When travelling abroad, there are factors to consider beyond simply booking your tickets and applying for a visa. One important question is: Do you need a medical certificate to travel abroad?
The answer depends on several factors. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, have had recent surgery, are heavily pregnant, or fall into certain other categories, you may need a medical certificate to present to airlines and/or destination countries before travel is permitted.
While you can travel without a medical certificate in most standard circumstances, specific situations make medical documentation essential. Foreign countries implement these requirements in line with international health regulations to safeguard public health. Additionally, having proper medical certification can be crucial for travel insurance claims, should health issues arise during your trip.
In this article, we’ll summarise the various situations where medical certificate documentation may be required, the different types of medical certifications available, and how to apply for and obtain them for your travel needs.
Fit-to-Fly vs Certificate of Good Health vs Insurance Certificates
Medical certificates for travel serve different purposes, so it’s important to understand the distinctions. Certificates of good health are typically required for visa applications to certain countries, confirming your overall health status. Fit-to-fly certificates specifically assess your medical fitness to travel by air, while insurance-related medical certificates document pre-existing conditions or health issues for travel insurance claims and coverage purposes.
Fit-to-Fly Certificates
Is a medical certificate needed for long-haul flights? For most healthy travellers, you can travel without one on long-haul flights. However, fit-to-fly certificates become mandatory in specific circumstances, particularly for long-haul travel where extended flight times may pose additional health risks.
This type of medical certificate is usually required in the following circumstances:
- The traveller has had a recent surgery, particularly chest or abdominal surgery; or
- The traveller is in the late stages of pregnancy (typically after 28 weeks for long-haul flights);
- For infants with recent illness, certificates may also be requested;
- Passengers with chronic conditions that may be affected by altitude or extended travel time;
- When airline or destination country policies specifically require medical clearance.
How to request a fit-to-fly medical letter from your UK doctor involves booking an appointment and providing details of your medical condition, planned travel dates and specific airline requirements. Before requesting a doctor to issue a fit-to-fly certificate, it’s important to check the specific airline’s policy on what needs to be confirmed/stated within the fit-to-fly certificate. For example, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, if a person’s condition requires them to be alongside a carer, the airline may insist that the carer accompanies such a person for the duration of the flight.
Generally, fit-to-fly certificates contain information such as: the passenger’s name, date of birth, passport number, medical condition and confirming their fitness to fly.
The length of validity of a fit-to-fly certificate will depend on the specific airline’s policy. However, it could typically have a validity period of between 5−7 days.
“Not Fit-to-Fly” Letters
In some cases, medical professionals may issue “not fit to fly” or “unable to fly” letters when passengers can’t travel for medical reasons. These are crucial for obtaining refunds or rebooking options from airlines and travel insurance providers. Examples include patients recovering from recent heart surgery, those with severe respiratory conditions, or individuals with contagious diseases. These letters provide official documentation that travel would be medically inadvisable.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
While generally healthy travellers can travel without certificates, failure to obtain mandatory medical certification when required can result in being denied boarding, trip cancellation without refund, or entry refusal at your destination.
Certificates of Good Health
Medical certificates of good health are generally required when applying for visas in foreign countries. They may also be required for work permits, residency applications and sometimes for specific types of travel insurance or entry to certain countries or institutions.
Essentially, the foreign country wants confirmation from a qualified medical professional that the applicant doesn’t have any health issues that could affect themselves or others while living in the destination country.
Again, as a starting point, it’s necessary to check the specific country’s requirements for what needs to be covered in the certificate of good health.
Medical certificates of good health for visa applications are processed through registered healthcare service providers. It’s important that the certificate of good health is provided by a qualified doctor and a recognised medical facility for its validity to be assured in the receiving country.
For this purpose, you may be required to undergo a health examination in order for the doctor to issue a certificate of good health.
Health Examination Details and Common Tests
These examinations commonly involve blood tests, chest X-rays and specific vaccinations as required by the destination country. Many countries specifically mandate a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate as part of the good health certification. The certificate may also need to include immunisation records and test results confirming the absence of contagious diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.
Insurance Certificates
Insurance-related medical certificates serve a different purpose from fit-to-fly certificates and certificates of good health, as they primarily facilitate healthcare access and coverage during travel. For UK residents, this includes specialised documentation like the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for European travel, as well as occupation-specific requirements such as maritime medical certificates for seafarers working in international waters.
UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
This card permits individual UK residents to obtain necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) − and some other countries − on the same basis as a resident of that country. It’s valid for five years.
To apply for the GHIC card, the UK resident applicant will need to provide certain details, including their National Insurance and NHS numbers.
Note that GHIC is not a medical certificate for travel and doesn’t substitute for fit-to-fly certificates or visa medical documents.
Seafarers – Form MSF 4112
For people working at sea, the form that must be completed is the MSF 4112.
The MSF 4112 is for:
- anyone applying for, revalidating, or changing their MCA Boatmaster’s Licence or certificate;
- anyone applying for a Royal Yacht Association (RYA) commercial endorsement for working on code vessels;
- crew on a seagoing or domestic passenger vessel; and
- those working on a fishing vessel under 24m in length that isn’t subject to inspection in a foreign port, at sea for more than 72 hours or operating more than 200 miles from the coastline of the UK or beyond the continental shelf.
Other Considerations
Supporting travel insurance claims: Medical certificates for travel insurance claims are essential for health-related cancellations, trip curtailments, or medical emergencies abroad. Insurers typically require certificates on specific claim forms detailing illness, diagnosis dates, and travel impact. Proper documentation expedites claims and prevents disputes, while failure to provide adequate medical certificates can lead to claim denial. Travellers should keep copies of all certificates and related records in case of disputes.
Validity and updating of medical certificates: Most medical certificates for travel are valid only for 7 to 14 days from the issue date, requiring current medical assessments. Frequent travellers or those with chronic conditions must obtain new certificates for each trip or when their medical status changes. For some airlines and countries, certificates must be dated within 72 hours of departure.
Additional practical considerations: Request medical certificates 1−2 weeks before travel to allow time for appointments and processing. Carry original certificates and copies in hand luggage for easy access during check-in. Confirm specific airline or country requirements early, as rules vary widely and may require notarisation or apostille for international legal recognition.
Aside from the medical certificate from a doctor, persons travelling outside of the UK should also be aware of any regulations applicable in their countries of destination as to the permissibility of importing their prescribed medication, among other matters.
It is also advisable to ensure you have adequate travel and medical insurance coverage in case of the unexpected.
Specific Examples of Countries Requiring Medical Certificates
- Spain: Often requires a medical certificate for student and residence visas.
- Greece: A same-day medical certificate of good health may be required for long-stay visas.
- Thailand: A medical certificate of good health may be required for various visa types.
- South Africa: May require a medical certificate for visa applications.
- Singapore: Might require a medical certificate for certain visa types.
- Philippines: A medical certificate might be needed for some visa applications.
- Mozambique: A medical certificate of good health is often required.
- Bermuda: May require a medical certificate for visa applications.
Where to Get a Medical Certificate for International Travel in the UK
While traditionally, people applied for medical certificates by obtaining a letter from their local doctor, there are other alternatives, including:
- Private medical clinics;
- Specialised clinics; and
- Online services (such as a virtual meeting with a doctor who may issue an electronically issued/signed letter).
Ensure your chosen medical practitioner is registered with the General Medical Council and that doctors are registered with the appropriate UK medical authorities.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Fit-to-Fly Certificate
Step 1: Contact Your GP Practice and Provide Information
Request a fit-to-fly certificate with your travel details (dates, destination, airline if possible). For the documents required for travel medical certification, you’ll need to provide valid identity documents (passport or driver’s licence), your travel itinerary details, relevant medical history (recent illnesses, surgeries, treatments), and any supporting medical evidence such as prescriptions, discharge summaries, or test results. For pregnant travellers, bring maternity records or midwife letters. You may also need to complete medical questionnaires and provide specific airline or visa forms if required by the carrier or destination country.
Step 2: Medical Assessment
Your GP will assess your health status by reviewing your medical history and, if necessary, conducting a physical examination. For pregnancy, complex cases or recent surgery, further evaluation or monitoring may be required.
Step 3: Processing Time
Allow up to 5 working days for your GP to review and issue the certificate. Urgent cases might be handled faster at private clinics or via online services.
Step 4: Costs
How much does a travel medical certificate cost in the UK? Fees typically range between £20 and £60, depending on the GP practice, complexity of assessment and whether it’s done privately or online. Private clinics and online services generally charge between £50 and £150, often offering faster turnaround times or digital delivery options. NHS GPs usually charge a private letter fee as this is not an NHS-covered service. Express, weekend, or urgent assessments may incur higher fees.
Step 5: Certificate Issued and Collection
Once approved, the doctor issues a certificate confirming your fitness to fly, including your personal details, medical condition and confirmation that you’re safe to travel. Receive your medical certificate in person, receive it by post, or, if using an online provider, receive it electronically via email, often the same or next working day.
Note: Always check the specific airline’s certificate requirements and ensure the certificate is dated close to your travel date (typically valid for 7−14 days, but for some airlines and countries, certificates must be dated within 72 hours of departure).
Why You Might Require a Notary to Assist when Submitting a Medical Certificate to Foreign Countries or Authorities
Depending on the recipient authority or countries, and specific procedural requirements, there may be heightened requirements to ensure that a particular doctor was duly qualified and did, in fact, issue a medical certificate. For travel to certain countries, you may need to verify that your doctor is registered with the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office).
This is where the involvement of a notary in England and Wales could be important to ensure that the medical certificate is accorded recognition in the specific country of use or with the specific airline.
For countries that are parties to the Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (commonly referred to as the ‘Hague Apostille Convention’, there may additionally be a requirement for the notarised medical certificate to be further apostilled before it is accorded legal recognition in the foreign jurisdiction of use.
Conclusion
In summary, obtaining a medical certificate for a visa application involves understanding the specific requirements of the destination country, and ensuring you undergo the necessary health checks and vaccinations. It’s best to consult with the relevant embassy or consulate. A qualified medical practitioner must issue the certificate, which you may need to legalise through notarisation for international recognition.
Travelling without a required fit-to-fly certificate can result in serious consequences, including denied boarding at the airport, refusal of entry at your destination, and potentially invalid travel insurance coverage, which could leave you facing significant costs and disruption to your travel plans.
Do you need assistance with notarisation for travel documentation? We can certainly help. Please contact Notary.co.uk on 020 7630 1777, or email us at info@notary.co.uk and we’ll be pleased to assist with your travel documentation needs.