Get a Sick Note Online

Delivered same-day for most, or by 9AM next day if submitted by 11PM.

Just £47. Full refund if the GP cannot issue.

✔ From a GMC-registered UK doctor.
✔ No appointment, no waiting room.
✔ Accepted by employers, HR & universities.

Get my sick note

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Full consult online

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Direct to your inbox

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UK GMC Doctors

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Get your medical certificate delivered straight to your inbox from £37

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How It Works

Complete a short online questionnaire

No appointment required. Complete a short medical questionnaire and upload any supporting evidence.

Doctor reviews your evidence

A GMC-registered doctor reviews your submission individually. No automated approvals.
✔ Full refund if the GP cannot issue.

Receive your certificate

Certificates arrive most same day, all by 9AM next morning, delivered as a signed PDF direct to your inbox.

Trustpilot Reviews

What our patients say

Verified reviews from real MedicalCert patients

Verified Patient

May 2025

Request at 10pm, certificate by 9am

Excellent service. Request was made at 10pm and turned around by 9am the next day. Very well written using the information provided.

Trustpilot · Verified

Verified Patient

June 2025

Updated certificate sent free of charge

Amazing experience — got what I asked for in a short period of time, then they sent me an updated one with dates provided free of charge.

Trustpilot · Verified

Marcus T.

January 2025

Sick note for work — professional and fast

My GP had a 3-week wait. MedicalCert issued a sick note within a few hours. The doctor was thorough, and my employer accepted it without question. Exactly what I needed.

Trustpilot · Verified

Get my sick note

Get a Sick Note Online in the UK

A sick note online — officially called a fit note or Statement of Fitness for Work, and commonly known as a doctor’s note — is a medical certificate issued by a GMC-registered doctor following clinical review of your symptoms. It confirms your illness affects your ability to work and is accepted by UK employers, universities, and institutions.

MedicalCert lets you get a sick note online following a fully online consultation. No waiting room, no commute — complete a short questionnaire, upload brief evidence, and receive your signed certificate direct to your inbox.

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Clinically assessedIssued only if appropriate following review by a GMC-registered GP.

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Delivered to your inboxSame day or by 9AM next morning as a signed PDF you can forward directly.

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Verifiable by your employerEach certificate carries a unique reference code, verifiable at verify@medicalcert.co.uk.

Do You Need a Sick Note? The 7-Day Rule Explained

Whether you need a formal sick note depends entirely on how long you have been off work. All calendar days count toward the seven days — including weekends and bank holidays, not just working days. This rule is set by GOV.UK and confirmed by ACAS.

0–7 days off work

Self-certification only. You do not need a sick note from a doctor. Simply inform your employer you are unwell — in writing, by email, or using a self-certification form. You are still entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you meet eligibility criteria.

8+ days off work

Sick note required. Your employer can ask for a fit note from a registered healthcare professional. This is where MedicalCert’s online service applies — receive documentation the same day without visiting a clinic.

⚠ Some employers request a doctor’s note for shorter absences — particularly if there is a pattern of frequent short-term absence. In these cases a private sick note from MedicalCert is appropriate even before the 7-day threshold.

What Does a Sick Note Include?

A sick note issued by MedicalCert will include:

Certificate contents

✔Your name and date of birth — full patient identification as provided in your consultation.
✔Your medical condition — the nature of your illness or injury, described at the level of detail clinically appropriate.
✔Duration of absence — start date, end date, and recommended time off, up to 14 days per note and extendable if required.
✔Fitness assessment — whether you are “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work” with adjustments.
✔Recommended workplace adjustments — where appropriate, the doctor may recommend phased return, reduced hours, or modified duties.
✔Issuing doctor’s details — full name, GMC registration number, and signature.
✔Unique reference number — allows your employer to verify authenticity directly with MedicalCert at no charge.
✔Issue date — the date on which the doctor reviewed your case and signed the certificate.

Not fit for work vs may be fit for work

A sick note will state one of two assessments. The doctor chooses based on your clinical presentation:

Not fit for work

The doctor considers you unable to carry out your duties in any capacity. Your employer should not require you to attend work. This is the standard outcome for most sick notes.

May be fit for work

You could return to work if your employer can make reasonable adjustments — for example, reduced hours, different tasks, or working from home. If adjustments are not possible, the note is treated as “not fit for work.”

Conditions We Can Issue a Sick Note For

Our GMC-registered doctors can assess and — where clinically appropriate — issue a sick note online for a wide range of conditions. All cases are reviewed individually; a certificate is issued only where the clinical evidence supports it.

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Respiratory illnessFlu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and similar acute infections.

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Mental health conditionsConditions affecting your mood, cognition, and ability to function at work — all assessed individually.

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Musculoskeletal and physical injuriesInjuries and physical conditions preventing normal duties or safe attendance at work.

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Chronic condition flare-upsLong-term conditions that intermittently worsen and temporarily impair your ability to work.

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Post-operative recoveryFollowing surgery where medical evidence of the procedure can be provided.

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Gastrointestinal illnessGastroenteritis, food poisoning, and other acute abdominal conditions.

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Fatigue and exhaustionIncluding post-viral fatigue and medically recognised exhaustion states.

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Accidents and injuriesSoft tissue injuries, cuts, contusions, and fractures supported by evidence.

ℹ Online sick notes are not suitable for emergencies, conditions requiring physical examination, immigration or tribunal purposes, or applications for government benefits requiring an NHS Med3 Fit Note. If in doubt, our doctors will advise you during clinical review.

Looking for condition-specific guidance?

We have dedicated pages covering your rights, employer obligations, and what to expect for specific conditions:

Back pain → Depression → Anxiety → Stress → Mental health → PTSD → Bipolar → OCD →

Private Sick Note vs NHS Fit Note — What’s the Difference?

One of the most common questions is whether a private certificate carries the same weight as one from an NHS GP. Here is a clear comparison.

🏥 NHS Fit Note (Med3)

✔Free when off work 8+ days
✔Required for DWP benefit claims (ESA, Universal Credit)
✗GP appointment required — often 2–3 week wait
✗Not available for absences under 8 days
✗Cannot be issued same day online

💻 MedicalCert Private Sick Note

✔Issued same day or by 9AM next morning
✔No appointment — fully online consultation
✔Accepted by employers, universities, and institutions
✔Available for any duration, including under 7 days
✗Not valid for DWP benefit or immigration purposes

⚠ Important: MedicalCert issues private medical certificates, not NHS Med3 Fit Notes. For most workplace and university purposes, our certificates are accepted without issue. If you are applying for government benefits such as ESA, you will need a free NHS Fit Note from your registered GP.

Will My Employer Accept an Online Sick Note?

The short answer: yes — provided the certificate is issued by a registered healthcare professional, UK employers are legally obliged to accept it.

Your employer cannot legally override a valid sick note

Under UK employment law, once a GMC-registered doctor has assessed you and issued a certificate stating you are not fit for work, your employer is required to respect that clinical assessment. They may seek a second medical opinion but cannot simply dismiss a valid doctor’s note.

verify@medicalcert.co.uk — free employer verification

Each MedicalCert certificate includes a unique reference number. If your employer wishes to confirm authenticity, they can email verify@medicalcert.co.uk and we will verify the document free of charge. All our doctors are fully registered with the General Medical Council — verifiable on the GMC register.

In rare cases, some employers have internal policies that express a preference for NHS Fit Notes. We recommend checking your employment contract or HR policy if you are unsure. For the vast majority of UK workplaces — including large organisations — our certificates are accepted without question.

Can You Get a Backdated Sick Note Online?

Yes — MedicalCert can issue a backdated sick note in appropriate circumstances, subject to clinical review and supporting evidence. Many patients submit requests after returning to work and needing to document an illness that has already passed.

How backdating works at MedicalCert

Backdating is considered on a case-by-case basis. To support a backdated request, you will typically need to provide:

✔Evidence of when you became unwell — a pharmacy receipt, prescription, or message to your employer reporting absence

✔A description of your symptoms during the period in question, completed via our online questionnaire

✔Confirmation the illness has now resolved — backdated notes cover past illness, not ongoing symptoms

✔GP review — the doctor assesses all evidence before deciding whether backdating is clinically appropriate

Backdated sick notes from MedicalCert cover up to 14 days in the past, where evidence supports it. Requests may be declined if evidence is insufficient.

How Long Can a Sick Note Cover — and Can You Extend It?

Each MedicalCert sick note covers up to 14 days of absence at a time. If you remain unwell when your note expires, you can submit a new request for an extension — your case will be reviewed again by one of our doctors.

Submit a new consultation before your current note expires

Don’t wait until you run out of cover — submit your extension request a day or two before the end date to avoid a gap in documentation.

Describe your ongoing symptoms

The doctor will need to understand why you remain unable to work. Updated evidence of your condition will support your extension request.

Receive your extended certificate

If clinically appropriate, a new certificate will be issued covering the extended period — again delivered to your inbox same day or by 9AM.

Sick Notes, Statutory Sick Pay, and Workplace Adjustments

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

A sick note is often needed to access Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) — the government-mandated minimum sick pay your employer must provide. SSP becomes payable from the fourth consecutive day of illness, and your employer may request medical evidence to process it once you have been off for 8 or more days.

⚠ SSP vs private sick pay: MedicalCert private certificates support SSP claims with most employers. However, if you are claiming government benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit, you will need an NHS Med3 Fit Note from your registered GP — private certificates are not accepted for these purposes.

Reasonable workplace adjustments

Not every sick note results in full absence. If your doctor considers you may be fit to work with modifications, the certificate can include a recommendation for reasonable adjustments. Common adjustments include:

✔Reduced working hours or a phased return

✔Modified or lighter duties

✔Working from home where possible

✔Altered shift patterns or start times

✔Temporary removal from stressful tasks

✔Additional support from colleagues or management

If your employer cannot accommodate the recommended adjustments, the note is treated as “not fit for work” regardless of its original assessment.

How Much Does an Online Sick Note Cost?

NHS GP Fit Note

Free

NHS fit notes are free for absences over 7 days. However, you will need a GP appointment — often 2–3 weeks wait. Private GP practices may charge £20–£50 for a letter.

MedicalCert Online Sick Note

From £47

A flat fee covering your full online consultation and issued certificate. No hidden charges, and a full refund if a certificate cannot be issued. Delivered same day.

If your employer has requested a note for an absence of fewer than 7 days, the NHS will not issue one free of charge — a private certificate from MedicalCert is the appropriate route in this case.

How to Get a Sick Note Online with MedicalCert

The process takes most patients under 10 minutes to complete.

Complete a short medical questionnaire

Tell us about your symptoms, how long you have been unwell, and how your condition affects your ability to work. No appointment is needed — this is done entirely online at any time.

Upload a short video or supporting evidence

A brief 30-second video describing your symptoms, or other relevant medical evidence such as a prescription or discharge letter. This supports the doctor’s clinical assessment.

GMC-registered doctor reviews your case

One of our doctors reviews all submitted evidence the same day. They assess your symptoms, medical history, and impact on your ability to work — exactly as a GP would in clinic.

Receive your certificate — or a full refund

If clinically appropriate, your signed sick note is delivered to your inbox same day or by 9AM next morning as a digital PDF. If the doctor cannot issue a certificate, you receive a full refund — no questions asked.

Sick Note FAQs

Most requests submitted before 9pm are reviewed the same day and certificates delivered by email within a few hours. All certificates are delivered by 9AM the following morning at the latest. The consultation form itself takes most patients under 10 minutes to complete.

Under UK employment law, employers are required to accept a valid sick note from a GMC-registered doctor. They can request a second medical opinion but cannot simply dismiss a valid certificate. Each MedicalCert note includes the issuing doctor’s GMC registration number, which your employer can verify directly on the GMC register. If your employer disputes the note, ACAS offers free advice on your employment rights.

For most employers, no — you can self-certify absences of 7 calendar days or fewer. However, some employers request documentation for shorter absences, particularly where there is a pattern of short-term absence. A private sick note from MedicalCert is appropriate in these cases and can be obtained for any duration of absence, including under 7 days.

Yes. You do not need a prior GP appointment or existing medical history with MedicalCert. Our doctors assess your case based on the information and evidence you provide in the online consultation. The more clearly you describe your symptoms and their impact on your ability to work, the more accurately the doctor can assess your case. Supporting evidence — such as a prescription, pharmacy receipt, or previous GP letter — strengthens your application but is not always required.

If the reviewing doctor cannot clinically support issuing a certificate, you receive a full refund — no questions asked. Our doctors may also contact you to request additional information before making a final decision. We will never issue a certificate where the clinical evidence does not support it.

Yes. MedicalCert certificates are accepted by universities and colleges across the UK for absence documentation, extenuating circumstances applications, and deadline extensions. If you need documentation specifically framed for academic use rather than employment, see our dedicated university sick note and student mitigating circumstances letter pages.

Sick Note, Fit Note, Doctor’s Note — What’s the Difference?

These three terms are used interchangeably in everyday language, but they refer to the same document. Understanding what each term actually means — and when each is used — clears up most of the confusion.

Official term Fit Note The current official name used by the UK government and NHS since 2010. Short for “Statement of Fitness for Work.” This is the term you will see on GOV.UK and in employment law guidance.

Common term Sick Note The widely used everyday term — what most people say when they need medical documentation for an absence. Refers to the same document as a fit note. Remains in common use despite the official name change.

Informal term Doctor’s Note A general informal term for any certificate or letter from a doctor. In a work context, “doctor’s note for work” typically means the same thing as a sick note or fit note.

All three terms describe the same document: a certificate from a GMC-registered doctor confirming you are unfit for work and certifying a period of absence. The term used in your employment contract, by your HR team, or by your employer does not change what the document is or how to obtain it.

Yes — they are exactly the same document. “Fit note” is the official government term introduced in 2010 to replace the older term “sick note.” The name changed because the document was redesigned to allow doctors to recommend a return to work with adjustments, rather than simply certifying absence. In practice, most people still say “sick note” and most employers understand both terms to mean the same thing.

A doctor’s note for work is an informal way of saying sick note or fit note — a certificate from a GMC-registered doctor confirming you are unfit to work and documenting a period of absence. It is the same document your employer or HR department will ask for after seven consecutive calendar days of sick leave. At MedicalCert, what we issue is a doctor’s note for work: a signed certificate from a GMC-registered GP, delivered to your inbox the same day.

Yes, for employer and SSP purposes. A certificate from any GMC-registered doctor is valid for workplace sick leave and Statutory Sick Pay — your employer cannot require the certificate to come from an NHS GP specifically. The one exception is government benefit claims such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), which specifically require an NHS Med3 Fit Note from your registered GP. For everything else — employer absence records, HR processes, SSP — a MedicalCert private certificate is fully accepted.

“Not fit for work” means the doctor considers you unable to carry out your duties in any capacity — your employer should not require attendance during the certified period. “May be fit for work” means you could potentially return if your employer can make specific adjustments, such as reduced hours, modified duties, or working from home. If the employer cannot accommodate those adjustments, the note is treated as “not fit for work” regardless. The doctor chooses the appropriate assessment based on your clinical presentation.

For most employers, no — you can self-certify absences of 7 calendar days or fewer without a doctor’s note. Simply inform your employer you are unwell. However, some employers request documentation for shorter absences, particularly where there is a pattern of frequent short-term absence, or where their own policy specifies a shorter trigger. A private sick note from MedicalCert is appropriate in these cases and can be obtained for any duration of absence, including under 7 days.

Get my sick note

Clinically Reviewed By

Dr Maria Knobel

Medical Director, Nobel Medical LLC

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Registered with the General Medical Council

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Certificates issued following clinical review

GMC Registration

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