If you need time off work due to illness or injury, your employer will usually ask for a sick certificate — sometimes called a sick note or medical certificate. In Ireland, your GP is the person who provides this document. It confirms that you have been assessed and are unfit for work for a specified period. This guide explains how the process works, what to expect at your appointment, and how to get a sick certificate from a GP in Dublin.
What Is a Sick Certificate?
A sick certificate is a formal document issued by your GP stating that you are medically unfit for work. It includes your name, the date of your consultation, the duration you are certified as unfit, and your doctor’s signature and stamp. It does not usually include a specific diagnosis — your GP will typically note the general nature of your illness without disclosing detailed medical information to your employer. Sick certificates are also sometimes required for school or college absences, insurance claims, or social welfare applications.
When Do You Need One?
Most employers in Ireland require a sick certificate if you are absent from work for more than two consecutive days, though some workplaces ask for one from the first day. It is worth checking your employment contract or HR policy so you know what is expected. If you are applying for Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection, you will need your GP to complete a specific form (the IB1 or MC1 form) rather than a standard sick note. Your GP can advise you on which form is appropriate and complete it during your appointment.
How to Get a Sick Certificate in Dublin
Getting a sick certificate is straightforward. Contact your GP practice to book an appointment — at Clarius Health, we offer same-day appointments across our three Dublin clinics, so you do not need to wait days to be seen. During your consultation, your GP will assess your condition, discuss how long you are likely to need off work, and issue the certificate. If you hold a medical card or Doctor Visit Card (DVC), the consultation is free. Private patients pay the standard consultation fee — typically sixty to seventy euro at most Dublin GP practices.
Can You Get a Sick Certificate Over the Phone?
In some cases, your GP may be able to issue a sick certificate following a phone or video consultation, particularly if you have an existing condition that the practice is already managing or if you are too unwell to attend in person. However, many employers and insurers require an in-person assessment, so it is usually best to attend the clinic if possible. If you are unsure, call the practice in advance and the reception team will advise whether a phone consultation is suitable for your situation.
What About Illness Benefit and Social Welfare?
If you are employed and paying PRSI, you may be entitled to Illness Benefit after six days of illness. Your GP will need to complete the first medical certificate (MC1 form) at your appointment, which you then submit to the Department of Social Protection. Subsequent certificates (MC2 forms) are required at intervals determined by your GP. If you are registered with a GP who knows your medical history, this process is faster and smoother, as they can complete the forms accurately without needing to gather background information from scratch.
You can request a sick certificate at any Clarius Health clinic, including our GP Dublin 2 clinic on Camden Street Upper.
Book an Appointment at Clarius Health
If you need a sick certificate, our GPs can see you promptly and provide the documentation your employer or the Department of Social Protection requires. Clarius Health operates three clinics across Dublin, all open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can visit us at Clarius Health Camden (35 Camden Street Upper, Dublin 2), Clarius Health Crumlin (Kildare Road, Dublin 12), or Clarius Health — Cabra Medical Centre (109 Cabra Road, Dublin 7).
To book an appointment or ask about sick certificates, contact us or call (01) 568 8380. You can also email us at info@clarius.ie.
