Terms and conditions

1. General Provisions

1.1 Scope of Application

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the relationship between Sicknote.com, operated by Sicknote OÜ, a private limited company registered in Estonia with registration number 17138961 and VAT number EE102812646 (hereinafter referred to as “Sicknote,” “Provider,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and users of our services in the United Kingdom (hereinafter referred to as “User,” “you,” or “your”).

By accessing or using our services from the United Kingdom, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our services.

1.2 UK-Specific Terms

These Terms are specifically tailored for users located in the United Kingdom. They are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and comply with applicable UK consumer protection legislation, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

1.3 Contractual Relationships

By using our platform, you enter into two separate contractual relationships:

1. A contract with Sicknote.com regarding the use of our digital platform, payment processing, and associated administrative services.
2. A contract for medical services with the healthcare professional who conducts your consultation and, if appropriate, issues your fit note. Healthcare professionals exercise independent clinical judgment in accordance with their professional obligations.

2. Definitions

In these Terms, unless the context otherwise requires:

3. Our Services

3.1 Service Description

Sicknote.com provides a digital healthcare platform that facilitates remote medical consultations for the purpose of obtaining fit notes and related medical documentation. Our platform connects users in the United Kingdom with licensed healthcare professionals who can assess health conditions and issue medical documentation when clinically appropriate.

3.2 What We Provide

• A secure online platform for submitting medical consultation requests
• Access to qualified healthcare professionals for remote assessment
• Issuance of fit notes when clinically appropriate following professional assessment
• Secure delivery of medical documentation via email
• Document verification services for employers (limited to authenticity confirmation)

3.3 Service Availability

Our services are available to users located in the United Kingdom. Consultations are typically processed within one (1) business day during our operating hours. We aim to deliver fit notes on the same day where possible, subject to the Healthcare Professional’s clinical assessment and any need for additional information.

4. Eligibility and Registration

4.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use our services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age, or have parental/guardian consent if under 18
• Be located in the United Kingdom
• Provide accurate and complete information about your identity and health
• Have a valid email address for receiving your fit note
• Have a condition suitable for remote assessment (non-emergency, minor to moderate)

4.2 Account Information

When using our services, you agree to:

• Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information
• Update your information promptly if it changes
• Maintain the confidentiality of any account credentials
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account

4.3 Identity Verification

We may require identity verification as part of the consultation process. This is necessary to ensure patient safety, prevent fraud, and comply with medical regulatory requirements. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid UK passport, UK driving licence, or other government-issued photo identification.

5. Fit Notes and Medical Certificates

5.1 About Fit Notes in the UK

A fit note (officially called a “Statement of Fitness for Work”) is a document issued by a registered healthcare professional providing their medical opinion on your fitness for work. In the UK:

5.2 Fit Note Content

Fit notes issued through our platform will include:

• Your name and date of birth
• The date of assessment
• The Healthcare Professional’s opinion on your fitness for work
• The recommended duration of absence (start and end dates)
• General information about your condition (without detailed diagnosis unless necessary)
• The Healthcare Professional’s name, registration number, and signature
• A unique reference number for verification purposes

5.3 Fit Note Options

A fit note may state that you are either:

• “Not fit for work” – You should not work during the specified period
• “May be fit for work” – You may be able to return to work if your employer can make certain adjustments (such as amended duties, altered hours, workplace adaptations, or phased return)

5.4 Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and Fit Notes

Fit notes issued through Sicknote.com are intended to support claims for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and employer sick pay schemes. Key points about SSP in the UK:

• SSP is currently £118.75 per week (2025/26 tax year)
• SSP is payable for up to 28 weeks
• You must earn at least £125 per week (the Lower Earnings Limit) to qualify
• The first 3 qualifying days are unpaid “waiting days”
• You must be sick for at least 4 consecutive days (including non-working days) to qualify

5.5 Digital Fit Notes

Since April 2022, fit notes can be issued digitally and do not require a physical signature (“wet signature”). Digital fit notes issued through our platform are legally valid and can be sent electronically to your employer. The fit note will be provided to you as a PDF document sent to your registered email address.

6. Healthcare Professionals

6.1 Qualifications and Registration

All healthcare professionals providing services through our platform are:

• Fully qualified and licensed medical practitioners
• Registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and/or equivalent EU medical regulatory bodies
• Authorised to issue fit notes under UK or applicable EU regulations
• Covered by comprehensive professional liability insurance
• Bound by professional codes of conduct and medical ethics

6.2 Clinical Independence

Healthcare professionals on our platform exercise independent clinical judgment. Sicknote.com does not influence or direct the clinical decisions of healthcare professionals. The decision to issue or not issue a fit note is made solely by the assessing healthcare professional based on their professional assessment of your condition.

6.3 Verification

You can verify the registration status of doctors through:

• GMC Register: www.gmc-uk.org
• EU Medical Registers: Relevant national medical council websites

7. Consultation Process

7.1 How It Works

1. Complete the questionnaire: Provide accurate information about your symptoms, medical history, and the reason you need a fit note.
2. Identity verification: Complete our identity verification process using valid identification.
3. Payment: Complete payment for the consultation service.
4. Medical review: A qualified Healthcare Professional reviews your information and conducts the assessment.
5. Follow-up (if needed): The Healthcare Professional may contact you for additional information.
6. Outcome: If clinically appropriate, your fit note is issued and emailed to you. If not appropriate, you receive a full refund.

7.2 Processing Times

We aim to process consultations and deliver fit notes within one (1) business day during our operating hours. Processing may take longer if:

• Additional information is required from you
• Complex clinical assessment is needed
• High volume of requests is being processed
• The request is submitted outside business hours

7.3 Your Responsibilities During Consultation

You agree to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and truthful information about your identity, symptoms, and medical history
• Respond promptly to any follow-up questions from the Healthcare Professional
• Not withhold information that may be relevant to your assessment
• Communicate respectfully with healthcare staff

8. Pricing and Payment

8.1 Service Fee

The consultation fee covers:

• Access to our secure platform
• Medical assessment by a qualified Healthcare Professional
• Issuance and delivery of a fit note (if clinically appropriate)
• Customer support and verification services

8.2 Payment Methods

We accept payment via major credit and debit cards. All payments are processed securely through our payment provider. We do not store your full card details on our systems.

8.3 Currency

All prices for UK users are displayed and charged in British Pounds Sterling (GBP).

8.4 VAT

Medical services are exempt from VAT under UK law. The price shown is the total price payable.

9. Cancellation and Refunds

9.1 Your Right to Cancel

Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, you have a statutory right to cancel your order within 14 days without giving any reason. However, please note:

9.2 Automatic Refunds

You will receive a full automatic refund if:

• The Healthcare Professional determines that a fit note is not clinically appropriate
• You cancel your request before the medical review begins
• We are unable to deliver your fit note within one (1) business day (unless delay is due to incomplete information from you)
• Technical issues on our platform prevent service completion

9.3 No Refunds

Refunds will not be provided:

• After a fit note has been issued (the service is complete)
• If you provide false or misleading information
• If you fail to respond to follow-up requests for information
• For change of mind after the medical review has begun

9.4 Refund Process

Approved refunds are processed within 3-5 business days and returned to the original payment method. You will receive email confirmation when your refund is processed.

9.5 How to Request a Cancellation or Refund

To request a cancellation or refund, please contact us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Subject line: “Cancellation Request – [Your Order Reference]”

10. Your Obligations

10.1 Accurate Information

You agree to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information about:

• Your identity (name, date of birth, contact details)
• Your current symptoms and health condition
• Your medical history, including current medications
• Any previous consultations or treatments for the same condition
• Your employment situation (if relevant to your fit note)

10.2 Appropriate Use

You agree to:

• Use our services only for legitimate purposes
• Not attempt to obtain fit notes fraudulently or for conditions you do not have
• Not share fit notes issued to you with others
• Not alter, modify, or forge any documentation issued through our platform
• Respect the intellectual property rights of Sicknote.com

10.3 Prohibited Activities

You must not:

• Use our services for any unlawful purpose
• Provide false information to obtain a fit note
• Attempt to circumvent our security measures
• Interfere with the proper functioning of our platform
• Harass, abuse, or threaten our staff or Healthcare Professionals
• Use automated systems to access our services without permission

11. Limitations of Service

11.1 Not a Substitute for In-Person Care

Our services are intended for the assessment of minor to moderate conditions suitable for remote evaluation. They are not a substitute for:

• Emergency medical care
• In-person examination when clinically necessary
• Ongoing management of complex or chronic conditions
• Mental health crisis intervention
• Specialist medical consultations

11.2 Clinical Discretion

The issuance of a fit note is at the sole discretion of the Healthcare Professional. We cannot guarantee that:

• A fit note will be issued following your consultation
• A fit note will cover a specific duration
• A fit note will be backdated
• Your employer will accept the fit note (though they should)

11.3 Conditions We May Not Cover

Our service may not be suitable for:

• Conditions requiring physical examination
• Conditions requiring diagnostic tests
• Emergencies or acute serious illness
• Conditions requiring specialist assessment
• Requests for controlled substance prescriptions
• Work capability assessments for benefits purposes

11.4 Informational Content

The information provided on our website, including blog posts, articles, and health information, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.

12. Data Protection

We process your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Health information is treated as special category data and receives enhanced protection.

For full details on how we collect, use, and protect your personal data, please see our UK Privacy Policy.

12.1 Key Points

• We only collect data necessary to provide our services
• Your health data is processed under strict confidentiality
• We do not sell your personal data to third parties
• Medical records are retained in accordance with UK professional standards
• You have rights to access, correct, and (in some cases) delete your data

12.2 Confidentiality

All Healthcare Professionals are bound by professional confidentiality obligations. Your medical information will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent, except where required by law or necessary to protect vital interests.

13. Intellectual Property

All content on our platform, including text, graphics, logos, images, software, and design, is the property of Sicknote OÜ or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not:

• Copy, reproduce, or distribute our content without permission
• Modify or create derivative works based on our content
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorisation
• Remove any copyright or proprietary notices

14. Limitation of Liability

14.1 General Limitation

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sicknote OÜ shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our services.

14.2 Exclusions

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Any liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law

14.3 Healthcare Professional Liability

Healthcare Professionals providing services through our platform are independently responsible for their clinical decisions. They maintain their own professional liability insurance. Sicknote.com is not liable for the clinical decisions made by Healthcare Professionals.

14.4 Maximum Liability

Subject to the exclusions above, our maximum aggregate liability to you for any claims arising from your use of our services shall not exceed the amount you paid for the relevant service.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sicknote OÜ, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms
• Your provision of false or misleading information
• Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Any fraudulent or illegal use of our services

16. Termination

16.1 Termination by You

You may stop using our services at any time. If you wish to close your account, please contact our support team.

16.2 Termination by Us

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our services, with or without notice, if:

• You breach these Terms
• You provide false or misleading information
• We suspect fraudulent or illegal activity
• You abuse our staff or Healthcare Professionals
• Continued service would be unlawful or harmful

16.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to use our services ceases immediately
• Any pending consultations may be cancelled
• We will retain medical records as required by law and professional standards
• Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect

17. Disputes and Governing Law

17.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. This choice of law does not deprive you of the protection of mandatory consumer protection provisions of your country of residence.

17.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. This means you may also bring proceedings in the courts of your country of residence if different.

17.3 Complaints Procedure

If you have a complaint about our services:

1. Contact us first: Email [email protected] with details of your complaint. We aim to respond within 5 business days.
2. Escalation: If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate to our complaints team at [email protected].
3. Alternative dispute resolution: If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may be able to use alternative dispute resolution services.

17.4 Regulatory Complaints

Complaints about the clinical care provided by Healthcare Professionals can be directed to the relevant medical regulatory body:

• GMC (for UK-registered doctors): www.gmc-uk.org/concerns

18. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we make changes:

• We will post the revised Terms on our website with an updated “Last Updated” date
• For material changes, we will notify you by email or through our platform before the changes take effect
• Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically to stay informed about our policies.

19. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us: