How Many Sick Days Can an Online GP Sick Note Cover in Ireland?

The prevalence of telehealth services in Ireland gives way to a more legitimate and actionable ecosystem for individuals to obtain an online GP sick note for short-term sick leaves from work or university. Now there is a justification for providing a convenient alternative to traditional in-person visits and how it “certifies” the sickness and the period of sickness. 

The majority of online medical certificates cover a maximum of 5 days, including weekends. The point is that your sick pay cannot be clubbed with the weekend pay or any other holiday entitlements. You need to be careful about how the “days” play a significant role in ensuring smooth, evident and transparent communication. Let’s understand all these factors in this blog. 

Online GP Sick Notes Meeting SSP Scheme Guidelines

The Statutory Sick Pay scheme was rolled out by the Irish government in 2022, entitling all employees nationwide to the sick pay entitlement starting from 1 January 2023. As per the scheme, employees were also eligible to get sick pay for non-consecutive days. 

The policy requires the patient to certify their sick leave from day 1 and pre-determine the number of days they will take off from work. Waiting days are not eligible for sick pay. Only the sick time is included. For this reason, it makes sense to obtain an online GP sick note when a GP is not available in person. Not only is it a quick and efficient method to present valid proof of illness, but it also gives you more time to rest and recuperate.

How Online Sick Notes Work in Ireland—Backdating is Not an Option 

A big reason behind the growing popularity of telehealth services in Ireland is the solid backing they are now getting from registered doctors. Platforms such as Get Healthcare work through IMC-registered GPs and a stringently monitored digital ecosystem, ensuring that the right person gets appropriate care. Not only can you get a digital sick note, but you can also order an online GP prescription in the UK to tend to your illness. 

The process only works for ongoing, minor illnesses that can be effectively assessed online without the immediate need for an in-person diagnosis. Cold, sore throat, muscle sprains, migraine headaches, hay fever, and common symptoms associated with menstrual cycles—these are the illnesses that are usually eligible for an online GP sick note in Ireland. 

You must consult a GP during an ongoing illness and not try to backdate the certificate. This is not legal and not an option for online medical certificates. Severe illnesses or chronic symptoms do not qualify for online assessments. 

How Many Days Can an Online GP Sick Note Cover?

The GP confirms that an individual is unfit to work due to illness. It only works for sick leaves of up to 5 days, including weekends. So if you were sick on a Friday and feel like you will need more sick days on Monday and Tuesday, then the total number of days counts as 4 days, and since you already are entitled to the “weekend pay.” 

The utility of an online medical certificate in Ireland makes it easier for GPs to understand the healthcare needs and patterns in symptoms to offer personalised care and even sign a legitimate online GP prescription in Ireland for medical refills and prolonged conditions. 

• Short-Term Sick Notes (1–5 Days): For minor illnesses such as colds, flu, migraines, or minor indigestion, you can order an online GP sick note in Ireland. Platforms usually have a monthly or weekly cap for users—it means you can only get 1 sick note in 7 days or 2 in 30 days. Ensure you meet these regulations to get seamless service. 
• Extended Sick Notes (More than 7 Days): Illnesses that prolong the 5 days need in-person care. In certain cases, you might be able to obtain an online GP prescription in the UK for such conditions, especially refill medications. The GP might advise a follow-up consultation which might also work via video consultation, but the sick note must be signed after in-person consultation. 
• Chronic or Long-Term Conditions: For chronic illnesses, ongoing medical conditions, or post-surgery recovery, a sick note can extend for several weeks or even months. However, online GPs typically issue these notes in shorter increments, requiring patients to renew them periodically with follow-up consultations. Employers may request additional medical reports or evidence, especially if the employee is on long-term sick leave. Online services are not an option in this case. 

Remember that employers also have the right to request further medical verification in certain cases of prolonged sick leave or recurrent episodes. In some cases, they may require an independent medical assessment before approving extended absences.

How Annual Leaves Impact Sick Leaves in the Ireland

Sick leaves taken during an “annual leave” are counted as sick days only since employers cannot insist you club them. So employees are allowed to build a separate annual leave entitlement from their sick leave entitlements, as long as they present a valid and legitimate medical certificate. 

While short-term sick leaves are contestable with an online GP sick note in Ireland, long-term sick leaves need in-person assessments. In the case you are unable to use your annual leave due to a long-term illness, Irish Corporate Law permits you to carry it forward for up to 15 months. 

Make Your Sick Days Count—Get an Online GP Sick Note to Save Time and Hassles  

The bottom line is that you can only use an online GP sick note in Ireland for minor illnesses for up to 5days. So it makes sense to get it early on—preferably on the first day of leave. While it works by pre-determining the number of days you wish to take off from work, extension options may be available based on your symptoms. You can also order an online GP prescription in Ireland to tend to your symptoms. 

Always go through registered telehealthcare platforms in Ireland to ensure the legitimacy and acceptability of medical documents. Remember that while online GP services provide a convenient and efficient way to obtain a sick note, it is essential for them to meet the employer’s policies. So consult the HR or manager before using a digital sick note. By understanding the process and legal aspects, employees can ensure they receive the necessary time off while remaining compliant with their workplace policies.