Online Doctor Service
Get a Sick Note Online from a UK Doctor
Skip the GP waiting room. DoctorCert lets you request a private sick note entirely online, reviewed by a UK-registered doctor. If appropriate, your signed sick note is emailed as a PDF, usually same day.
Is This Right for You?
Who Can Get a Sick Note Online?
Our online sick note service is available to anyone in the UK aged 18 or over who needs private medical documentation for:
Best for general online sick note requests
Use this page when your main need is a broad online sick note for illness evidence. If your query is specifically about workplace absence or return-to-work clearance, the links below point to the more focused DoctorCert pages.
Work Absence
You’ve been ill and need documentation for your employer. Whether it’s a cold, flu, or something more serious.
University or College
You need evidence of illness for mitigating circumstances, missed exams, or coursework extensions.
Travel or Insurance
You need medical evidence to support a travel insurance claim or explain a missed booking.
Personal Records
You want a formal medical document for your own records confirming your period of illness.
How It Works
Three Simple Steps
Fill In Your Details Online
Complete a short medical form describing your symptoms, condition, and the dates you need covered.
A UK Doctor Reviews Your Case
A UK-registered doctor personally reviews your submission.
Sick Note Delivered by Email
If your request is clinically appropriate, you receive a signed PDF sick note by email, usually same day.
Know the Difference
Online Sick Note vs NHS Fit Note
Online Sick Note (DoctorCert)
- Private sick note from a UK-registered doctor
- Fully online: no appointment, no waiting room
- Usually issued same day
- £39 flat fee
- Suitable for work, university, insurance, personal records
NHS Fit Note (Med3)
- •Issued through the NHS (GP or hospital)
- •May require an appointment with waiting times
- •Free through the NHS
- •Used when a specific NHS Med3 fit note is required
For many everyday situations, such as a short illness, a university evidence request, or travel insurance evidence, a private online sick note from a UK-registered doctor may be suitable. If you need an official NHS Med3 fit note for statutory sick pay or benefit evidence, contact your NHS GP or another NHS fit note issuer.
For Employers & HR Teams
Are Online Sick Notes Accepted by Employers?
Private sick notes from UK-registered doctors are widely accepted by UK employers for short-term absences. Each DoctorCert sick note includes:
The issuing doctor’s name and GMC number
A unique certificate reference ID
Dates of illness covered
The doctor’s digital signature
Common Questions
Online Sick Note: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get a sick note online?
Yes. DoctorCert allows you to request a private sick note entirely online. A UK-registered doctor reviews your submission and, if appropriate, issues a signed sick note by email.
Is an online sick note as valid as one from my GP?
A private sick note from a UK-registered doctor is medical documentation. However, it is not an NHS Med3 fit note. Many employers accept private sick notes for routine absences, but you should check any specific policy requirements.
Do I need a sick note for the first 7 days?
For UK statutory sick pay, employees usually self-certify for 7 days or less and need a fit note only after more than 7 days. You can still request private documentation if an organisation asks for evidence, but this is not an NHS Med3 fit note.
How long does it take?
Most sick notes are issued same day during business hours (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm). Requests submitted outside hours are reviewed the next working day.
Can I get a sick note for mental health reasons?
Yes. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are valid reasons for requesting medical documentation.
What if I need it for university, not work?
Our sick notes are suitable for university mitigating circumstances, exam deferrals, and coursework extensions. Many UK universities accept private medical documentation.
Is it confidential?
Completely. All data is encrypted and handled under UK GDPR. Your employer or university only sees what you choose to share.
What if the doctor declines my request?
You receive a full refund. Sick notes are only issued when the doctor considers it clinically appropriate.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Per sick note
- UK-registered doctor review
- Signed PDF by email, usually same day
- Full refund if not issued
- No appointment needed