Online Sick Certificate in Ireland

A sick certificate, also known as a fit note or medical certificate, is a document issued by a qualified healthcare professional to confirm that you are unwell and unable to work or carry out usual activities.

Most employees in Ireland have legal rights to paid sick leave. The Sick Leave Act entitles eligible workers to statutory sick pay for a limited number of days each year. Key points include:

• Statutory Sick Pay: Employees are entitled to a minimum number of paid sick leave days per year, which is set by the government and currently stands at up to 5 days per year, paid at 70% of your normal daily wage, up to a certain daily maximum.

• Eligibility: You must be working for your employer for at least 13 weeks before you can claim statutory sick pay.

• Medical Certification: You are usually required to provide a medical certificate from a GP confirming you are unfit for work.

• Additional Sick Pay: Some employers offer more generous sick pay schemes, so it’s worth checking your contract or staff handbook.

If you have exhausted your statutory or contractual sick pay, you may be eligible to apply for Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection.

Sick pay is paid by your employer, usually for up to 5 days, and requires medical certification confirming you are unfit to work. Illness Benefit, on the other hand, is paid by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and applies once employer sick pay ends. It generally covers longer periods of illness and has different eligibility requirements.

Yes. Illness Benefit certificates can only be issued following an in-person GP consultation. The first certificate requires one face-to-face visit.

To receive Illness Benefit, you will need an official Illness Benefit Certificate. Here’s how you can obtain one:

• Book a GP Consult: If you are unwell and unable to work, make an appointment with us. Our doctor will assess your condition and, if appropriate, issue a digital Social Welfare Certificate (now called a “MED1”).

• Electronic Submission: Our GP usually sends this certificate electronically to the Department of Social Protection. You will receive a copy or details of the cert for your records.

• Apply for Illness Benefit: Once you have a valid cert from your doctor, you can apply for Illness Benefit online via MyWelfare.ie or by post. You will need your Personal Public Service (PPS) number, and details of your employer if you are employed.

• Further Certs: If your illness continues, you may need to return to your GP for certification on a regular basis until you are fit to return to work.

Remember, you should always inform your employer about your absence and the expected duration as soon as possible. Check with your employer’s HR policies for any additional steps required.

In most cases, you’ll need a sick certificate if you’re off work for more than 3 consecutive days or more than 5 days in a calendar year. Some employers may ask for one sooner, depending on their policy.

Yes, our service now offers online assessments. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, our licensed doctors can issue a digital sick certificate if appropriate.

We issue sick certs for illnesses lasting up to 5 days, within the past 7 days. For longer certs, you must book an In-Person GP Consultation.

If approved, you’ll usually receive your certificate by email within 24 hours. Requests received after 2:00 pm on Saturday will be processed and issued on Monday morning, if approved.

Yes, as long as the certificate is issued by a registered doctor in Ireland, it is legally valid and should be accepted by employers and HR departments.

The certificate may include a general description of your condition or reason for absence, but detailed medical information is not typically required or included.

Absolutely. Sick certificates can be used to explain absences from academic commitments such as exams, lectures or coursework deadlines.

If your symptoms continue, you can request a follow-up consultation for an extension. We will reassess your situation and provide further advice.

Yes, all doctors issuing sick certificates are registered with the Irish Medical Counsel, fully licensed and based in Ireland.

Absolutely. Your medical details are treated with strict confidentiality and handled in line with HSE and GDPR standards.