Health Certificate for Food Handlers
The health certificate for food handlers is a mandatory document that confirms your health status for handling food. Our doctors will thoroughly assess your health condition in accordance with current laws.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Bring your ID card or another form of identification.
- Make sure your previous health data (e.g., diagnoses, medications, test results) are available in the national e-Health Portal, or bring the results with you to the appointment.
- Think about any questions you would like to ask the doctor.
- Fasting or other special preparations are not necessary before the appointment.
What to expect during your appointment
Document check and medical history
We will check your identity documents and gather information about your health condition, illnesses, and medications.
Nurse’s appointment
The nurse will explain the sample collection procedure and provide you with the necessary materials for the test.
Necessary tests
You will collect the sample yourself according to the instructions. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. If an X-ray is also required, you will be referred for a chest X-ray on the same day.
Doctor’s decision and consultation
Once the lab results are available, the results will be reviewed.
Issuing the health certificate
The health certificate is issued if the analysis and test results are negative. The time of issue depends on when the results are ready. The results of the bacterial analysis are usually ready within 5 working days.
Receiving the health certificate
Patients with an Estonian personal identification code can get their completed health certificate from the Minu Meliva self-service portal.
Payment & Appointment Info
Prices
Tallinn
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Health check and medical certificate for infectious diseases (3-part bacteriological test) | 77 € |
| Health check and medical certificate for infectious diseases (with X-ray examination) | 49 € |
| Health check and medical certificate for infectious diseases (X-ray examination + 2-part bacteriological test) | 82 € |
| Health check and medical certificate for infectious diseases (X-ray examination + 3-part bacteriological test) | 89 € |
Everywhere else in Estonia
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Health check and medical certificate for infectious diseases (3-part bacteriological test) | 77 € |
| Health check and medical certificate for infectious diseases (with X-ray examination) | 49 € |
| Health check and medical certificate for infectious diseases (X-ray examination + 2-part bacteriological test) | 82 € |
| Health check and medical certificate for infectious diseases (X-ray examination + 3-part bacteriological test) | 89 € |
Payment methods
Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Preventive Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.
Referral
You can book this service as a self-paying patient without a doctor’s referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for a food handler’s health check?
No, you can come for a food handler’s health check without a referral.
How often do I need to have a food handler’s health check?
A food handler’s medical certificate generally has no expiry date unless the doctor specifies otherwise. A repeat health check may be required based on the employer’s risk assessment or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect a risk of infection or an infectious disease. When you start a new job, the employer may require a new health check and certificate if more than two years have passed since the previous certificate was issued or if this is justified by the nature of the work. Read more about the frequency of health checks for infectious diseases on the Estonian Health Board’s website.
What should I do if I have a chronic skin condition?
If you have a chronic skin condition, it is important to inform the doctor.
Can I use my medication during the health check period?
You should always discuss medication use with your doctor, as some drugs can affect your health status and fitness for handling food.
What happens if my health does not meet the requirements?
If your health does not meet the requirements, the doctor will discuss the next steps and possible solutions with you.