How to Get a Medical Certificate in the Philippines (And Which Doctor to Visit)

A medical certificate (medcert) is one of the most commonly requested documents in the Philippines — required for job applications, school enrollment, government transactions, travel, and more. Here's a complete guide to getting one quickly and correctly.

What Is a Medical Certificate?

A medical certificate is an official document signed by a licensed physician that attests to your current state of health. It typically includes:

Your name, age, and date of examination
The physician's assessment of your health status
Any relevant medical findings or diagnoses
The purpose of the certificate (e.g., fit-to-work, fit-to-travel)
The doctor's PRC license number, signature, and clinic stamp

Types of Medical Certificates

Fit-to-Work Certificate — for pre-employment or return-to-work after illness
Fit-to-School Certificate — for enrollment or return after illness
Medical Clearance for Travel — especially for pregnant travelers or those with chronic conditions
OFW Medical Certificate — required for overseas employment; must come from a DOH-accredited clinic
OWWA/DOH-Accredited Medical Exam — for OFW deployment, including complete physical, chest X-ray, blood tests

Where to Get a Medical Certificate

1. Any Licensed General Practitioner or Family Physician

For most purposes (employment, school), any licensed Filipino doctor can issue a valid medical certificate. Your family doctor, a company clinic physician, or a GP at a community health center can provide one after a brief physical examination.

2. Company or Occupational Health Clinics

Many large employers have in-house clinics that issue medcerts directly. These are often the fastest option for pre-employment requirements at that company.

3. DOH-Accredited Clinics (for OFWs)

Overseas workers need medcerts from DOH-accredited medical facilities approved by the destination country's embassy. Common accredited clinics include: Mediserv, St. Luke's OFW Clinic, Premiere International Medical Clinic, and others. Always verify the required clinic with your employer or recruitment agency.

4. Government Health Centers (Barangay / RHU)

Rural Health Units (RHUs) and barangay health centers can issue basic medical certificates — usually for free or at minimal cost. However, some employers require a medcert from a private physician or an accredited clinic.

How Much Does It Cost?

Medical certificate fees vary:

Government health center: Free – ₱100
Private GP clinic: ₱300 – ₱800
Full pre-employment medical exam: ₱1,500 – ₱3,500 (includes X-ray, CBC, urinalysis)
OFW comprehensive medical exam: ₱3,000 – ₱5,000+

What the Physical Examination Involves

For a standard medcert, the examination typically includes:

Blood pressure and vital signs measurement
General physical examination (eyes, ears, chest, abdomen)
Review of known medical conditions or medications
Sometimes: chest X-ray, blood test (CBC), and urinalysis

Find a Doctor to Issue Your Medical Certificate

Any general practitioner or family medicine doctor can issue a medical certificate. Find a verified family physician or internist near you on MyDoktor.ph.