How to Get a Sick Cert in Ireland: Online & In-Person Options (2026 Guide)

Whether you're feeling unwell and need time off work, or you're dealing with a longer illness, understanding how to get a sick cert in Ireland is essential. This comprehensive guide covers everything from statutory sick pay requirements to getting your sick certificate online from an Irish-registered GP.

What is a Sick Cert (Medical Certificate)?

A sick cert, also known as a medical certificate or sick note, is an official document issued by a registered medical practitioner confirming that you are unfit for work due to illness or injury. In Ireland, sick certs are legally recognised documents that serve several important purposes:

• Proof for employers that your absence is medically justified
• Documentation for statutory sick pay claims
• Evidence for Department of Social Protection illness benefit claims
• Records for extended leave due to ongoing health conditions

A sick certificate typically includes your name, the date of consultation, the expected duration of your illness, and whether you are completely unfit for work or capable of modified duties. It does not include your specific diagnosis, as this remains confidential between you and your doctor.

When Do You Need a Sick Cert?

Short-Term Absences (1-3 Days)

For brief illnesses lasting one to three days, most employers do not require a medical certificate. You can typically self-certify your absence by notifying your employer according to their absence policy. However, check your employment contract as some companies may have stricter requirements.

Statutory Sick Pay Requirements (3+ Days)

Under the Sick Leave Act 2022, Irish employees are entitled to statutory sick pay. As of 2026, if you are absent for more than three consecutive days, your employer may require a sick cert to process your statutory sick pay entitlement.

Key Point: You need a sick cert from the first day you visit a doctor, not necessarily from the first day you were ill. If you wait until day 4 of your illness to see a GP, your cert will be dated from day 4.

Employer-Specific Policies

Many employers have their own sick leave policies that may require medical certificates:

• After a certain number of consecutive days absent
• After a specific number of sick days in a rolling period
• Before returning to work after extended illness
• For specific types of illness (e.g., infectious diseases)

Always check your employee handbook or HR department for your company's specific requirements.

Illness Benefit (6+ Days)

If your illness extends beyond six days and you need to claim Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection (DSP), you will need a different certificate - an IB1 or MC1 form completed by your GP. This is separate from a standard employer sick cert.

Statutory Sick Pay Ireland 2026: What You're Entitled To

The Statutory Sick Leave Scheme has expanded since its introduction in 2023. Here's what you need to know for 2026:

Current Entitlements

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for statutory sick pay, you must:

• Have worked for your employer for at least 13 weeks
• Be certified by a registered medical practitioner (if absent more than 3 days)
• Earn at least EUR 14,336 per year (subject to PRSI)
• Be an employee (not a contractor or self-employed)

How It Works

• Waiting Period: No payment for the first 3 days (waiting days)
• Payment Starts: From day 4 of your illness
• Certification Required: Medical cert needed for absences over 3 days
• Payment Method: Through your normal payroll

Example: If you're earning EUR 200 per day and you're off sick for 7 days, you would receive:

• Days 1-3: EUR 0 (waiting period)
• Days 4-7: 4 x EUR 110 (70% capped at EUR 110) = EUR 440

How to Get a Sick Cert Online

Getting a [sick certificate online](/sick-certificate) has become one of the most convenient options for Irish patients. Here's how the process works with GetYourGP:

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Book Your Online Consultation

Visit GetYourGP and select a time slot for your video or phone consultation. Same-day appointments are often available, even in the evenings and on weekends.

Step 2: Complete Your Health Information

Before your appointment, you'll fill out a brief medical questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history, and the reason you need a sick cert.

Step 3: Consult with an Irish-Registered GP

Connect via secure video or phone call with a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council. The consultation typically takes 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Receive Your Sick Cert

If the GP determines you are unfit for work, your sick certificate is issued and emailed to you immediately as a PDF document. You can forward this directly to your employer or HR department.

Benefits of Online Sick Certs

• Same-Day Service: Get your cert within hours, not days
• No Travel Required: Perfect when you're feeling too unwell to leave home
• Evening & Weekend Availability: Consultations available outside standard GP hours
• Email Delivery: Certificate sent directly to your inbox
• Secure & Confidential: All consultations are GDPR-compliant
• Cost: EUR 35 for consultation including sick certificate

What to Prepare for Your Online Appointment

• Your PPS number (helpful but not required)
• Details of your employer (for the cert)
• Your symptoms and when they started
• Any medications you're currently taking
• Your expected return-to-work date (if known)

How to Get a Sick Cert from Your GP (In-Person)

If you prefer to see your regular GP in person, here's what to expect:

The Process

• Phone Your GP Surgery: Call first thing in the morning to request an appointment. Many surgeries reserve same-day slots for urgent cases.

• Explain You Need a Sick Cert: Let reception know you need a medical certificate for work so they can allocate appropriate appointment time.

• Attend Your Appointment: The GP will assess your condition, discuss your symptoms, and determine if you are unfit for work.

• Receive Your Certificate: The cert may be:
• Printed and given to you immediately
• Sent electronically to your email
• Posted to your home address

Typical Costs

In-person GP visits for sick certs typically cost:

• GMS (Medical Card) patients: Free
• Private patients: EUR 50-70 (varies by practice)
• GP Visit Card holders: May be covered

Challenges with In-Person Visits

• Appointment Availability: Many GP surgeries are fully booked days in advance
• Travel When Unwell: Difficult when you have fever, vomiting, or severe symptoms
• Waiting Room Exposure: Risk of exposure to other illnesses
• Limited Hours: Most surgeries closed evenings and weekends

What Information is on a Sick Cert?

A standard Irish sick certificate includes:

• Your Name: Full legal name as it appears on employment records
• Date of Examination: The date you were seen by the doctor
• Duration: Start and expected end date of your unfitness for work
• Fitness Statement: Confirmation that you are unfit for work/specific duties
• Doctor's Details: Name, IMC registration number, practice address
• Signature: The certifying GP's signature (electronic or physical)

What is NOT on a Sick Cert

For privacy reasons, the following are not included:

• Your Diagnosis: Your specific medical condition remains confidential
• Detailed Symptoms: Only general statements about unfitness
• Prognosis: Beyond the expected return date
• Medication Details: What you've been prescribed

This protects your medical privacy while still providing your employer with legitimate proof of illness.

Can You Get a Backdated Sick Cert?

No, you cannot get a backdated sick certificate.

This is one of the most common questions about sick certs in Ireland. A GP can only certify that you were unfit for work from the date they examined you. They cannot legally certify illness for days before they saw you.

What This Means for You

• If you become ill on Monday but don't see a GP until Thursday, your cert will be dated from Thursday
• Days 1-3 (Monday-Wednesday) may need to be self-certified to your employer
• For statutory sick pay purposes, this can affect your entitlement calculation

Best Practice

If you think your illness might last more than 2-3 days, book an appointment early. With [online consultations](/consultations), you can see a GP the same day you fall ill, ensuring your sick cert covers the maximum period.

Sick Cert vs Illness Benefit Certificate

It's important to understand the difference between these two documents:

Standard Sick Cert (for Employers)

• Purpose: Proof of illness for employer sick leave
• Issued By: Any registered GP
• Format: Letter or certificate
• Cost: Included with consultation (EUR 25-70)
• Duration: Usually up to 2 weeks

Illness Benefit Certificate (MC1/IB1 for DSP)

• Purpose: Claiming Illness Benefit from Department of Social Protection
• Issued By: GP using specific DSP forms
• Format: MC1 (first cert) or IB1 (continuing cert)
• Cost: May be additional fee for form completion
• Duration: Typically weekly certification required

When You Need Both

If you're absent for more than a week and need both employer documentation AND wish to claim Illness Benefit:

• Get a sick cert for your employer (statutory sick pay)
• Ask your GP to also complete an MC1 form for DSP
• Submit MC1 to Department of Social Protection
• Continue with IB1 forms for ongoing certification

Student Sick Certs

Students may need medical certificates for various academic purposes:

Common Reasons

• Exam Absences: If you miss an exam due to illness
• Assignment Extensions: When illness prevents deadline completion
• Attendance Requirements: Some courses require minimum attendance
• Repeat Exam Applications: Documentation for exam deferrals

What Colleges Accept

Most Irish universities and colleges accept:

• Standard GP sick certificates
• Hospital discharge letters
• Specialist consultant letters

Tips for Students

• Check College Requirements: Each institution has specific medical cert requirements
• Submit Promptly: Most colleges have strict deadlines for medical documentation
• Keep Copies: Always retain a copy for your records
• Include Student ID: Ensure your student number is referenced

Online sick certs are equally valid for college submissions and can be particularly convenient during exam periods when you may be living away from your home GP.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get a sick cert online?

With GetYourGP, you can typically book a consultation within hours and receive your sick certificate by email immediately after your appointment. Same-day sick certs are available 7 days a week.

How much does a sick cert cost?

Online sick certs with GetYourGP cost EUR 35 (consultation fee includes the certificate). In-person GP visits typically cost EUR 50-70 for private patients.

Can I get a sick cert over the phone?

Yes, phone consultations are available through GetYourGP. The GP will assess your condition over the phone and email your sick certificate if appropriate.

Do I need a sick cert for one day off?

Generally no. Most employers allow self-certification for absences of 1-3 days. Check your company's specific policy.

Can any doctor issue a sick cert?

The certificate must be issued by a medical practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council. All GPs on GetYourGP meet this requirement.

Will my employer know my diagnosis?

No. Sick certificates do not include your diagnosis. They only confirm that you were examined and found unfit for work.

Can I get a sick cert for stress or mental health?

Yes. Mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and depression, are legitimate medical reasons for being unfit for work. Online consultations can be particularly suitable for mental health-related sick certs.

What if my illness lasts longer than the cert period?

If you need to extend your sick leave, you'll need to have another consultation and receive a new certificate. This can also be done online.

Is an online sick cert legally valid?

Absolutely. Sick certificates from Irish Medical Council registered GPs are equally valid whether issued online or in-person.

Get Your Sick Cert Online Today

If you're unwell and need a sick certificate for work, GetYourGP offers a fast, convenient solution. Book an [online consultation](/consultations) with an Irish-registered GP and receive your [sick certificate](/sick-certificate) the same day.

Benefits of choosing GetYourGP:

• Same-day appointments available
• Irish Medical Council registered GPs
• Sick cert emailed immediately
• Evening and weekend availability
• Only EUR 35 including certificate
• GDPR-compliant and secure

Don't struggle to get a GP appointment when you're feeling your worst. Book your online sick cert consultation now and get the documentation you need to focus on your recovery.