Online sick certificate in Ireland, from an Irish-registered GP

What is a sick certificate in Ireland?

A sick certificate, also called a sick note or medical certificate, is a document from a doctor that confirms you are unfit for work for a period of time. You give it to your employer as proof of illness, usually so you can claim sick pay.

A NovaGP certificate shows your name, the dates you are unfit for work, the GP's name and their Irish Medical Council (IMC) registration number, and a QR code your employer can scan to check it is genuine. Your diagnosis is only included if you consent to it.

Is an online sick certificate legally valid and accepted by employers?

Yes. A sick certificate is valid when it is issued by a doctor registered with the Irish Medical Council, whether that happens in person or online. NovaGP certificates are issued by Irish-registered GPs and are accepted by employers in the same way as a certificate from a GP surgery.

You receive it by email and in your account, so you can send it to your employer straight away, with no need to collect a paper note.

When do I need a sick note for work, and what is statutory sick pay?

When you need a certificate depends on your employer's policy and your contract, so check your own sick leave policy.

Under the Sick Leave Act 2022, eligible employees are entitled to a number of paid statutory sick days each year once they have at least 13 weeks of continuous service, and a medical certificate is needed to claim them. The number of days and the daily pay cap are set by the Government, so check Citizens Information for this year's figures. Your employer may offer more generous sick pay.

A sick cert for your employer is not the same as a Social Welfare certificate

There are two different documents, and it is easy to mix them up.

• An employer sick certificate: proof of illness that you give to your workplace. This is what NovaGP issues.
• A Social Welfare certificate for Illness Benefit: the Department of Social Protection uses its own Certificate of Incapacity for Work, which a doctor submits to the Department.

NovaGP does not issue the Illness Benefit certificate. If you are claiming Illness Benefit, your own GP or another approved doctor completes and submits it.

When an online sick certificate is not suitable

An online sick certificate suits short, straightforward absences for common illnesses. If your illness is serious, needs a physical examination, or is likely to keep you out of work for longer than 5 days, the GP may ask you to be seen in person or by your own GP instead. If the GP cannot issue a certificate, they will explain why.

What is on your certificate, and your privacy

Your certificate is kept simple and private. Your employer can confirm the dates and the GP's name and IMC number using the QR code, and never sees your symptoms or your assessment video.

Your health information is kept confidential and handled in line with Irish and EU data protection rules.