Help Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting your sick note in Ireland — fast, simple, and 100% online.

ℹ️

About the Service

Sicknote.com is an online medical platform where you can get a certified sick note (medical certificate) from a licensed Irish doctor — without visiting a GP in person. We serve patients in Ireland only.

Which countries do you serve?

We currently serve patients in Ireland and the United Kingdom. We do not issue certificates for other EU countries or anywhere else — our doctors are specifically registered with the Irish Medical Council (IMC) and the UK General Medical Council (GMC). If you're in the UK, please visit sicknote.com/uk.

Are your doctors real and licensed?

Yes. All doctors issuing Irish sick notes are fully registered with the Irish Medical Council (IMC). You can verify any doctor's registration directly on the IMC website. We publish our medical team's names and registration numbers on our website.

How much does it cost?

A consultation and sick note costs €33. This covers the full online consultation, doctor review, and digital certificate delivered to your email. No hidden fees.

Is this service legal in Ireland?

Yes. Remote medical consultations are fully legal in Ireland. Our doctors are IMC-registered and can issue medical certificates following a structured online consultation — exactly as they would in a physical practice. The certificate carries the same legal weight as one issued in a GP surgery.

⚙️

How It Works

How do I get a sick note?

It's a simple 3-step process: 1) Fill in a short medical questionnaire about your symptoms and how they're affecting your ability to work. 2) Pay securely online and verify your identity. 3) A doctor reviews your case and issues your certificate — typically within a few hours.

How long does it take?

Most certificates are issued same day, usually within 1–4 hours during working hours (9am–6pm Mon–Fri). We aim to process all orders as quickly as possible.

Do I need to have a video call?

No video call is required. The consultation is completed through a detailed written questionnaire. If the doctor needs any clarification, they may follow up via our secure messaging system.

Why do I need to verify my identity?

Identity verification is a medical compliance requirement. It ensures the certificate is issued to the correct person and protects both you and your employer from fraud. We use a secure, GDPR-compliant verification system — your documents are never stored beyond what's legally required.

What happens if my request is declined?

If the doctor determines that a sick note is not appropriate for your situation, you will receive a full refund. Our doctors make independent medical decisions and cannot be overridden — this protects the integrity of every certificate we issue.

📄

The Certificate

What does the sick note look like?

You receive a professional PDF medical certificate containing the doctor's name and IMC registration number, your name, the diagnosis/condition, the recommended period of sick leave, and a unique QR code for employer verification. It is digitally signed using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).

What is a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?

A QES is the highest level of digital signature under EU law (eIDAS Regulation). It is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature and is accepted across the EU. Every Sicknote.com certificate is signed with QES, making it fully verifiable and tamper-proof.

Can employers verify the certificate?

Yes. Every certificate contains a unique QR code that links directly to our secure verification page at sicknote.com/verify. Employers can instantly confirm the certificate is genuine and unaltered. If you encounter any issues with the verification page, you can also confirm the legitimacy of a certificate directly by emailing [email protected] with the certificate reference number.

Do you issue Unfit for Travel certificates?

Yes. If you are medically unable to travel due to illness or a medical condition, our doctors can issue an Unfit for Travel certificate. This is commonly used to support travel insurance claims, airline refund requests, or cancellation of travel plans on medical grounds. The process is the same as for a standard sick note — fill in the questionnaire, and the doctor will assess your situation and issue the certificate if appropriate.

How long can the sick note cover?

Certificates can cover a range of periods depending on your condition. The duration is determined by the doctor based on your medical situation. If you need an extension, you can submit a new consultation request.

What conditions do you cover?

We cover a wide range of conditions including stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, chronic pain, migraines, back pain, fatigue, gastroenteritis, and more. The doctor will assess your specific situation. Conditions requiring urgent in-person care or emergency treatment are outside our scope.

    📋 Note for employers: Medical certificates issued by Sicknote.com are signed by Irish Medical Council-registered doctors and carry the same legal weight as those issued in a traditional GP practice. They are valid for all standard employment and social welfare purposes in Ireland.
  

🏢

Employers

Must my employer accept this certificate?

Yes. A medical certificate from an IMC-registered doctor is legally valid regardless of whether it was issued in person or remotely. Under Irish employment law, employers are required to accept valid medical certificates. If an employer refuses without valid reason, this may constitute a breach of employment rights.

Can I use this for Illness Benefit / social welfare?

For standard employer sick leave documentation, yes. For claiming Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection, a specific MED2/MED3 form must be submitted by a panel doctor with DSP access. Our standard sick note does not replace this, but we are working on a separate MED3 submission service — contact us for updates.

My employer is asking questions about the certificate — what should I do?

Contact our support team and we'll provide you with a letter of verification for your employer, explaining the legal basis for online medical certificates in Ireland. You can reach us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp.

🩺

Medical

Is it safe to get a medical certificate online?

Yes. Our doctors follow the same clinical standards as in-person consultations. They review your full symptom history and only issue a certificate where it is medically appropriate. If your symptoms suggest you need urgent or in-person care, the doctor will advise this instead.

I feel too unwell to fill in the form — can someone help me?

The questionnaire is designed to be quick and straightforward. If you need assistance, a family member or carer can help you complete it on your behalf. Contact our support team if you have specific access needs.

What if my condition worsens during my sick leave?

If your condition changes significantly or you develop new symptoms, please seek in-person medical care. You can also submit a new consultation with us if you need to extend your sick leave period.

🔒

Privacy & Data

Is my medical data safe?

Absolutely. We are fully GDPR compliant. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest. We only collect the information necessary to complete your consultation and never sell your data to third parties. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

Who can see my medical information?

Only the doctor reviewing your case and necessary support staff (under strict confidentiality obligations) have access to your medical details. Your employer only receives the certificate — not your underlying medical information.

How long do you keep my data?

We retain medical records in line with Irish healthcare data retention requirements. You can request deletion of your data at any time by contacting [email protected] — subject to any legal retention obligations.