Now You Know | OFW Medical Exam Guide

October 06, 2020 | Unistaff

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In this article, we take a closer look at the required medical examinations before you are deployed to your overseas work destination. Once an aspiring OFW passes the interview process and is offered an employment contract, the next step is to go through the medical exam. Getting a good result on this exam as the last hurdle on the way to working abroad. You cannot go abroad without a medical exam. This will determine if you are fit to work before leaving the country.

What is the OFW pre-employment medical exam?

medical exam guide

The pre-employment medical exam is a required wellness check for OFWs which may include physical exams and laboratory tests. Doctors ask aspiring OFWs a series of questions to check their medical history and overall health, and their responses go into their medical form. It is important to give honest answers during this process, lying may result in severe consequences that may jeopardize their employment opportunity.

When is the right time to take a medical exam?

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The medical exam needs to be scheduled either after receiving the overseas job offer or after signing the overseas employment contract.

You can ask your employer to confirm when it is required, and to verify if they require your results from specific clinics. This is especially crucial if you are headed to any country in the Middle East.

How does the medical exam go?

The medical examination consists of two phases and it can be completed within a day.

2 phases of medical exam guide

How much does the medical exam cost?

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The fees for the medical exam are usually paid for by the applicant. It ranges from PHP 2,000 to PHP 4,000 for phase one tests. And about PHP 3,000 to PHP 6,000 for phase two tests. In case you have been issued a medical certificate that expires before you are able to leave the country, this test result becomes invalid. You will be required to take another medical exam and it must be valid until the date of your departure.

Remember that the medical certificate is only valid for up to three months. You do not need to take the medical exam if you have not yet been advised by your agency.

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What are the country-specific medical exam requirements?

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The medical exam requirement varies, depending on the country of destination and the staffing agency that the applicant worked with.

For countries belonging to the Gulf region (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates), compliance to requirements set by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Accredited Medical Clinics Association or GAMCA is mandatory. Therefore, the medical exam should be done in GAMCA accredited clinics only. This process ensures that no foreign worker with sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, and pulmonary scar can enter their respective countries.

It is important to confirm with your agency which accredited clinic you should go to as there are agencies who only accept results from specific clinics.

Why is the medical exam important?

Once an applicant signs the employment contract, the job will only truly be secured once the “Fit to Work” medical certificate is obtained. The job offer can still be delayed, withdrawn or cancelled if the medical results show that the worker’s health condition is “Unfit to Work.”

Whether you are applying for a job abroad or not, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is a must. Eating healthy food, consuming only appropriate quantities, making regular exercise a part of your daily routine and getting enough sleep every night will help you achieve that. Investing in your health will reward you with the ability to pursue any challenge - whether it is a job, a project, or a hobby - with boundless energy and a higher potential to succeed!