I need a medical certificate.
cher-ti-fi-KA-to — four syllables, stress on 'ca'. MEH-di-ko.
Needed for school absences, work sick leave, sports clubs, or official documents. Your GP issues these.
'Certificato medico' is an official document signed by a doctor confirming illness, fitness, or a medical condition. In Italian bureaucracy, many activities require one. 'Ho bisogno di' (I need) is the go-to structure for requests. Different types exist: 'certificato di malattia' (sick leave), 'certificato di idoneità sportiva' (sports fitness certificate).
Ho bisogno del certificato di malattia per il lavoro.
I need the sick leave certificate for work.
Sick leave certificates must be sent electronically to INPS (social security) and your employer
Serve il certificato di idoneità sportiva.
I need the sports fitness certificate.
Required for any organised sport in Italy — even recreational leagues
Mi serve un certificato per l'assicurazione.
I need a certificate for insurance.
For travel insurance claims or accident documentation
In Italy, sick leave ('malattia') must be reported to INPS (national social security) via electronic certificate within 24 hours of the first day off. Your GP does this automatically when they issue the 'certificato di malattia'. Employees receive a portion of their salary during sick leave — the exact amount depends on their contract and the length of illness.