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A sick cert, without the waiting room.

Getting a medical certificate from an Irish online GP: what the law asks for, Statutory Sick Pay, Illness Benefit, and what each service charges.

Checked on 29 October 2026Clinical review: Review pending. A named, IMC-registered GP will review this page.

What the cert has to be

A doctor should only certify you after reviewing your condition, and puts their Medical Council registration number on the cert. A remote consultation is held to the same standard as one in person.

Statutory Sick Pay

In 2026 you are entitled to 5 days of Statutory Sick Pay a year, at 70% of your normal pay up to €110 a day, once you have worked for your employer for 13 weeks. You need a medical cert from day one. The Sick Leave Act 2022 asks for a cert signed by a registered medical practitioner; it does not say you must be seen in person. Your employer’s own policy may say more, so check it.

Illness Benefit

If you are off longer, Illness Benefit can follow (there are 3 unpaid waiting days). The Department of Social Protection accepts certificates from online doctors for the first 6 weeks of an illness, on headed paper with the doctor’s name, Medical Council number and the dates you are unfit. After that you need a cert from a doctor the Department has appointed as a medical certifier, which usually means your own GP.

Sick cert prices

Published prices for a sick cert on a weekday, cheapest first:

Some services issue a cert from a short form or recorded video without a live call; their price is usually lower. Others only certify within a full consultation. See every provider.

Questions

Often asked.

Does my employer have to accept a cert from an online GP?
The Sick Leave Act 2022 asks for a cert signed by a registered medical practitioner and does not mention how you were seen. No official source we found says every employer must accept an online cert, so check your employer's sick leave policy.
Does Social Welfare accept online doctor certs for Illness Benefit?
Yes, for the first 6 weeks of an illness. The cert must be on headed paper with the doctor's name, Medical Council registration number and the dates you are unfit for work.
How many paid sick days do I get in 2026?
Statutory Sick Pay is 5 days a year in 2026, at 70% of your normal pay up to €110 a day, once you have 13 weeks' continuous service. You need a medical cert from the first day.
Can the GP out-of-hours service give me a sick cert?
No. The HSE says GP out-of-hours is not for medical certificates. Use an online GP or your own GP.