Medical

You may have found that up to now, you’ve been processed pretty quickly. Time seems to fly between applying and getting to here. However, this is where it can really start to slow down if you’re unlucky.

The medical is not done by the RAF or RAF medics or anything like that. It is done by a civilian company who go by the name of Capita. Capita are not based in every single town so be prepared to travel to your closest city or larger town. 

A quick search online about RAF medicals may fill you with dread. There are plenty of horror stories going around but be advised, this is the internet, and people often let personal emotions rule their thoughts and therefore most of these horror stories are exaggerated.

In short, the medical is very thorough. It has to be. The RAF will be spending thousands to train you, and they can’t have people who aren’t medically fit. The problem is, for one reason or another, Capita like to find reasons to class people as Temporarily Medically Unfit. If you’ve broken a bone in the last 12 months, expect a delay while they check your hospital/medical notes. If you’ve ever had asthma put on your medical records (even if you don’t currently or have ever had it), again, expect delays.

I’ve heard of some people spending months and months at the medical stage trying to get it sorted. The good news is, it almost always gets sorted in the end. So if you have any kind of trouble, stick with it. The same advice I gave for the AST applies here, be persistent and be determined. The medical is largely out of your control but if they’re making you wait around, make sure you contact them regularly to find out what’s going on if you don’t already know.

Ok so moving on to what actually happens at the medical…

  • You will give a urine sample
  • You will have your blood pressure taken
  • You will go through your medical history. A long list of illnesses/conditions are read out and you simply answer yes/no to whether you have ever had or currently have them or any symptoms. Do not lie about any of this stuff, if you do and they find out later on in the process, you may find your application being discontinued.
  • Eyesight test, which includes a long distance and short distance eyesight test a long with a quick test to check for colour blindness.
  • Hearing test, which involves having some rather uncomfortable headphones on and clicking a button when you hear a frequency.
  • Physical exam (in underwear) which includes a variety of weird and wonderful ‘walks’ across the room. Walking on your tip toes, heels, outside of your feet and in a squat position (yes, it looks as ridiculous as it sounds) are included in this. Also you will be asked to do 3 press-ups. All of this is to ensure your joints and muscles are performing correctly.
  • Height and weight measurements to check BMI (this will be conducted once you are in your underwear). Chest and waist measurements are also taken.
  • Your stomach will be poked as you lie on a bed and you’ll be asked to cough whilst this is happening (I’m not too sure why, but go with it) and they will also listen to your chest with the stethoscope which is to check that you do actually have a heart. That was a joke. Pretty sure it’s to check that you don’t have a heart murmur or an irregular heartbeat (that’s what I was told anyway).

I’m fairly sure that this covers everything as I remember it. But I’ll continue to add to this if I manage to think of anything else.

The medical is pretty straight forward if you don’t have much or anything on your medical records but if you have, however, then expect delays!

185 thoughts on “Medical

  1. Thanks Ryan
    The person who carried out his initial test and interview has told him to take the medical NOT stop the application yet. Fingers crossed for him. Got medical in a fortnight.

  2. Thanks so much for all these writeups my friend, they have been very useful. Maybe you can help with something, I was declared TMU till I can get confirmation that my allergies as a child and early teen have definitely faded. The doctor told me to get a referral from my GP to see a doctor at my local allergy clinic. So I did that around 4 weeks ago, and now I’m on a waiting list. I recently checked with the hospital receptionist and she told me there could still be a wait of up to 10 weeks on a worst case scenario… Now this wouldn’t be so bad but the RAF have only given me 3 months before cancelling my application, I’ve worked quite hard to get to this stage, anything I could do to extend this period? I’m looking to call my AFCO tomorrow to see if they could help.

    • Hi Kay,

      Hopefully you called the AFCO and got some good advice and the resolution you were hoping for?

      I know it’s a pain, especially with medical issues and it can take a while to get everything sorted. Be persistent and don’t give up.

      FIngers crossed!

  3. Hi Ryan
    Unfortunately it’s a no no!
    They carried on with the rest of the medical and that was fine.
    But Previous history of Kidney stone stopped the application.
    He’s unhappy but accepts the result.
    Thanks for your input

  4. Hi Ryan,

    I’m current awaiting my start dates, but I’ve seen that the eyesight limits for entry are a lens correction strength no greater than -6 or +6 diopetres. My eyes are -6 and -5.75 which meant I passed the medical; however they are obviously going to deteriorate in the future. Once they pass this -6 threshold once serving, will I have a bit of a problem?

    Kind regards

    Tommy

    • Hi Tommy,

      I understand it must be a concern, however I’ve been in the RAF for over 3 years now and have not been required to undergo an eye test in my current role. There is always a chance this may change but once you are in and the RAF has spent a lot of money training you, they are less likely to just kick you out and may give you some other options. Bottom line – if you’re in, I’m fairly confident you will be okay. Always worth double checking though!

    • Hi Megan,

      Sorry for the delayed reply. Obviously you will know by now how long the medical takes! I hope it all worked out well for you and wish you well for the rest of the process.

  5. Hi Ryan
    My son was TMU and was waiting for reports from his doctor. He had a knee problem back in 2004. He has had no surgery and has no problems with it now. He has now received a letter saying he is PMU because of his knee. He has completed a 3 month fitness diary which they have not asked for. He hasn’t actually been back to his doctors since he first hurt his knee. Do you have any advice for his appeal please.

    • Hi Lynn,

      Sorry for the delayed reply. While I wish I could be of more help, I’m in no position to give advice relating to medical issues and appeals as I am not a medical professional. In the event of being ruled PMU, it may be worth appealing but I think it would be wise to start thinking about back up options just in case.

      I wis him the best for the future.

  6. Hi Ryan,

    I’ve got my medical on the 26th and I’ve got concerns about my mental health history.

    I suffered from depression in my late teens and it’s on record. However I’m 28 now and my last symptoms were nearly 10 years ago.

    I personally feel that I’m more mentally resilient because of the coping/thinking mechanisms I learned/adapted during that time. However I’m worried that they might not see that time of my life in the same light.

    Should I be concerned by this?

    It’s always been a dream of mine to serve in the RAF since I was 9 years old and I’d be gutted if I can’t join because of a bad time almost a decade ago.

    Thanks.

  7. Hi Ryan, these posts are still really reassuring! So thank you writing them. A little quick question, whether you can remember or not, what was the BMI requirements? And did they take into account muscle not fat etc. If you can’t remember, no worries, but thank you if you can!!

    • No problem at all, glad they are helping.

      BMI requirements can be found on the following link – https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/how-to-apply/eligibility-check#health-requirements

      I believe if you are slightly over the requirement, then you have an additional assessment to work out if that’s due to excess muscle or excess body fat. However, I have known a few people to fall short of the BMI requirements and they were not overweight whatsoever. Weightlifters/rugby player types may struggle and it’s a shame that this test is still used in my opinion.

      Hopefully that clears it up for you.

    • Hi Tom, the eyesight test at the medical is simply the standard test where you read letters of varying sizes on a poster on the wall.

  8. Hi everyone,

    How long was everyone waiting for their initial medicals after they passed filter interviews? I’ve been waiting over 5 weeks and still haven’t got a date. The AFCO has said I may need to wait another 3 weeks which seems a very long time to wait.

    I have just done an OASC preparation day this week and after speaking to other people from different AFCOs they have all been getting medicals appointments sent within a few days. The only people who seem to be suffering this delay is people in the Norfolk and Suffolk areas as everyone form those areas on the OASCPD has been delayed. One guy has been told there is no medicals available in that area for a long time.

    Any else experienced this?

  9. I just received a letter saying I cant carry on with process as I said I had back pain when I was 14. Now I’ve not been back since then and don’t suffer with any pain. I’m 19 now. Seems a little unfair that something so small would stop my application. Any advice

  10. Hello
    My 18 year old son wound like to make an application to the RAF. As a young child he had renal calculi removed at age 2 and at age 6. He has had no reoccurrence since (in 11 years). The calculus was as s result of renal reflux. The second episode was a remnant if the initial calculus.
    Is there any chance that the medical history will look at the fact that he has had no reoccurrence in11 years and that this was a childhood condition? Or will he be permanently unfit for service?
    Thank you for your help.

    • Hi Alison.

      Having had a look at the medical conditions that preclude entry (which you can google and view a PDF of), it does state a history of kidney stones will preclude entry. However, I am not a medical professional and I have no ‘insider’ information as such when it comes to individual medical conditions. It will be dealth with on a case by case basis by the doctor who conducts the exam and I wish your son all the best and hopefully there will be a positive outcome. Sorry I can’t be of more help, but if you have any other non-medical questions then I’d be happy to help.

      All the best.

  11. Hi, just wondering if you can help. I’ve got my medical coming up and providing I pass it and get in on IOT do you have another medical where the doc has access to your medical records or is it just another medical where they ask you to answer yes or not questions?

    • Hi Fran,

      I am not 100% sure as I have not done IOT, however once you have been accepted into the RAF, there should be no reason for them to check up on your medical history. The medical you will have during training will most likely to be to fill in the gaps on any injections you need.

  12. Hi, I wonder if could help. About 7 years ago my son had bone infection in his leg but all treated with antibiotics and all good. Do you think this will affect his application? Thank you

    • Hi Sandra, while I would love to be able to help, I can’t give any medical advice or offer an opinion on it because it’s simply not something I’m qualified for. I’d hate to say definitively yes or no and either get hopes up or potentially crush a dream when I have no right to do so. All I can siggest is looking at the following document and see if his previous condition is on the list. Sometimes if it has not been an issue for a while, it’s fine whereas in other cases, any history of a particular condition may preclude entry so just check the wording if you do find anything.

      Click to access 20170404-medical-conditions-that-preclude-entry-raf.pdf

      I wish your son all the best.

    • I have asthma well I did I’ve been clear a couple of months now as its only set off by horses. I’ve been getting regular check ups and prescriptions just to be safe. Will I fail the medical? I don’t currently use my inhaler for anything but always carry one to be safe

      • Hi Laura, sorry for the late reply.

        I’m not a medical professional so I am not willing to give you a definitive answer on this. All I can tell you is that if you have suffered from asthma in the past, you may be eligible for ground trades in the RAF (Not flying branches). However, if you are currently diagnosed with asthma and it’s ongoing, then you may not be eligible for any trade.

        It’s much better to be honest throughout your application and then you will be given then best advice by people who are qualified to do so.

        All the best.

  13. How seriously/strict are they in terms of BMI. I’m around 5″10 and quite skinny. The minimum BMI they accept is 18 and I’m currently at 17. I struggle to put weight on, even though I ate for around 3 people 😀

    • Hi Callum, I was the same when I applied. They are quite strict and in my opinion, it’s rather unneccessary. I know some very fit people (rugby players especially) who have been turned away at the BMI because they are classed overweight. They weren’t, of course, but it doesn’t take muscle and build into consideration unfortunately. My advice would be to do all you can to get within limits (without damaging your health, obviously), as any set backs at the medical can be a pain and definitely worth avoiding if you can.

    • No, no needles during thie initial medical. The same can’t be said for the visit to the medical centre in the first few days at basic training, however. You’ll get all your immunisations there if you are lacking any.

  14. Hi, I was just wondering if the eye test In the medical is each eye individually when looking at the letters or both together? Thanks.

  15. I wonder if you can help, my grandson has been turned down on the grounds that he has a slight intolerance to raw apples, which over 50% of the population have, he has been marked down by CAPITA as a type 1 diabetic, he has never had medical treatment or insulin, how does he go about appealing against this. He has been to an allergy consultant who has written a letter which was sent to the medical board, but they are still saying he is type 1. Any help would be appreciated thanks

    • Hi Viv,

      Sorry to hear about your grandsons situation. Capita are a pain, aren’t they?! While I am quite knowledgable regarding the recruitment process, the one area I lack understanding is the medical. It wouldn’t be right for me to offer potentially inaccurate advice so I tend to avoid that as much as possible. However, what I would suggest is gathering as much evidence as possible and presenting it in a formal letter to the AFCO. They will then be able to at least give you more information on the appeals process and how it all works. I do know people who have successfully appealed and are now serving in the RAF and other services so don’t give up! AFCO is always the best bet first of all and then go from there.

      Good luck to him and I hope all goes well.

  16. Hi Ryan,

    Cheers for all this info, it’s really helpful. I’ve just received confirmation that I’ll be invited for the AST. However, I was going to apply last year but I broke my collarbone last August and had to have surgery. I understand that having surgery within the last 12 months is a condition that precludes entry, although, I had enough of waiting and thought if all goes well and by the time I start training it would probably be a year since the surgery anyway, (Plus I’m back to full fitness now anyway, not that they will take that into consideration anyway) but I thought whats the harm in applying now.

    Don’t worry if you cant answer this but if something comes up in the medical such as this, will they stop the application then and there and say ‘no sorry you have to wait till August to start the application all over again’. (Something I’m really hoping wont happen) or will I finish the process and just start basic once its been a year since my surgery?

    It’s probably something I should have asked my AFCO but in all honesty I’m not really sure I want to know the answer to it.

    Thanks, Morgan

    • Hi Morgan,

      Completely understand the frustration! I can’t know what they’re going to tell you at the medical but my only advice is just push on with the application and see what they say. Worst case, your application is halted until you’re 12 months post-surgery. In the grand scheme of things, a few months is nothing and it will not hold you back or delay you in your career or anything.

      Give it a shot and see how it goes, but try not to be disappointed if you have to wait a while. If you have to wait, use that time to get fitter, brush up on interview info etc. Use your time wisely and you’ll be fine.

      All the best.

  17. Hi Ryan,
    Does the medical team take into account issues like dental health or do they just focus on basic medical issues such as healthy functioning of joints like the shoulder blade/knee, visual competency etc etc

    • Just the basic medical stuff as mentioned above. You will have a dental check up at Halton and throughout your career but not as part of the recruitment process.

  18. Hi Ryan,
    Thank you for the post and info.
    1- I am applying for Engineer and I have hearing impaired, will this be a matter?
    2- In case I failed the fitness test or any others test, how long do I have to wait before applying again.

    Thanks.

    • Hi,

      Unfortunately I’m not medically trained so I’m unable to say what will or will not be accepted at the medical, sorry.

      If you fail the PJFT, I believe it’s 6 weeks before re-test although I’d be happy for someone to correct me on that if it has changed.

  19. Hi really interesting and helpful reading everyone’s questions and your responses. Looking to apply to Reserve Regiment. Have a family history of PKD (a hereditary disease and named as a preclusive condition). I have no symptoms and have not been tested so not sure if I even have it (50% chance either way), but would I need to declare my family history and be tested for it? Thanks for your help!

    • Hi,

      If it’s not on your records then it’s up to you what you voluntarily tell them. If you decide to tell them, it’s at your own risk and may well end up precluding you from entry.

  20. Hi,

    I have applied for cyberspace Engineer and got my AST test date but during the documents checked that found out that I am wearing a hearing aid because I have hearing impaired although it is not a big deal as I can hear without the hearing aid, they still didn’t accept that and asked me to write application to the medical team.

    My question is, is there any people at RAF wearing hearing aids or not at all?
    To what certain level do I have to be able to hear to be able to pass the hearing test?

    I contact the RAF directly to help with that but they asked me to go to the AFCO as they will support me with the full information because of the RAF who talk to me wasn’t medically trained and this is the same excuse the AFCO used and now I am stuck with no clue of how to contact the medical team and to do the test to find out if I am qualified or not.

    Sorry for the long speech lol, any help are welcome.

    Thank you very much.

  21. Was just revisiting this wordpress as it is something that I used as a guide through my application. I see a lot of questions about the medical and how long everything takes. I’ve been at the medical stage for 5 months now and my report is finally being reviewed tomorrow. Overall the application process has been 16 months for me at the moment. Any idea how long, estimated, I’ve got left? I understand it varies from case to case.

  22. Hi Ryan,

    I don’t have asthma (the doctors say I don’t) but in the past I have been given inhalers on one occasion when I have been wheezy due to illness (phlegm caused blockages in my lungs and caused me to be short of breath). Seeing as though this is only because of illness, and not because of asthma, does this preclude entry to flying branches as I wish to join as a pilot?

    • Unfortunately, I can’t really help with medical questions I’m afraid. I would say it’s definitely worth investigating further and will probably just require sending off medical records or getting a statement from your GP explaining the inhalers. Contact the AFCO in the first instance and they will be able to advise what to do next.

      Best of luck!

    • How did you get on with this? I am in the same predicament I am not diagnosed with it but I have been given inhalers in the past during a cold or chest infection.

  23. Hi,

    I’ve seen some one ask about this but no answer.
    If some one has had a car accident in the previous months and gone through injuries so receiving physio but PTSD/ depression have come on. Would this affect the medical?

  24. Hi Ryan I have suffered with mental health issues the past couple of years and have been to the doctors a couple of times however I have gotten over the issues that caused my low mood I also have a supporting letter from my GP would my previous mental health problems stop my application into the RAF I rang up and they said they assess each application individually but I don’t want to get my hopes up

    • Hi Steve,

      As much as I’d love to help, it’s impossible for me to know the potential outcome. What I will say is that mental health is huge in the military. We’re all about providing support and help for those suffering or who have previously suffered. There are many people in the RAF who struggle and there are many avenues they can take to get help and many people and organisations they can talk to. Being open and honest about your past is certainly the best way to go about it and I wish you the best of luck.

  25. A family member has passed Raf medical and 3 day ptrc will they continually look at medical records before basic training

    Many thanks

  26. Hi Ryan
    Can you confirm about the BMI I know the raf website gives you the ideal weight but when I spoke to the raf afco they said it’s up to their discretion as my bmi is 30.5 and it says the bmi is between 18 – 29 but I’m a bigger lad not fat more on the muscle side will the bmi hold me back if everything else is fine

  27. Hi Ryan, my 17 year old son has just failed his medical as he had low mod in his final couple of years in high school. He is not going to appeal as he is struggling with the fitness side so doesn’t feel ready to go in yet. When can he re apply?

  28. Hi ryan, great Info, I have had my medical and passed, failed my fitness test twice got my final attempt coming up. One concern I have is regarding my teeth they are not in the best condition, and I can’t find any information on dental requirements other than the couple of things mentioned in medical document. Can you help with information for me on what they could once at Halton boot me out for? Thanks

    • As long as your dental health doesn’t make you a detriment to the air force (ie, needing treatment often and requiring time off work regularly), then I don’t see the problem. On the plus side, dental check ups and remedial action is all free once you’re in, so you should be able to get everything sorted as long as it’s not too serious.

  29. Just had my medical and they declared me as MU . It was because I stupidly told them when I was 6 I reacted to Apple fruit! Slight rash. It’s not on my medical records as I never mentioned it and it’s never been an issue since. (I can’t believe I opened my mouth) . Anyway the RAF got back to me and said that !

    Following on from your medical I have received your results and can see that you have been made medically unfit service (MU service).

    An executive medical waiver has been submitted on your behalf and I will update you with the results once known.

    This process can take up to 8 weeks so please be patient and I will let you know the outcome once finalised.

    Any issues then let me know and hopefully the waiver will be excepted.

    Do I still have to make my own appeal?

    Thank you

  30. Hi Ryan,

    I’ve just been for my medical and the Declared me MU. (I happen to mention 16 years ago I got a rash from eating pineapple so now avoid. it ( stupid of me) as there Is no medical evidence as I didn’t even see a doctor. I am going to appeal but within 2 days of my medical I got an email from the RAF saying:

    An executive medical waiver has been submitted on your behalf and I will update you with the results once known..
    This process can take up to 8 weeks so please be patient and I will let you know the outcome once finalised.
    Any issues then let me know and hopefully the waiver will be excepted.

    Do I go ahead and appeal or wait for them to contact me. Any help would be greatly appreciated

    • I would suspect if the waiver has been submitted then it’ll be a case of wait and see. If you’re unsure what the waiver is/does then give the AFCO a call or email and ask for some more info.

  31. Does anybody know what the standards are for blood pressure? I know that I’m normal high but what are the limits by age? Any insights would be great

  32. Ryan how long after your aptitude test is the medical? I can’t remember as last time I had this was 1998. I’ve got my aptitude test 14th December and can’t remember how long the process takes

    Many thanks in advance

    • I can’t give any accurate info on that, sorry. It’s always varied, and with COVID, I imagine it’s even more unpredictable now. If you feel like you’ve been waiting an excessively long time, there’s no harm in giving the AFCO a call or an email to get an update.

      • I passed my aptitude test this morning and did ask this question. Because I’ve served before they need to get my old medical records from Glasgow I think first. There’s now no selection interview either which I only found out about today so that’s a plus I guess

  33. Hi Ryan

    Not sure if you or someone would know this, but after being made TMU, referred for paper review, passed that, attended the face to face medical which seemed to go well, I’ve been referred to the Senior Medical Doctor at Cranwell. Do you know how long that process may take please? Thanks in advance 👍

  34. Hi Franko1962
    Did you get a reply or your waiver please as I am currently at the same point but doubt I will hear until the new year now

  35. I’ve completed a telephone medical interview and mentioned that I used an inhaler once when I was 6 years old due to a very minor cold. I don’t have asthma but got a letter today declaring me as TMU. Does this mean that I will not go for a full medical test? Have not had a notification for a medical test yet as they are currently closed for festive season but I’m eager to find out if I will still be able to go for this medical test. I’m devastated as this is my dream.

  36. Please could someone try ad advise us asthma. My son is 16 and desperate to join at 17. He has had inhalers prescribed for childhood asthma that he has now totally grow out of and doesn’t need anymore. Last dose collected from Drs early 2019, so we have had 2 clear years now.
    He wants to be a medic, so not wanting to fly.
    We can’t seem to see a clear statement that states if he would be unfit to join ever, or if he could apply when a certain number of years clear of all steroids or inhaler. He is in perfect condition with all his health and very very fit.

  37. Hi

    My son wishes to do aeronautical engineering at University and then join the RAF as an office, he is fit, tall and medically fit, good normal vision eyesight. The only issue is he is colour blind. Could someone please give me a definite answer on whether he will pass the medical to get in the RAF in the field of engineering please as he might have to rethink his career path.

    • While this is not a definitive answer (please seek guidance from the AFCO), I believe engineering roles require CP2 (normal colour perception). Again, I’m not 100% sure but I’m an aircraft technician and I know that CP2 is the requirement for me, so I’d assume Engineering Officers will be the same.

  38. If you have put down you have asthma , where do you go from there after they reject you? As I have already sent a form in to say I have mild asthma and got a doctors note when I appealed it to say I have never had any attacks but still got turned away, is there anyway round this problem please?

    • You can’t be considered for flying branches with asthma, although you can join a ground branch/trade with a history of asthma once they have reviewed your past medical history.

  39. Hi my son is now 19 and is hoping to get into the RAF intelligence,he is fairly fit does a lot of boxing,gym work and swimming.
    Our concern is when he was 13 we took him once to the Doctors about the colour in his hands,the doctor diagnosed him with Reynauds and give him tablets. It has never caused him any issues ever since and he does a lot of sea swimming which would think anything like this would flair up but it never has.He has passed the aptitude test and interview,his marks were very high and was told he could apply for any trade he wished.
    Will this flag up on his medical reports and will this automatically be a disqualification.

    • Hi Gary,

      It may come up if its in his medical records, but that isn’t an immediate cause for concern. If there is any action required on your part at all (there might not be), it could just be a case of getting a supporting letter from his GP or something similar. I can’t comment on medical issues really as I’m definitely not qualified and wouldn’t want to get your hopes up. Hopefully it works out though! Good luck to your son.

  40. Hi Ryan, wonder if you can clarify RAF situation regarding applicants diagnosed mild autism as a child. No treatment or medication received since diagnosis. Passed AST and interview. Very high functioning. Applied for ASOS. Medical report from GP has been referred to senior medical officer. Any advice or guidance would be most helpful.

    • Hi Cheryl,

      Sorry for the delayed reply. I’m afraid I don’t have any information that would help or reassure you. I hope things are going well and there has at least been some progress!

  41. Hi this isn’t a medical question just advice
    If my son joins the raf reserves and loves the life how hard is it to transfer to regulars?
    Would he have to go through full basic training again after his 4 weekends and 15 day training with the reserves would this be made an easier process due to him already within the raf or is it dependent on role thanks Gary

    • Hi Gary,

      I am not fully familiar with this process as I have only experienced the regulars process ( minus basic so far), but has your son contacted his superiors within the reserves or ( preferably) his AFCO? I would imagine those would be the best point of call first.

      I hope this is helpful.

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