Medical certificate

Medical Certificate: What It Is and When You Need One

Medical Certificate

Requesting a medical certificate is a common need, but many people may not fully understand the process or how to use it correctly. Confusion often arises regarding different types of certificates, such as those required for driver’s license renewal—which type is needed and what examinations are required.

Medical certificates are also used for further studies, work permits, employment in specialized environments (e.g., confined spaces, high-altitude areas), job applications, and more.

At Intouch Medicare, we’ve prepared a helpful guide covering types of medical certificates, their uses, how to request them, and important precautions to ensure they are used correctly.

Table of Contents: Medical Certificate

What is a Medical Certificate?

A medical certificate is a document that verifies the holder has undergone a health examination according to the specified requirements. It must be issued and signed by a licensed physician who is registered with the Medical Council. After completing the health check, the doctor will sign the certificate to confirm the results.

  • Confirms the individual is free from illnesses that could affect daily activities or specific tasks.
  • Can be used for its intended purpose once the certificate includes the doctor’s verification of the health examination results.

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Types of medical certificates

Medical certificates come in various types, depending on their intended use, such as:

  • General medical certificate – for sick leave or job applications
  • Driver’s license medical certificate – for obtaining or renewing a driver’s license
  • Travel or visa medical certificate – for travel abroad or visa applications
  • Pregnancy certificate – confirming pregnancy status
  • Court or legal medical certificate – for legal proceedings or court cases

Classifying medical certificates helps users choose the appropriate document for their specific needs, ensuring it is accurate and legally compliant. ( See the forms for each type of medical certificate.)

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Uses of a medical certificate

For Obtaining or Renewing a Driver’s License

Covers cases such as renewing a license, applying for a new license, or changing the license type. Most certificates confirm that the individual does not have certain specified medical conditions.

For Job Applications

Used to verify the health of job applicants, ensuring they do not have illnesses that could affect work performance or pose a risk of spreading disease. Requirements may vary by profession; for example, general occupations typically require a certificate confirming the absence of 5 specific diseases.

For Further Studies

A medical certificate for educational purposes confirms the applicant’s health status for studying domestically or abroad. It generally states that the applicant does not have chronic or contagious diseases that could impact study or university life.

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For Work Permits

A medical certificate for a work permit verifies that foreign workers are free from serious diseases that could affect job performance or workplace safety. The examination usually screens for 6 specified diseases.

For Sick Leave

A sick leave certificate confirms that the patient is genuinely ill. The doctor examines and diagnoses based on symptoms on the day of the visit. This certificate serves as evidence for leave approval and prevents salary deductions. It cannot be issued retroactively; the patient must be examined on the day of illness.

For International Travel

Certain international travel cases require a medical certificate, such as:

  • Travelers with health issues or seeking medical treatment abroad
  • Pregnant women (beyond 28 weeks)
  • Individuals studying or working abroad

Medical Certificate Fees

  • Prices range from 290 to 2,700 THB, depending on the type of medical certificate and the required health examination items.
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Who issues a medical certificate and what must it include?

A medical certificate is an official medical document that must be issued by a licensed physician registered with the Medical Council. The doctor may be a general practitioner or a specialist, depending on the type of certificate and its intended purpose, such as sick leave, driver’s license renewal, travel requirements, or legal evidence in court.

What Must a Medical Certificate Include?

  1. Patient information: Full name, date of birth, and relevant medical history
  2. Physical examination results: Weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, and general physical condition
  3. Assessment of mental health and ability to perform duties
  4. Screening for infectious diseases or substance abuse
  5. Purpose of the certificate: Sick leave, driver’s license renewal, travel, etc.
  6. Doctor’s name, signature, and medical license number
  7. Date of examination and date of certificate issuance

When you receive services with us, you can be confident that all our physicians are fully licensed, allowing them to issue legally valid medical certificates that are suitable for all official purposes.

Steps to request a medical certificate

Steps to request a medical certificate

  1. Inform the staff of the purpose for requesting the medical certificate. The staff will measure your blood pressure and weight at the clinic’s service point.
  2. The staff will take your basic medical history before you see the doctor.
  3. The physician conducts a physical examination to include the relevant information in the medical certificate according to your stated purpose.
  4. Verify the medical certificate received, checking your name and details for accuracy.
  5. Pay the service fee for the medical certificate.

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Precautions when using a medical certificate

  1. The certificate must be issued by a licensed physician registered with the Medical Council. Important

  2. The doctor must accurately document the patient’s symptoms and health condition. They cannot falsify information, alter diagnoses at the patient’s request, or issue a certificate retroactively for sick leave, as this is unethical and illegal.

  3. If a physician issues a certificate without conducting a real health examination, they may face disciplinary action by the Medical Council, including suspension or revocation of their medical license.

Medical certificates that cannot be issued

At IntouchMedicare Clinic, the following types of medical certificates cannot be issued:

Retroactive Sick Leave Certificates

Issuing a certificate for past sick leave is considered falsifying evidence and is unethical in medical practice. A medical certificate documents the patient’s condition at the time of examination, and retroactive issuance could lead to legal issues and negatively affect the patient’s health.

Online Medical Certificates

Currently, we do not provide medical certificates in an online format. However, patients can still access online doctor consultations (Telemedicine).

Patients Who Do Not Meet Health Criteria

Medical certificates cannot be issued for patients whose health examination results do not meet the required standards, to ensure the safety of the individual. For example, using such a certificate for work or activities could pose risks or hazards.

Missing Required Documents

If a patient does not provide essential documents, the clinic may be unable to issue a medical certificate. Examples include a national ID card or other necessary identification.

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Medical certificates provided by IntouchMedicare

We issue medical certificates only to patients who have undergone a real health examination. Types of certificates available include:

For those who need a medical certificate, services are available at all Intouch Medicare clinic branches. You can refer back to the steps for requesting a medical certificate or search for a branch near you on Google.

Our clinics are staffed with licensed doctors and nurses, equipped with proper medical tools and a clean environment, ensuring that health examinations and certificate issuance are conducted correctly and can be used appropriately for your intended purposes.

Interesting Articles

Reference

  • Medical Council of Thailand. Medical Council Notice No. 11, May 15 – June 15, 2014. Bangkok: Medical Council of Thailand, 2014.

For more info and make appointment

Onuma Peanphon ,M.D.
General Practitioner

Latest edit : 28/10/2025

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