By Dr Becky Prince, GP and Director at Kent Family Medical
Written 3rd October 2026
If you have just landed a role in a film, TV series, commercial or stage production, one of the first emails you may get is a request to “book your cast medical”. For many performers this is the first time they have been asked for one, and it is natural to wonder what it involves and why it is needed. Here is a straightforward guide from a GP’s point of view.
Why do productions ask for a medical?
Making a film, series or stage show involves a large team, a tight schedule and a lot of money. If a lead performer becomes unwell or is injured partway through, filming or performances may have to stop, and the costs can be considerable.
To protect against this, productions take out insurance, often called cast insurance or essential element cover. Before an insurer will cover a named person, they want an up-to-date picture of that person’s health. A short medical examination by a doctor gives them that.
It is worth saying clearly: this is not a test you pass or fail, and it is not about whether you are “good enough” for the role. You have already been cast. The medical simply allows the insurer to confirm cover so that everyone can get on with the job.
Who usually needs one?
It is usually the principal cast: the actors and actresses whose absence would hold up the production. Depending on the production and the insurer, it may also include presenters, dancers, a director or other key people. The production company or their insurance broker will tell you if you need one.
What happens at the appointment?
Each insurer has its own requirements, but most cast medicals follow a similar pattern:
- A conversation about your health. I will ask about past illnesses, operations, injuries, any ongoing conditions and the medicines you take.
- A physical examination. This usually includes your blood pressure, pulse, height and weight, and listening to your heart and chest. Some forms ask for a urine test or an eyesight check.
- Completing the insurer’s form. Most insurers send a form for the doctor to fill in. I complete this with you during the appointment, so you know exactly what has been recorded.
- Occasionally, extra tests. For some roles, or depending on your age or health history, the insurer may ask for blood tests or other checks. If so, we can usually arrange these at the same visit.
At Kent Family Medical, a cast medical is a 30-minute appointment, and the signed report is usually ready on the same day.
How to prepare
- Book early. As soon as you know a medical is needed, get it booked. Insurers usually want it done before rehearsals or filming begin.
- Send the form in advance. If the production or broker has sent you a medical form, share it with us before your appointment.
- Bring a list of your medicines, including inhalers, creams and anything you buy over the counter.
- Bring photo ID, and your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
- Think about your history. Dates of any operations, significant injuries or hospital stays are helpful to have to hand.
Be open about your health
Some performers worry that mentioning a past injury or a condition such as asthma might cause problems for the role. In my experience, being open is always the best approach. Many conditions make little or no difference to cover. Where something is relevant, the insurer may simply exclude that one condition from the policy rather than refuse cover altogether.
Leaving something out can cause far bigger problems if you later need to claim. The report has to be accurate, and I am always happy to talk through anything you are unsure about before we complete the form.
What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is a basic part of being a doctor, and it applies to every patient we see, whoever they are. Your report goes only to the people you agree to, usually the insurer, broker or production company, and we will confirm this with you at the appointment.
We also understand that some people prefer not to sit in a busy waiting room. Where possible, we can offer appointments at quieter times, or one of our GPs can visit you at home, at your hotel or on location.
Looking after your health during a production
A cast medical is often the first contact a performer has with us, but we are a full private GP practice. If you become unwell during rehearsals, filming or a run, we can usually see you quickly, and our physiotherapists can help with the strains and injuries that physically demanding roles sometimes bring.
Arranging your cast medical
Find out more about our cast and production insurance medicals, including fees and home visits, or call our team on 01732 79 24 24. Performers, agents and production coordinators are all welcome to get in touch.
This article is for general information. Every insurer has its own requirements, so please check with your production company or insurance broker what your medical needs to include.