{"id":12062,"date":"2020-04-01T07:16:57","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T23:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:11:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T07:11:29","slug":"fit-to-work-medical-certificate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cFit to Work\u201d Medical Certificate: What Employers and Helpers Need to Know (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Updated 20 January 2026<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/#What_is_%E2%80%9CFit_to_work%E2%80%9D_Medical_Certificate\" >What is \u201cFit to work\u201d Medical Certificate?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/#How_Long_Is_It_Valid\" >How Long Is It Valid?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/#Where_to_get_it\" >Where to get it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/#Costs_in_2026\" >Costs in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/#Compulsory_medical_examination_in_Singapore\" >Compulsory medical examination in Singapore<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/#Gentle_Reminder_of_Shared_Support\" >Gentle Reminder of Shared Support<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/#Hiring_Soon_Choose_Ethical_and_Transparent_Recruitment\" >Hiring Soon? Choose Ethical and Transparent Recruitment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/fit-to-work-medical-certificate\/#You_might_also_be_interested_in\" >You might also be interested in:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>For many Filipino domestic helpers, preparing to work overseas is a significant transition \u2014 one that involves courage, planning, and hope for better opportunities for their families. To leave the country and work overseas, Filipino domestic helpers are required to have <strong>a valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)<\/strong> and <strong>a valid &#8220;Fit to Work&#8221; Medical Certificate <\/strong>from any Department of Health-accredited medical clinic.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"1098\">Airport and immigration officers check these documents to ensure that the helper is <strong data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1056\">medically ready<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1061\" data-end=\"1080\">legally allowed<\/strong> to work overseas. This step also gives employers peace of mind, knowing that their future helper is entering the household healthy and prepared.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_%E2%80%9CFit_to_work%E2%80%9D_Medical_Certificate\"><\/span>What is \u201cFit to work\u201d Medical Certificate?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Also known as the \u201cMedical Certificate for Land-based Overseas Workers\u201d, the &#8220;Fit to work&#8221; Certificate confirms a helper\u2019s overall physical and mental readiness to work overseas. This involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1617\">\n<p data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1617\">General physical check-up<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1618\" data-end=\"1627\">\n<p data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1627\">X-ray<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1643\">\n<p data-start=\"1630\" data-end=\"1643\">Blood tests<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1662\">\n<p data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1662\">Pregnancy test<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1693\">\n<p data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1693\">Mental wellness assessment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In Hong Kong, the medical certificate is essential as the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/employment-contract-regulations\">Standard Employment Contract (SEC)<\/a> for Domestic Helpers (Clause 17) <\/strong>requires employers to make sure that their helper is physically fit for employment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Is_It_Valid\"><\/span>How Long Is It Valid?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The certificate is valid for <strong>3 months<\/strong> from the date of issuance. The period allows workers enough time to leave to country. If deployment to Hong Kong is delayed beyond 3 months, the helper needs to repeat the medical check-up before flying.<\/p>\n<p>Both the employer and the helper may request to see the results \u2014 openness builds trust on both sides.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_get_it\"><\/span>Where to get it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2304\">The exam must be completed at a <strong data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2210\">Department of Health (DOH) accredited OFW clinic in the Philippines.<\/strong><br data-start=\"2211\" data-end=\"2214\" \/>These clinics follow standardized screening, so results are consistent across the country.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2306\" data-end=\"2392\">You can check DOH-approved clinics here:<br data-start=\"2346\" data-end=\"2349\" \/><strong data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2392\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2390\">https:\/\/www.doh.gov.ph\/ofw-medical-exam<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2394\" data-end=\"2515\">Most helpers complete this step <strong>upon reporting to the Philippines&#8217;s agency<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2462\">before departing the Philippines<\/strong>, even if they are heading to Hong Kong or Singapore.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs_in_2026\"><\/span>Costs in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ranging from <strong>PHP2600 to PHP4000,<\/strong> depending on the provider. Generally, the further away from Manila, the more expensive.<\/p>\n<p>If the helper fails the medical checkup (\u201cunfit to work\u201d), she may need to undergo treatment and a re-check before clearance is granted.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In Hong Kong<\/strong>, the Standard Employment Contract (Clause 8) specifies that <strong>employers have to reimburse the medical checkup fee if the domestic helper is able to present a receipt.<\/strong> Some agencies like HelperChoice may also cover for this fee in their package or will reimburse it when placement is done. The details should be discussed before signing the employment contract.<\/p>\n<p>See <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/info\/en\/direct-hire-packages?utm_source=Braze&amp;utm_medium=eDM&amp;utm_campaign=visa_service_promotion_Sunnah_en\">HelperChoice&#8217; direct hire visa packages here<\/a><\/strong> which includes the medical fees.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22489f18-b509-4aa8-a764-c6e3a8772f93-medical.jpg\" alt=\"\u201cFit to work\u201d Medical Certificate\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compulsory_medical_examination_in_Singapore\"><\/span>Compulsory medical examination in Singapore<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before receiving the work permit and commencing work in Singapore, foreign domestic helpers will have to take a compulsory medical examination specified by the country&#8217;s government <strong>within 2 weeks<\/strong>\u00a0of her arrival. She should bring along the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/-\/media\/mom\/documents\/services-forms\/passes\/medical_form.pdf?la=en&amp;hash=021CF7AE5739742F11DAB74413066251\">medical examination form<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0when she heads for the checkup.<\/p>\n<p>The domestic worker&#8217;s work permit will be processed and issued if she passes the test. She will have to be sent home otherwise. The worker will be screened for 4 types of infectious disease, namely tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria and whether she is fit to work. Employers may ask the doctor for a copy of the report if they wish to know.<\/p>\n<p>Note that domestic helpers may still need to get the &#8220;Fit to Work&#8221; Medical Certificate before arriving in Singapore, as the country&#8217;s mandatory medical examination is standardised. Consult your employment agency and potential employer for details.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/insurance\">Domestic Helper Insurance in Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/employment-contract-regulations\">Domestic Helper Employment Contract Regulations in Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3675\" data-end=\"3717\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gentle_Reminder_of_Shared_Support\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"3717\"> Gentle Reminder of Shared Support<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3719\" data-end=\"3889\">Starting a new job in a new country can be emotional. Helpers leave family behind to support them from afar. Employers welcome someone new into their home and daily life.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3891\" data-end=\"3982\">Clear information and open conversations help make this transition positive for everyone.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3984\" data-end=\"4131\">The \u201cFit to Work\u201d certificate is not just a requirement \u2014 it is part of ensuring a safe and healthy beginning to a respectful working relationship.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4216\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hiring_Soon_Choose_Ethical_and_Transparent_Recruitment\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"4141\" data-end=\"4216\">Hiring Soon? Choose Ethical and Transparent Recruitment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4218\" data-end=\"4366\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/our-service\/\"><strong data-start=\"4221\" data-end=\"4237\">HelperChoice<\/strong><\/a>, we believe employment should never start with debt.<br data-start=\"4290\" data-end=\"4293\" \/>That\u2019s why <strong data-start=\"4304\" data-end=\"4358\">we never charge placement fees to domestic helpers<\/strong> \u2014 ever.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4368\" data-end=\"4455\">This protects workers, and creates better, more trusting employer-helper relationships.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4560\" data-end=\"4607\">\ud83d\udc49 If you are looking for a domestic helper, browse available <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/domestic-helpers\/hong-kong\">applicant profiles here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4560\" data-end=\"4607\">\ud83d\udc49If you have already chosen a helper and want to process her visa, you can check our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/our-service\/\">visa packages here:<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_might_also_be_interested_in\"><\/span><strong>You might also be interested in:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/oec\">What is Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/tl\/peos\">Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/tl\/pdos\">Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/poea-e-registration\">Step-by-Step Guide to POEA E-Registration<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\">Search for a job now! \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated 20 January 2026 For many Filipino domestic helpers, preparing to work overseas is a significant transition \u2014 one that involves courage, planning, and hope for better opportunities for their families. To leave the country and work overseas, Filipino domestic helpers are required to have a valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and a valid &#8220;Fit [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":12064,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"2026 guide on the \u201cFit to Work\u201d Medical Certificate for Filipino domestic helpers - where to get it's validity, costs, and what employers should be aware of.","title":"\u201cFit to Work\u201d Medical Certificate: What Employers and Helpers Need to Know (2026) - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[128],"class_list":["post-12062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hiring-preparation","tag-employment-contract"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22489f18-b509-4aa8-a764-c6e3a8772f93-medical-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12062","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12062"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12062\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16394,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12062\/revisions\/16394"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12064"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12062"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}