Medical certificates & check-ups

Medical certificate or check-up: how to get it quickly and at a good price

Updated 20 October 2026

First find out which certificate you need

Mistake number one is going for a “certificate” without knowing what it is called. A fitness certificate for a driving licence, a certificate for school or college admission, one for a swimming pool or gym, a food handler’s medical fitness certificate, or a pre-employment check-up are different documents with different lists of doctors and tests. If you get the type wrong, you will have to go back a second time.

The most reliable way is to ask whoever requires the certificate (an employer, a school or college, the licensing office) which format they accept and what the requirements are. For driving certificates the list depends on the vehicle category, and some professions require periodic check-ups.

What to include in your request

• Which certificate — for example, driving licence fitness, school admission, food handler’s certificate.
• What for — a job, studies, a licence, a permit.
• Category or requirements — vehicle category, profession, special conditions.
• For whom — adult, or child with age.
• Number of people — especially if they are a company’s employees.
• Urgency — by when you need it.
• Format — at the clinic, a team visiting your workplace, or an electronic certificate.
• City and area, budget.

Example: “I need a medical check-up for 25 cafe employees, food handler’s certificates, with a team visiting the premises. Durban, within 2 weeks. Budget up to R 160 per person.”

How to compare offers

Check the scope: which doctors, whether the price includes the laboratory, chest X-ray and ECG, and whether it covers everything your certificate needs. One clinic may include everything in the price, while another shows a low figure and then charges extra for tests and a particular doctor’s signature.

• How long the check-up takes and whether it can be done in one day.
• Whether the certificate is issued at once or after a few days.
• Whether the clinic is authorised to issue this particular certificate: ask in the offer.
• For groups: whether there is a discount for numbers and a visit to your site.

Common mistakes

People get a certificate “just in case” in the wrong format. They forget documents: photo ID, address proof and, for children, a birth certificate and vaccination card. They do not check the validity period, and after it ends the certificate is no use. Children and people with chronic illnesses should mention them at once.

How it works on BlaBlaPrice

You write your request once, and clinics and medical centres reply with offers: price, list of doctors, turnaround. Before it is shown, your request is checked, and BlaBlaPrice shows the best-value offer first, with reviews alongside. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a clinic. Read how it works on the “How it works” page.

Need a doctor’s consultation separately? See medical services.