Getting a medical certificate
Medical certificates differ by purpose. Say what you need it for first.
The types
- General certificate — stating the diagnosis and condition.
- Injury certificate — stating the cause of injury and treatment period after assault or an accident. Crucial in criminal cases and insurance claims.
- Clinical opinion — the doctor's medical view, for transferring hospitals and similar.
- Admission and discharge certificates
- Purpose-specific documents such as military service or work capacity certificates
How to obtain one
- Have a consultation. Certificates are not issued without one.
- Tell the doctor what the certificate is for — employer, insurance claim, police report, industrial accident claim.
- Collect it at the administration office and pay the fee.
- Check the content — name, date of birth, diagnosis and period.
After assault or an accident
- Always obtain an injury certificate. It is hard to get later.
- Photograph the injuries.
- Tell the doctor truthfully how you were injured. It goes on the record.
- See assault-report, traffic-accident and industrial-accident-report.
Where to go
- The administration office of the treating hospital
- 1588-0075 Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service
- 112 for assault and crime
- 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
Questions people ask
Can I get a certificate without a consultation? No. A consultation is required.
How much is the fee? It varies by document and hospital. Ask the administration office.
I need it in English. Some hospitals issue them. Request in advance — it can take time.
The content is not accurate. Explain again to the doctor and request a correction. Requesting or creating a false certificate is a crime.
Take care
Never agree when a company says "don't file it as an industrial accident, treat it as ordinary care". The cause must be recorded truthfully for the accident to be recognised later. If you were hurt at work, tell the doctor you were hurt at work.
Related
medical-records · sick-note-work · industrial-accident-report · assault-report
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare www.mohw.go.kr / As of 2026-08