Having just arrived in Spain, I was unlucky enough to catch the flu last week. With a raging fever, I was stuck in bed. Besides feeling awful, the biggest headache was figuring out how to call in sick. Unlike back home, where just telling your boss might be enough, here everything requires written proof. After some running around, I finally figured out the so-called ‘sick note’ and ‘fit-to-work certificate.’ I’m sharing my experience to hopefully help others avoid the same hassle.
What Are Baja Médica and Alta Médica?
Simply put, these two documents are counterparts. When you are unable to work or attend school due to illness or injury, you need to see your family doctor (GP). The doctor will assess your condition and decide if you need time off to rest. If so, they will issue a Baja Médica por Incapacidad Temporal, which is what we commonly call a ‘sick note’ or ‘medical leave certificate’. This document certifies that you are officially on sick leave starting from that day.
Then, when you have recovered and are ready to return to work or school, you must visit the doctor again. They will evaluate you to confirm your recovery and then issue an Alta Médica. This document is the ‘fit-to-work certificate’ and it officially ends your period of sick leave. For employees, these two documents are crucial for claiming sick pay from social security and for justifying your absence to your company.
What is the Specific Process?
1. Make an appointment with your family doctor
As soon as you feel unwell, the first step is to book an appointment with your family doctor (GP). If it’s an emergency, you can go directly to the Urgencias (Emergency Department) of a public hospital. After a diagnosis, if the doctor deems it necessary for you to rest, they will issue the Baja Médica on the spot. This document is usually provided in two copies: one for you and one that must be submitted to your company within a specified timeframe.
2. Attend regular check-ups
Sick leave is not indefinite. Depending on your condition, the doctor will specify on the sick note when you need to return for a follow-up appointment. For example, for short-term sick leave (less than 5 days), a follow-up may not be necessary, and the doctor might issue the Alta with a set date at the same time as the Baja. For longer periods of leave, such as a week or more, you must return for a check-up on the specified date. The doctor will then assess your recovery and decide whether to extend the sick leave or issue the fit-to-work certificate.
3. Obtain the Alta Médica and return to work
When you feel better, or when the doctor confirms your recovery during a check-up, they will issue the Alta Médica. This document must also be submitted to your company’s HR department as soon as possible so they can officially record the end of your sick leave and schedule your return. Remember, you must return to work on the day after receiving the Alta Médica!
| Document Type | Main Purpose | When to Obtain | Who to Submit to |
|---|
| Baja Médica | To certify the start of sick leave | When seeing a doctor for an illness | Company/School |
| Alta Médica | To certify the end of sick leave | During a check-up after recovery | Company/School |
The whole process isn’t complicated. The key is to communicate promptly with your doctor and ensure the medical fitness certificate is submitted to your company according to regulations. Also, a reminder for international students: while you don’t have to deal with work-related social security, this medical certificate is the only valid document to justify your absence if your course has strict attendance requirements. I hope everyone stays healthy and never needs to use this guide!
