Can I Get a Sick Note Online? Your Rights, the Process, and What Your Employer Can't Refuse
It's 6am Monday. You've been vomiting all night.
The thought of travelling to your GP makes you feel worse. But your employer demands a sick note.
Can you really get one online? Is it legal? Will your boss accept it?
After issuing over 10,000 digital sick notes, I can definitively answer: Yes, yes, and they have to.
The Law Is Crystal Clear
Online sick notes carry identical legal weight to paper ones from your GP.
The Med3 fit note can be issued electronically since 2012.
Any GMC-registered doctor can issue them.
Your employer cannot refuse a legitimate digital sick note.
Discrimination based on how you obtained medical documentation is illegal.
Your Rights From Day One
You can self-certify for 7 days without any medical evidence.
From day 8, you need a medical certificate.
But many employers wrongly demand notes from day 1.
Here's the crucial bit: doctors CAN issue sick notes from day 1 if clinically appropriate.
We routinely do for severe illness, mental health crises, or post-operative recovery.
Your employer cannot refuse these earlier notes.
Conditions We Certificate Daily
Acute Infections:
Gastroenteritis (typically 3-5 days)
Flu/COVID (5-10 days)
Severe tonsillitis (3-7 days)
Chest infections (5-14 days)
Mental Health:
Acute anxiety (1-4 weeks initially)
Depression (2-12 weeks, reviewed regularly)
Stress/burnout (2-8 weeks typically)
Bereavement (1-2 weeks standard)
Surgical Recovery:
Post-procedure (varies by operation)
Dental surgery (2-3 days)
Minor operations (1-2 weeks)
Investigations (1-3 days)
Chronic Conditions:
Migraine episodes (1-3 days)
IBS flares (2-5 days)
Back pain (1-6 weeks)
Chronic fatigue (variable, long-term possible)
The 15-Minute Process
Step 1: Choose legitimate service (2 minutes) Look for GMC registration numbers. Check CQC registration. Verify UK-based doctors.
Step 2: Complete consultation (8-10 minutes) Describe symptoms honestly. Mention work type (affects recovery time). Specify existing conditions. List current medications.
Step 3: Doctor review (immediate to 2 hours) Doctor assesses clinical need. Duration determined medically, not by patient request. Appropriate wording chosen.
Step 4: Certificate issued PDF emailed immediately. Contains all legal requirements. Doctor's GMC number included. Digitally signed.
What Your Employer Must Accept
Your employer cannot:
Refuse because it's from online service
Demand to know which service
Require paper copies (digital legally sufficient)
Question the doctor's assessment
Demand more detail than provided
Contact the doctor directly
Refuse private medical certificates
They can:
Request you forward the PDF
Keep it in personnel records
Use for SSP purposes
Refer to occupational health after appropriate period
The Cost Reality
NHS sick notes: Free but require appointment.
Private online: £35-60 typically.
Consider the economics:
Day off work for GP appointment: £100-200 lost earnings
Travel costs: £10-20
Risk of infection in waiting room: Invaluable
Time saved: 2-3 hours
Online sick notes often cost less than obtaining NHS ones when you factor everything.
Wording That Works
Sick notes can say:
"Not fit for work" (complete absence)
"May be fit for work" (with adjustments)
Adjustments might include:
Phased return
Altered hours
Amended duties
Workplace adaptations
We discuss appropriate wording based on your condition and job.
The note doesn't need to specify your exact diagnosis if you prefer privacy.
"Medical condition" or "stress-related problem" is legally sufficient.
Return to Work Certificates
Some employers request "fit to return" certificates.
Not legally required but we provide them.
Particularly useful after:
Infectious diseases
Surgery
Mental health absence
Long-term sickness
These confirm recovery and fitness for duties.
Red Flags to Avoid
Never use services that:
Guarantee sick notes without consultation
Offer backdated certificates
Don't have GMC-registered doctors
Issue notes for "any duration you want"
Don't ask about your symptoms
These are fraudulent and using them could cost your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note for stress?
Absolutely. Stress is a legitimate medical condition requiring recovery time. We assess severity, provide appropriate duration, and can extend if needed.
Will my employer know I got it privately?
The certificate shows the issuing doctor's details but employers cannot discriminate based on private vs NHS medical care.
Can I get backdated sick notes?
Only if you were genuinely ill and can provide evidence (photos, messages, pharmacy receipts). We cannot backdate without clinical justification.
How long can online sick notes cover?
Initial certificates typically 1-4 weeks. Extensions possible with review. Long-term sickness requires regular reviews, which we provide.
What if my employer refuses it?
They're breaking the law. Document their refusal. Contact ACAS for free advice. We can provide letter confirming certificate validity.
Your health is more important than outdated workplace policies.
Legal sick notes are available within hours, not days.
Don't struggle to work when you need recovery.
Need a sick note today? The Online GP provides legitimate medical certificates from GMC-registered doctors within 2 hours. From £35 with same-day issue. Legally valid, employer must accept. WhatsApp 07399323620 or book online. Don't risk your recovery travelling when ill.
