Private Medical Service
Get a Sick Note for Work Online
Need medical evidence for a work absence? DoctorCert connects you with a UK-registered doctor who reviews your request and, if appropriate, issues a signed certificate, usually same day.
When You Need One
When Do You Need a Sick Note for Work?
Under UK employment law, you can self-certify illness for the first 7 calendar days. After that, most employers require medical evidence for statutory sick pay. Some employers also ask for private evidence under their own absence policy. If yours does, a private medical certificate can help.
Best for employer absence evidence
This page owns the workplace search intent: sick note for work, employer medical evidence, HR absence documentation, and short periods away from work. For a broader sick note request or return-to-work clearance, use the dedicated pages linked below.
Absent More Than 7 Days
You’ve been off work for more than a week and your employer has asked for medical documentation before you can return.
Employer Requesting Earlier Evidence
Some companies ask for private evidence for internal absence records. A private certificate can support that request without waiting for an NHS GP appointment.
Returning After Illness
You’ve recovered and need to show your employer written confirmation from a doctor before resuming duties.
How It Works
Three Simple Steps
Complete the Online Form
Answer a few questions about your condition and the dates you need covered. Takes about 5 minutes. No appointment needed.
Doctor Reviews Your Request
A UK-registered doctor personally reviews your submission and supporting information during business hours (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm).
Receive Your Certificate
If appropriate, your signed PDF certificate is emailed to you, usually same day. You forward it to your employer.
Certificate Details
What Your Certificate Includes
- Issuing doctor’s full name
- GMC registration number (verifiable online)
- Patient name and date of birth
- Dates of illness / absence covered
- Brief clinical summary
- Unique certificate reference ID
- Doctor’s digital signature
- DoctorCert contact details for verification
Widely Used by UK Employers
Private medical certificates from UK-registered doctors are widely accepted for short-term work absences. Each certificate includes verifiable doctor credentials.
Read our guide for employers →Understanding Your Options
Private Sick Note vs NHS Fit Note
Private Medical Certificate (DoctorCert)
- Issued by a UK-registered doctor after online review
- Usually available same day, no appointment queue
- Suitable for short-term work absences
- £39 flat fee
- ✗Not suitable for government benefit evidence
NHS Fit Note (Med3)
- •Issued by your NHS GP
- •May require booking an appointment (wait times vary)
- •Required for some government benefit applications
- •Free via the NHS
- •The only option if your employer specifically requires a Med3
Most employers accept private medical certificates for routine short-term absences. However, if your employer or situation specifically requires an NHS Med3 fit note, you will need to contact your NHS GP. If you're unsure, check with your HR department before ordering.
Common Questions
Sick Note for Work: Frequently Asked Questions
Will my employer accept this?
Private medical certificates from UK-registered doctors are widely accepted by employers for short-term absences. If your employer specifically requires an NHS Med3 form, you will need to contact your NHS GP.
When can an employer ask for a fit note?
For statutory sick pay, employers can only ask for a fit note if you are off work for more than 7 days in a row, including non-working days. Employers may still have internal absence processes, so check your workplace policy if you are unsure.
How quickly will I get my certificate?
Most certificates are issued same day during business hours (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm). Requests submitted outside business hours are reviewed the next working day.
Can I get a sick note for a past illness?
Yes, we can consider requests for recent past dates. During the review, the doctor will assess whether certification is clinically appropriate based on the information provided.
What conditions are suitable?
Common conditions include flu, respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, back pain, migraines, and stress-related illness. The doctor will make the final clinical decision.
What happens if the doctor can’t issue a certificate?
If the reviewing doctor determines that a certificate is not clinically appropriate, your request is declined and you receive a full refund.
Is this service confidential?
Yes. All data is encrypted and handled in accordance with UK GDPR. Your medical information is never shared with your employer. You decide what to forward.
Is this the same as an NHS sick note?
No. This is a private medical certificate. It is not an NHS Med3 fit note. See the comparison section above for details.
How much does it cost?
£39 per certificate. No hidden fees, no subscriptions.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Per certificate
- UK-registered doctor review
- Signed PDF by email, usually same day
- Full refund if not issued
- No appointment needed