aged 40 and over, and all Italian competitive events. If your event or age group requires an ECG, you will need to obtain one independently (via your GP, a private cardiology clinic, or a pharmacy ECG service) and upload the results with your application. Our GP can then include ECG findings in the certificate.

Can your doctors complete my event's specific certificate form? +

Yes. If your event organiser has a specific form they require completed and signed by a doctor, upload it alongside your health evidence when applying. Our GP will review it and complete the form where the clinical information supports doing so. This is included in the standard certificate fee with no additional charge for most standard event forms.

Can I get a sports medical certificate if I have a heart condition or other medical issue? +

Yes, having a medical condition does not automatically prevent certification. Our GPs assess each case individually based on the nature and current status of your condition. For cardiovascular conditions, a recent cardiology letter or ECG showing a stable condition significantly supports your application. If the reviewing doctor determines that certification is not appropriate, for example where a condition poses unacceptable risk for the event, you will receive a full refund.

How quickly can I get a sports medical certificate? +

Most sports medical certificates are reviewed and issued the same day, often within a few hours of submission. All applications received by 11PM are guaranteed to be delivered by 9AM the following morning. If the reviewing doctor needs additional information from you, they will contact you directly before issuing or declining.

Is a sports medical certificate the same as a fit-to-compete certificate? +

Yes. Sports medical certificate, fitness to participate certificate, fit-to-compete certificate, and sports fitness certificate all refer to the same document. The name varies by event organiser and country, but the content and purpose are identical: a signed statement from a registered doctor confirming no medical contraindications to participation in the specified sport or event.

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Most same day. All by 9AM next morning. Full refund if we cannot issue your certificate.

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