The National Social Security Institute (INSS) has published new orders that once again modify the rules for compensation for illnesses granted through Atestmed, a system that allows compensation to be released only by analyzing the medical certificate sent by the Meu INSS, without on-site examination. The most important change exceptionally extends the maximum duration of leave from 30 to 60 days. The measure is valid for the next 120 days, until April 2026.
This decision comes after a series of back and forths in the exclusively documentary concession model. Since 2023, Atestmed has been used as an alternative to reduce the waiting list for medical expertise, which remains high. In October, 2.9 million policyholders were waiting for a response to requests for benefits from the INSS, of which 1.2 million were dependent on in-person assistance from an expert. The average waiting time is 62 days.
According to the new rules, the insured person can accumulate up to 60 days of leave granted on the basis of documentary analysis, even if they are not consecutive periods. Once the four-month period provided for in the order has expired, the period automatically returns to 30 days.
Another published text determines that the INSS will fully take charge of the additional examinations requested by experts, both in the granting processes and in the revisions and reinstatement of benefits. Payment can be made by reimbursement to the insured or through agreements with clinics.
A pilot project launched in August to expand the digital service has also been extended. Among the new features is the possibility of carrying out certain services without prior programming on the Meu INSS application or website.
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