2026-08-09 · 4 min
School medical certificate online: absence and enrolment
How to obtain a school medical certificate by video call: what the doctor assesses and what to prepare (including families without SNS).
A school certificate justifies absences for illness or, in some cases, supports enrolment/school-health requirements. It can be obtained after a medical assessment by video call, when clinically justified.
It is not automatic: the doctor confirms the child’s (or pupil’s) clinical situation and issues the appropriate document. Bring the school name, dates to justify and a description of symptoms.
Immigrant families without a family doctor or an active SNS number can use this flow. A school certificate does not depend on SNS registration in the same way as a CIT.
For acute symptoms at the time (high fever, vomiting, breathing difficulty), it may be better to start with urgent paediatrics and ask for the certificate in the same assessment if indicated.
Confirm with the school the accepted format (PDF by email is usual). Keep the document and the doctor’s email in case you need to resend it.
Frequently asked questions
Is an online school certificate accepted by schools?
As a rule yes, when issued by a doctor with an active licence and the necessary details. Confirm any specific school requirements.
Do I need SNS?
For a usual school certificate, generally no, unlike the CIT (sick leave), which requires SNS + NISS.
The child is ill now. What should I book?
If there are acute symptoms, book urgent paediatrics. The certificate can be discussed in the same assessment if clinically justified.