In 2026, Atestmed allows a temporary incapacity benefit claim to be assessed from documents submitted to Brazil’s INSS, without requiring an in-person medical examination in every case. This does not mean automatic approval: since March 2026, the Federal Medical Examination service may issue a reasoned technical opinion and grant or deny the claim based on the submitted records. For applicants, the practical point is straightforward: the medical certificate should clearly identify the claimant, the issuing professional and the condition supporting time away from work, and the documentation must be legible and free of alterations.
What a medical certificate should contain for Atestmed in 2026
The official INSS page on temporary incapacity benefit, updated in August 2026, states that the certificate should include the insured person’s identification, the diagnosis in words or ICD code, issue date, estimated rest or leave period, and the issuing professional’s signature and identification. Joint Ordinance MPS/INSS No. 13/2026 also requires medical or dental documentation to be legible, without erasures, and to identify the professional and their registration with the relevant professional council.
| Item | What to check before submitting |
|---|---|
| Claimant identification | Name and information that clearly link the document to the applicant. |
| Issue date | It should be clear and legible on the submitted document. |
| Diagnosis or ICD | The document may state the diagnosis in words or use the International Classification of Diseases code, according to the medical record. |
| Leave period | State the estimated time needed for rest or leave. When possible, also make the start date of rest clear. |
| Professional signature | It may be physical or electronic, provided it is valid and verifiable when applicable. |
| Professional identification | Name and professional council registration, or another identification accepted by the rule, in legible form. |
In addition to the medical certificate, a document-based claim must include an official photo ID. Medical reports, test results and other clinical records may be attached to strengthen the evidence. The claim is filed through INSS channels, including Meu INSS.
Start date and length of leave: document requirement versus medical-examination decision
It helps to separate two roles. The treating professional documents the clinical condition and may indicate when rest began and how long it is expected to last. The social-security decision, however, belongs to the Federal Medical Examination service. Joint Ordinance MPS/INSS No. 13 of March 23, 2026 allows the federal medical examiner to set a different start date or benefit duration from the one indicated in the medical document, provided the decision is reasoned on the facts, evidence, prior examination history, applicable law and scientific literature.
The same rule states that if the records do not give a start date for rest, it may be determined during the assessment, including from the document’s issue date and other evidence in the file. Therefore, a missing single field should not be treated as a guarantee of denial or an in-person summons; the outcome depends on the case. Even so, a complete certificate reduces ambiguity and makes the assessment easier.
When INSS may require an in-person medical examination
Atestmed does not remove in-person examinations from the system. In 2026, some situations move a case beyond document-only analysis. The rules also allow telemedicine when the applicable requirements are met.
- When the duration limit for document-based analysis is exceeded: Ordinance No. 13 directs a new claim beyond the applicable Atestmed limit to an in-person medical examination, with telemedicine allowed.
- After three successive denials through document analysis: subsequent claims must be routed to an in-person medical examination, with telemedicine possible, until a benefit is eventually granted through one of those examination methods.
- When an extension is needed: a beneficiary may request an extension if the granted period is not enough for recovery. Extensions follow their own rules and may require a medical examination; it is not safe to assume continued document-only processing with another certificate.
- When the legal workflow otherwise requires an examination: INSS states that in-person examination is required in situations provided by law. Applicants should monitor Meu INSS and official channels for summonses.
The 90-day cap in September 2026 is temporary
Law No. 8,213/1991, after amendments made in 2025, set a lower base limit for benefits granted by document analysis but authorized the Executive Branch to create a temporary exception. On March 24, 2026, Joint Ordinance MPS/INSS No. 14 temporarily raised the combined duration of benefits granted by document analysis to up to 90 days and gave that exception a 180-day term. As of September 8, 2026, the official INSS page still states a maximum of up to 90 days.
This matters because 90 days should not be treated as a permanent rule. Anyone applying near the end of September 2026 should check the official page again and look for any new acts from the Ministry of Social Security and INSS.
Practical checklist before submitting
- Make sure the document is legible, free of erasures and has a clear issue date.
- Check the claimant’s identification and the issuing professional’s identification.
- Confirm that it includes a diagnosis in words or an ICD code and an objective leave recommendation.
- When possible, state the rest start date and estimated duration explicitly.
- Attach an official photo ID and, when relevant, supporting reports and test results.
- Submit complete files and monitor requirements, decisions and any summons through Meu INSS.
If the claim is denied or you are summoned
The 2026 rules changed an important point: document analysis may now result in either approval or denial. An adverse decision may be challenged through an administrative appeal within the period indicated by INSS; Ordinance No. 13 provides for 30 days from the decision. If an examination is scheduled, bring identification and all medical documentation related to the condition, including newer records that help show progression, functional limitations and treatment.
Do not confuse a medical certificate with a social-security decision. The treating professional describes the health condition and recommends leave; the Federal Medical Examination service determines, for benefit purposes, whether the requirements are met and what period will be recognized.
Human review is recommended for this topic
Atestmed operating rules may change through ordinances and complementary acts. This article organizes the requirements published through September 8, 2026, but it does not replace medical advice, case-specific assessment or an INSS decision. Before filing, check the official temporary incapacity benefit page and the messages in your Meu INSS claim.
