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Sick Note for Work
£49.00
Same-day workplace medical sickness certificate, within 1-2 hours, required to confirm sickness or a health condition and its impact on your work.
In stock
About this certificate
Work sickness certificate
A sick note for work is an official document from a GMC-registered UK doctor confirming your illness and its impact on your ability to work. In the UK, employers require a sick note when you have been absent due to illness or injury for more than 7 consecutive calendar days, including weekends and bank holidays. For absences of 7 days or fewer, you can self-certify without a doctor’s note.
ZoomDoc issues same-day private sick notes entirely online – no GP appointment, no waiting room. Upload your evidence before 9pm and your certificate is in your inbox the same day, signed by a UK GMC-registered doctor, with a QR code for instant employer verification.
Important: ZoomDoc issues private sick notes, which are accepted by employers for work absence documentation. They are not the same as NHS Med3 fit notes, which are required specifically for claiming Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and are only available from NHS services.
When do you need a sick note for work?
Understanding when you legally need a sick note – and when self-certification is sufficient – can save you unnecessary expense and time.
After 7 consecutive days of sickness absence
If your illness or injury has kept you off work for more than 7 consecutive calendar days (including weekends and bank holidays), your employer can require a sick note from a registered doctor. This is the standard UK threshold set by HMRC and NHS guidance. A ZoomDoc sick note covers up to 7 days of absence at a time. If you have been off longer, you can apply for a further sick note to extend your leave.
When your employer requests earlier documentation
Some employers request a sick note after fewer than 7 days, particularly for repeated short-term absences or if their HR policy requires it. In these cases, the employer should generally cover the cost of any private note they request. Check your employment contract for your employer’s specific requirements. ZoomDoc can issue a private sick note for any period of absence where there is clinical justification.
To support a Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) claim
If you are claiming Statutory Sick Pay, your employer may require an NHS Med3 fit note from day 8 of your absence. This is a separate document that can only be issued by an NHS GP or healthcare professional. ZoomDoc’s private sick notes are not the same as a Med3 fit note and cannot be used for SSP purposes. If you need a Med3, contact your NHS GP.
For stress, anxiety, or mental health-related absence
Mental health conditions – including work-related stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout – are among the most common reasons for sick leave in the UK. ZoomDoc’s doctors can issue a sick note for mental health-related absence where the condition is affecting your ability to work. The note describes the impact on your fitness for work without disclosing unnecessary clinical detail to your employer.
When extending an existing sick note
If you are still unwell when your current sick note is about to expire, you will need a further sick note to extend your sick leave. You can apply for an extension through ZoomDoc by submitting new evidence of your ongoing condition. Do not wait until your note has expired – contact us or your NHS GP before the expiry date to ensure continuity of your documentation.
Private sick note vs NHS fit note – what’s the difference?
This is the most common question we receive, and it’s important to get right before purchasing.
| ZoomDoc Private Sick Note | NHS Med3 Fit Note | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | UK GMC-registered private doctor | NHS GP or healthcare professional |
| Turnaround | Same day – average 1-2 hours | Days to weeks (appointment required) |
| Cost | £45 | Free (over 7 days of absence) |
| Employer acceptance | Yes – accepted by UK employers | Yes – accepted by UK employers |
| SSP (Statutory Sick Pay) | Not valid for SSP claims | Valid for SSP claims |
| Online / no appointment | Yes | No – appointment required |
How much does a sick note cost?
The cost of a sick note depends on whether you go through the NHS or a private provider, and how long you have been absent.
NHS sick notes (Med3 fit notes) are free if you have been off work due to illness for more than 7 days. However, they require a GP appointment, which may involve waiting times of several days or longer depending on your practice. For absences under 7 days, your GP may charge a private fee – typically £15 to £30 per note.
Private sick notes from online services typically cost between £20 and £50. ZoomDoc charges £45 for a same-day private sick note, signed by a UK GMC-registered doctor, delivered to your inbox within 1-2 hours. You do not need an appointment and the process is entirely online.
If your employer is requesting a sick note for an absence of fewer than 7 days, they are generally expected to cover the cost of any private certificate they require – check your employment contract for details.
Who needs a sick note for work?
The situations below reflect the most common reasons ZoomDoc’s doctors issue sick notes, and the specific questions employers and HR departments are likely to ask.
Off sick with a physical illness – flu, infection, or injury
Physical illness is the most common reason for sick leave in the UK. If your symptoms have kept you off work for more than 7 days – whether that is flu, a respiratory infection, an injury, or a surgery recovery period – ZoomDoc’s doctors can issue a sick note the same day, confirming your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
Off sick with stress, burnout, or a mental health condition
Work-related stress and mental health conditions account for a significant proportion of UK sick leave. ZoomDoc’s doctors can issue sick notes for stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health conditions where these are affecting your fitness for work. The note will describe the impact on your work capacity without sharing unnecessary clinical detail with your employer.
Extending sick leave – still unwell after the first note
If you are still unwell when your current sick note is about to expire, you can apply for an extension through ZoomDoc. You will need to submit new evidence of your ongoing condition. It is important to apply for an extension before your current note expires, not after, to maintain continuous documentation for your employer and to protect your Statutory Sick Pay entitlement.
Common questions in this situation: How do I extend a sick note? Can I get another sick note if I’m still off sick? What happens when my sick note runs out but I’m still ill?
Employer requesting a note for a shorter absence
Some employers request a sick note before the standard 7-day threshold – for example, after repeated short-term absences, or where their HR policy requires earlier documentation. In these circumstances, your employer is generally expected to cover the cost of any private certificate they request. ZoomDoc can issue a private sick note for shorter absences where there is clinical justification for your symptoms.
What will I receive?
You will receive a verifiable digital PDF letter signed by a medical professional and sent directly to your inbox, containing:
- Your name, date of birth and workplace details.
- Your sickness or medical condition and its impact on your ability to work.
- When symptoms started, and whether they are ongoing or resolved.
- Up to 7 days of sickness leave at a time.
- Signature and authorisation by one of our GMC-registered UK doctors.
- Contact details of ZoomDoc Health with a QR code enabling a verification check.
- The GMC registration number of the issuing doctor, enabling your employer to verify the certificate’s authenticity directly with the General Medical Council.
- Where applicable, a note on activities you may be able to perform at work when you return – the ‘may be fit for work’ advisory that helps employers plan reasonable adjustments.
How to get a Work sickness certificate online with ZoomDoc
Upload a video & complete medical questionnaire
Upload by 9pm for same-day service. This should be a 30 second – 1 minute video describing your symptoms.
Doctor validates evidence
Our doctors will look over the evidence you provide. *
Receive your letter, within a few hours
You’ll receive an email with your letter, with a QR code so they can be verified and accepted worldwide.
* ZoomDoc Health is a private UK doctor service – the medical certificates we provide are not the same as NHS Med3 Fit Notes, which are only available from healthcare professionals delivering NHS services.
As an online service, we are unable to provide work sickness notes for the UK Home Office, immigration or asylum appointments, court appearances, jury service or workplace tribunals.
What will I need to supply?
To allow us to assess your condition and issue a medical certificate, we will require the following information:
- A photo of your passport, driving license or workplace ID
- Confirmation of when your sickness or condition started
- Whether your sickness is ongoing, or you are now recovered
- A 30-second to 1-minute video describing your symptoms
- The name of your workplace
- Details of your regular GP (if you have one)
Get a sick note from a ZoomDoc doctor
A sick certificate, or fit note, is a document from a GP confirming that you’re unwell and unable to work. ZoomDoc offers fast, online sick certificates issued by UK-registered doctors . Perfect for sick leave, or workplace requirements, without the need to visit a clinic.
During your assessment, a ZoomDoc GP will review your medical complaint and assess your symptoms. Once your symptoms have been confirmed and your sick note approved, you will be sent your work sickness certificate. This is an official document that you can pass along to your workplace.
A doctor’s sick note for work
A doctor’s sick note for work is an official document confirming your illness and need for time off. These can only be issued for up to seven days. ZoomDoc provides fast, online GP-signed sick notes that are accepted by UK employers-delivered same day without needing an in-person appointment.
Some of our Doctors
Experienced UK GMC-Registered doctors – caring, supportive, and dedicated to providing exceptional care.
Trusted, regulated and secure
We are regulated by the Care Quality Commission and all our doctors are General Medical Council registered
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Amazingly helpful doctors
Amazingly helpful doctors, who were genuinely sympathetic and showed great empathy. I needed their help and they were there. I would recommend ZoomDoc to anyone.
Date of experience: July 31, 2025
MICHAEL, GB
Quick and efficient service
Quick and efficient service. I just sent everything through and received a call from a lovely doctor who wanted to clarify a few issues, she gave me some advice and had the certificate within the hour.
Date of experience: July 21, 2025
Nicola Williams, GB
I've used zoomdoc twice recently for…
I've used zoomdoc twice recently for myself and my child since my own GP takes forever to get round to sorting private letters and forms etc, plus they charge a lot. I've been extremely pleased with the service and received my documents within 1-2 hours for each application. It was super easy to apply and convenient, no waiting around and the prices are very competitive. Would highly recommend. Customer service was also super speedy and helpful when I emailed about something.
Date of experience: July 15, 2025
Rebecca S., GB
Quick fast service
Quick fast service. Easy process. Local doctors did not supply the letter needed, to travel. Family members have also used Zoom Doctors too. Highly recommended!
Date of experience: February 25, 2025
Helen Askew, GB
Exceeded my expectations!!
I was hesitant to use this instead of my usual GP, however the service was impeccable. I submitted a request for a GP referral at about 10pm in the evening, and I received a notification that my referral letter was ready around 9am in the morning!
Surely exceeded my expectations!
Date of experience: April 12, 2025
Irene D., GB
A really good experience
A really good experience! Good value for money. The professionals were dedicated and caring.
Date of experience: May 26, 2025
ElyUK, GB
ZoomDoc Health Came Through For Us!!
ZoomDoc Health provided the services effectively and efficiently. You provide the proper information, they provide the appropriate services promptly!!
Being from the U.S., I would definitely use ZoomDoc again!
Date of experience: June 09, 2025
Joe Brad, US
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sick note for work?
A sick note for work - also called a fit note, doctor's note, sickness certificate, or sickness letter - is an official document from a GMC-registered doctor confirming your illness or health condition and its impact on your ability to work. In the UK, your employer requires a sick note if you have been off sick for more than 7 consecutive calendar days, including weekends and bank holidays. ZoomDoc issues same-day private sick notes online, signed by UK GMC-registered doctors, with no appointment needed.
When do I need a sick note for work?
You need a sick note if you have been off work due to illness or injury for more than 7 consecutive calendar days. This 7-day count includes weekends and bank holidays, not just working days. For absences of 7 days or fewer, you can self-certify your illness without a doctor's note. Some employers may also request a sick note for shorter or repeated absences - check your employment contract or HR policy. If you are applying for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), a fit note from a registered healthcare professional is required from day 8 of your absence.
What is a private sick note?
A private sick note is a medical certificate issued by a private GP confirming you are unwell and unable to work. It is not the same as an NHS Med3 fit note, which is used for claiming government benefits such as Statutory Sick Pay and can only be issued by NHS services. A private sick note from ZoomDoc's GMC-registered doctors is accepted by UK employers for absence documentation and is typically issued the same day, without the need for an NHS appointment or in-person clinic visit.
How much does a sick note cost?
Private sick notes from ZoomDoc cost £45. NHS sick notes (Med3 fit notes) are free if you have been off sick for more than 7 days, but require a GP appointment and can involve waiting times of days or weeks. Private sick notes from other UK providers range from approximately £20 to £50. ZoomDoc's same-day service costs £45 and includes a GMC-registered doctor's review, digital PDF certificate, and QR verification code. If your employer requests documentation for less than 7 days of absence, they are generally expected to cover the cost of any private note required.
Can I get a sick note online in the UK?
Yes. You can get a private sick note online in the UK from ZoomDoc and other private GP services. ZoomDoc's process is fully online - you complete a medical questionnaire, upload a short video describing your symptoms, and a GMC-registered UK doctor reviews your evidence the same day (9am to 9pm GMT, 7 days a week). Your certificate is emailed to you typically within 1-2 hours. You do not need an in-person appointment or an NHS referral.
How do I get a sick note without seeing a doctor in person?
With ZoomDoc, you can get a sick note without visiting a GP surgery or clinic. Complete the online health questionnaire, upload a photo ID and a short 30-second to 1-minute video describing your symptoms and how they affect your ability to work. A ZoomDoc GMC-registered doctor reviews your evidence and, if clinically appropriate, issues your sick note by email the same day. This saves the time and inconvenience of an in-person appointment, particularly when you are too unwell to travel.
What does a sick note include?
A ZoomDoc sick note for work includes: your full name, date of birth, and workplace details; your sickness or health condition and its impact on your ability to work; when symptoms started and whether they are ongoing or resolved; up to 7 days of sickness leave; signature and GMC registration number of the issuing doctor; and ZoomDoc Health contact details with a QR code enabling instant verification by your employer.
Can I extend a sick note?
Yes. If you are still unwell after your initial ZoomDoc sick note has covered 7 days of absence, you can apply for a further sick note to extend your sick leave. You will need to submit new evidence of your ongoing illness or condition. Each ZoomDoc sick note covers up to 7 days of absence at a time. If your illness is expected to be prolonged, your doctor may recommend a fit note review before your current certificate expires.
Do you provide refunds?
ZoomDoc only provides full refunds if the doctor is unable to issue a sick note after reviewing your evidence. Once a sick note has been issued, refunds are not available.
Who signs the sick note?
Your sick note is signed by a UK GMC-registered ZoomDoc Health doctor. ZoomDoc is a CQC-regulated private healthcare provider. All our doctors are registered with the UK General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC registration number of the issuing doctor is included on the certificate, allowing your employer to verify the doctor's credentials directly.
Is a ZoomDoc sick note the same as an NHS fit note?
No. ZoomDoc issues private sick notes, which are accepted by UK employers for work absence purposes. NHS Med3 fit notes are a separate document issued only by NHS healthcare professionals and are required specifically for claiming government benefits such as Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). If your employer simply requires evidence of your illness and its impact on your work, a private sick note from ZoomDoc is valid and accepted. If you need an NHS Med3 fit note for benefits purposes, this must be obtained through an NHS GP or healthcare professional.
What are doctors notes not valid for?
As an online private service, ZoomDoc is unable to provide sick notes for the following purposes: UK Home Office, immigration, or asylum appointments; court appearances or jury service; workplace tribunals; or applications for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) where an official NHS Med3 fit note is required. For these purposes, you will need to contact your NHS GP directly.
Can I get a sick note for stress, anxiety, or mental health?
Yes. ZoomDoc's doctors can issue sick notes for mental health conditions including stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, where these are affecting your ability to work. The note will describe how your condition impacts your fitness for work without disclosing unnecessary clinical detail. Mental health sick leave is treated with the same clinical rigour as physical illness. If you need time off work due to stress or a mental health condition, upload your evidence and describe your symptoms in your video - our doctors will assess your case and, if clinically appropriate, issue your certificate the same day.
How long can a sick note be for?
A ZoomDoc private sick note covers up to 7 days of sickness absence at a time. If your illness continues beyond 7 days, you can apply for a further sick note to extend your leave. There is no fixed legal maximum for how long a sick note period can cover in total - this depends on the clinical assessment of your condition. For ongoing or long-term illness, your doctor may issue notes for longer periods after reviewing your case. NHS Med3 fit notes, by contrast, can be issued for longer periods at a doctor's discretion.
Can my employer reject a private sick note?
In practice, most UK employers accept private sick notes from GMC-registered doctors. However, employers are not legally obligated to accept a private sick note if they have specified that only an NHS Med3 fit note will be accepted - for example, where Statutory Sick Pay is involved. If you are unsure what your employer requires, check your employment contract or HR policy before purchasing. ZoomDoc's sick notes include the issuing doctor's GMC registration number and a QR verification code, which provides employers with the confirmation they need to trust the document's authenticity.
Can I get a sick note the same day?
Yes. ZoomDoc offers same-day sick notes. Upload your video evidence and complete the health questionnaire before 9pm GMT (7 days a week) and a GMC-registered doctor will review your case and issue your certificate the same day - typically within 1-2 hours. If you need a sick note urgently, ZoomDoc is one of the fastest options available without visiting a clinic in person.
Can I get a backdated sick note?
ZoomDoc's doctors can issue a sick note covering dates in the recent past, provided you can supply credible evidence that you were unwell during the relevant period - such as a video account of your symptoms, pharmacy receipts, or other supporting documentation. Each case is assessed on its clinical merits by a GMC-registered doctor. We are unable to issue certificates for periods where no clinical justification exists.
Get in touch
We’re happy to help
If you have any queries please check our list of frequently asked questions or get in touch with one of our experts who will be happy to help.
”If you are unwell and require evidence for your employer, our doctors are here to help. We have simplified the process of getting a doctor’s sickness certificate with our innovative platform. Employees simply need to upload a short video explaining symptoms and complete a short medical questionnaire. Our doctors will then review the medical evidence and send over your sickness certificate on the same day. Our GPs may also give you a quick call to ensure that you are OK and receiving the right support, and to check whether you require any additional treatment. QR coded, our medical certificates can be validated and verified at any time when provided to your workplace. Quite simply, we have revolutionised the simple sick note and supported thousands of employees.“
Dr Kenny Livingstone. GP & ZoomDoc Chief Medical Officer.