Apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate
We provide a quick and convenient way to get a medical exemption certificate when you need it.
✓ Apply 24/7 with no appointment necessary
✓ Avoid long appointment wait times
✓ Do it without leaving your home
✓ Cases reviewed & signed by a fully registered GP
✓ Sent to your inbox with optional overnight service
LET'S GET STARTED 
Accepted by most UK employers, universities and insurers, subject to their own policies. All consultations are subject to clinical assessment and certificates are issued only where clinically appropriate.
Consistently voted 5 stars
How It Works
Complete short online consult
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.
✔ Full refund if a certificate cannot be issued.
Receive your certificate
Most certificates are issued same day, almost all by 9AM the next morning. Delivered as a signed PDF. A doctor will email you if more evidence is needed.
Certificate security
Every MedicalCert certificate can be checked as genuine
Each certificate is issued with anti-tampering protection and its own verification reference. If your employer, university, airline or insurer wants to confirm the document came from a GMC-registered doctor, they can check it against MedicalCert records. Altered or copied documents do not pass that check.
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.
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!
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.
Second time using this company and they are fabulous! Always great, fast, friendly service. Highly recommend!
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.
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.
Process was easy and responses were quick. I would recommend their service.
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.
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.
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.
Excellent service. Easy to use and certificate issued in less than 24 hours. £39 as opposed to the £150 my GP charges. Highly recommended.
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.
One of the best experiences. It's easy to get a GP note.
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.
You were amazing, you kept me updated and replied promptly to any queries I had. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
They helped me, they were very professional and nice.
Very pleased. Quick service with very professional letter provided.
Great service, pretty straight forward and easy to use the website.
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.
Medical Exemption Certificate: Online, Same Day
There are two different documents called a medical exemption certificate. The NHS Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx) gives you free NHS prescriptions in England. You cannot apply for it yourself: your GP or hospital doctor completes form FP92A, and NHS Business Services Authority issues the certificate. A private medical exemption certificate is a signed GP letter confirming that a medical condition prevents you from complying with a specific requirement, such as a face covering, a vaccine, or a workplace policy. MedicalCert issues the private version online, reviewed by a GMC-registered GP, with most certificates approved same day or by 9AM next morning.
A private medical exemption certificate is issued as clinical evidence for employers, venues, event organisers, travel operators, or any organisation requesting medical proof that a health condition, disability, or circumstance means you cannot meet one of their requirements. It is a separate document from the NHS prescription exemption and is not connected to NHS prescription charges in any way.
To apply, complete a secure consultation form, describe your condition and the requirement you cannot meet, and upload supporting evidence. A GMC-registered GP reviews each case individually, with no appointment needed. If the exemption cannot be supported on clinical grounds, you receive a full automatic refund.
NHS Medical Exemption Certificate vs Private Exemption Letter: Which Do You Need?
Two entirely different documents are referred to as a medical exemption certificate in the UK. Knowing which one applies to your situation determines where to apply.
NHS Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx)
- → Entitles you to free NHS prescriptions in England based on a listed medical condition. NHS prescriptions are already free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- → The qualifying list is closed. It covers epilepsy needing continuous anticonvulsive therapy, diabetes mellitus except where treated by diet alone, treatment for cancer or its effects, a form of hypoadrenalism such as Addison's disease, a permanent fistula needing continuous dressing or an appliance, and the other conditions set out by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA)
- → Applied for through your GP or hospital doctor, who completes form FP92A. NHSBSA issues the certificate, normally within 10 working days
- → Free to obtain and normally valid for 5 years, or until your 60th birthday if that comes sooner. Renewal is a fresh FP92A through your GP
- → MedicalCert cannot issue this certificate. It must be processed through the NHS
Private Medical Exemption Certificate
- ✔ Confirms a medical condition prevents you from complying with a specific requirement: mask, vaccine, attendance, activity, or workplace policy
- ✔ Used as evidence for employers, venues, event organisers, travel operators, and other organisations
- ✔ Not related to NHS prescription charges. A completely separate document
- ✔ Issued by a private GMC-registered GP following individual clinical review
- ✔ MedicalCert can issue this, available same day online from £47
NHS MedEx vs private exemption certificate at a glance
| NHS MedEx certificate | Private exemption certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Free NHS prescriptions in England | Evidence that a condition prevents compliance with a specific requirement |
| Issued by | NHS Business Services Authority, after your GP or hospital doctor completes form FP92A | A GMC-registered private GP after individual clinical review |
| How to apply | Through your NHS GP or hospital doctor, using form FP92A | Online consultation with MedicalCert, no appointment |
| Qualifying conditions | Fixed NHSBSA list of conditions | No fixed list. Any condition with a documentable clinical link to the requirement |
| Cost | Free | From £47, with a full refund if a certificate cannot be issued |
| Validity | Normally 5 years | Typically 12 months, or the period specified in the letter |
| Accepted by | NHS pharmacies for prescription charges | Submitted to employers, venues, travel operators and event organisers, each of which decides whether to accept it |
If you need evidence for an employer, venue, organisation, or event confirming that a medical reason prevents you from complying with one of their requirements, you need a private medical exemption certificate from MedicalCert. If you need free NHS prescriptions in England based on a listed condition, ask your GP or hospital doctor to complete form FP92A.
What Is a Private Medical Exemption Certificate Used For?
A private medical exemption letter from a GMC-registered GP can be used wherever an organisation requires formal medical evidence that a health condition prevents compliance with one of their requirements. Common situations include:
Mask and face covering exemption
A mask exemption certificate confirms that a respiratory condition, skin condition, anxiety disorder, PTSD, claustrophobia, or other clinical reason means wearing a face covering is medically inadvisable. Face coverings are no longer required by law in England, and GOV.UK guidance states that a person with an age, health or disability reason does not routinely need to show written evidence and does not need to request a letter from a medical professional. A letter is worth obtaining only where a particular organisation asks for one, for example a healthcare setting following infection prevention and control rules, and acceptance is that organisation's decision. The certificate describes the clinical basis for exemption without disclosing unnecessary medical detail.
Vaccine exemption certificate
Where an employer, institution, or travel destination requires proof of vaccination, a vaccine exemption certificate confirms a medical contraindication, such as severe allergy, immunosuppression, or prior adverse reaction, that prevents safe vaccination. It can be submitted as evidence for workplace vaccination policies, education requirements and some international travel destinations, though each organisation and destination decides whether to accept it. For travel-specific yellow fever vaccine exemption, see our dedicated Yellow Fever Exemption Certificate.
Workplace policy exemption
A medical exemption letter for an employer documents that a health condition means you cannot comply with a specific workplace policy or requirement: uniform elements, shift patterns, physical attendance, safety equipment, or environmental conditions. The letter can be used for formal HR records and supports a reasonable adjustments discussion. In employment that duty is imposed by section 39 of the Equality Act 2010 and defined by section 20, and it applies where the person meets the definition of disability in section 6. A letter does not create the duty. Also see our Work Adjustment Certificate for formalising specific accommodations.
Event or activity exemption
A medical exemption certificate for event participation confirms that a health condition prevents participation in or compliance with a specific activity requirement: a physical assessment, a mandatory participation element, an attendance obligation, or a safety protocol. Submitted to sports clubs, educational institutions, summer camps and event organisers that require formal medical evidence before granting an exemption from a standard requirement. Each of them sets its own policy on what it will accept.
Travel requirement exemption
Where a travel operator, airline, or destination country requires medical evidence of exemption from a health-related requirement, such as vaccination proof, physical fitness documentation, or compliance with a health screening protocol, a private medical exemption letter provides the clinical evidence needed. For specific vaccine requirements, see our Vaccine Medical Exemption Certificate page.
Gym or fitness facility exemption
A gym medical exemption letter confirms that a medical condition prevents safe participation in exercise or gym attendance, supporting a request for contract suspension or cancellation on medical grounds. Many gym and health club contracts permit early cancellation where a condition is documented by a GP. For gym contract medical cancellation specifically, see our dedicated Gym Cancellation Medical Certificate page.
What Conditions May Qualify for a Private Medical Exemption?
Unlike the NHS MedEx certificate, which has a fixed list of qualifying conditions, a private medical exemption certificate can be issued for any condition that genuinely prevents compliance with the specific requirement in question. The clinical basis must be real and documentable. Our GPs assess each case individually and will not issue a certificate without adequate clinical justification.
Conditions that commonly support a private medical exemption certificate include:
The key clinical question is not simply whether you have a condition. It is whether that condition has a direct, documentable impact on your ability to comply with the specific requirement in question. Our reviewing GP assesses both the condition and its relevance to the exemption requested. A certificate will not be issued where the clinical link cannot be established from the information provided.
What Your Medical Exemption Letter Includes
A medical certificate for exemption from a requirement must be specific enough for the receiving organisation to act on it. Every MedicalCert exemption letter is written as a clinical narrative, not a generic template, and includes:
Validity, Acceptance, and What to Expect
What you need to know before applying
- 📅 A private medical exemption certificate is typically valid for 12 months from date of issue, or for the period specified in the letter where a shorter or longer period is clinically appropriate
- ✅ Acceptance is at the discretion of the receiving organisation. MedicalCert provides the clinical evidence, but the employer, venue, or operator makes the final decision on whether to grant the exemption
- 🔍 No rule limits medical evidence to an NHS GP, so a letter from any GMC-registered doctor can be submitted, but whether it is accepted is the receiving organisation's decision. The QR code allows instant verification, and the issuing doctor's registration can be checked on the GMC register at gmc-uk.org
- ⚠️ If your organisation has a specific exemption form requiring GP completion, upload it with your application and our reviewer will complete it where clinically supported, at no extra charge for standard forms
- 🔄 If your condition is ongoing, you can apply for a renewed or extended certificate when your current one approaches expiry
Related Medical Exemption Documents
If your exemption need is more specific, one of these dedicated certificates may be more appropriate:
💉 Vaccine Medical Exemption Certificate
Specifically for vaccination requirements, covering workplace, educational, or institutional vaccine mandates where a medical contraindication applies.
Vaccine Exemption →🌍 Yellow Fever Vaccine Exemption
For international travel to countries requiring yellow fever vaccination. Records a clinical contraindication to yellow fever vaccination. Under Annex 6 of the International Health Regulations (2005) the written reasons are something the competent authorities on arrival should take into account, which is not the same as guaranteed entry. In the UK the letter is issued by an authorised health worker, usually through a designated yellow fever vaccination centre.
Yellow Fever Exemption →🏋️ Gym Cancellation Medical Certificate
Specifically for cancelling or suspending a gym or health club contract on medical grounds. Different from a general exemption letter, focused on contract termination rights.
Gym Cancellation →💼 Work Adjustment Certificate
For formalising specific workplace accommodations under the Equality Act 2010. Suitable where you need documented medical support for reasonable adjustments to duties or conditions.
Work Adjustment →How to Get Your Medical Exemption Certificate
Medical Exemption Certificate FAQs
Sources and References
The guidance on this page draws on the following official sources. Always check the receiving organisation's own policy, as exemption requirements vary.
- NHS Business Services Authority, Medical exemption certificates (MedEx), including qualifying conditions and the FP92A application process
- UK Government, Equality Act 2010, section 20, the duty to make reasonable adjustments
- GOV.UK, Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions
- GOV.UK, Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own, on the legal position in England and on written evidence
- General Medical Council, The medical register, for verifying the registration of any issuing doctor
- World Health Organization, International Health Regulations (2005), governing yellow fever vaccination exemption for travel
