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When you might need a sick note or fit note
In the UK you can self-certify for the first seven days of illness. After that, most employers ask for medical evidence. You may also need a doctor's letter for a university, an exam board, a travel insurer or a cancelled event, or to confirm you are fit to return to work with adjustments.
A private doctor's note records the doctor's assessment of your condition and how it affects your ability to work or study. Most employers and institutions accept private medical notes, but you should check with them if you have any doubt.
Your care journey
How the online consultation works
Book a same-day GP appointment and choose video or Harley Street. The doctor discusses your symptoms, how long they have lasted, how they affect your work and any treatment so far. If a note is appropriate, it states the relevant dates and may suggest adjustments such as a phased return or altered duties.
The doctor will not issue a note that is not supported by the clinical assessment. If your symptoms need investigation, treatment or an in-person examination, the doctor will advise you on the next step.
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Care beyond the note
Illness that keeps you off work deserves proper attention. During the same consultation the doctor can offer treatment, a private prescription, or blood tests where needed. Our common conditions guide explains many everyday illnesses.
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Important information
Private notes are issued at the doctor's clinical discretion. They cannot be backdated to periods the doctor cannot reasonably assess. For emergencies call 999, and for urgent out-of-hours advice call NHS 111.
Online fit note assessments from Harley Street, London
A video assessment can avoid an unnecessary journey when illness makes travelling difficult. If an examination is needed, the team can discuss attending 8 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF. Confirm the appointment format before booking rather than assuming every request can be completed remotely.
Compare self-certification, a private note and a detailed report
Self-certification is usually the first route for the initial seven days of illness and avoids paying for evidence you may not need. Check your employer's process. A private consultation provides a clinical assessment when further evidence is requested, but payment does not guarantee certification or acceptance by the recipient.
A short note addresses the assessed effect of illness; a detailed report may need additional records, time and a separately confirmed fee. Neither is a substitute for specialist occupational health advice when complex workplace adjustments are being considered. Ask the organisation what document it needs before choosing an appointment.
Your patient journey: request, assessment and follow-up
Check the evidence requested
Ask your employer or institution about its requirements. Gather relevant dates, previous notes and any records that help explain the illness and its impact.
Book the appropriate consultation
Choose video or clinic and explain the purpose of the request. Confirm the consultation charge and ask about any additional report fee before proceeding.
Discuss symptoms and daily activities
Explain what you can and cannot manage. The doctor decides what evidence is clinically supportable and whether examination, treatment or further information is needed.
Agree care and review
If a note is justified, check the dates and advice with the doctor. Arrange review if symptoms persist; an extension requires assessment rather than automatic renewal.
Clear pricing
Sick note and fit note prices
A sick note or fit note is considered within a standard GP consultation. A 20-minute consultation costs £50 and a 30-minute consultation costs £75.
Standard GP consultation
20 minutes, video or in clinic
£50
Extended GP consultation
30 minutes, for complex or longer-term conditions
£75
Any separate fee for a detailed report or extended letter is confirmed with you before the consultation. Paying for a consultation does not guarantee that a note will be issued.