People often use "sick note" and "medical letter" interchangeably — but they serve different purposes and are appropriate in different situations. Here's a complete guide.
WHAT IS A SICK NOTE (FIT NOTE)?
A fit note (Statement of Fitness for Work) is a standardised UK document that states you are either "not fit for work" or "may be fit for work" due to a medical condition. It covers a specific period and is typically used to:
● Justify absence from work to your employer
● Support a claim for Statutory Sick Pay
● Provide documentation for HR processes
WHAT IS A MEDICAL LETTER?
A medical letter is a bespoke letter from a doctor that can cover a wider range of purposes and contain more detailed clinical information. Medical letters are used when:
● Your employer needs more context than a standard fit note provides
● You're applying for benefits (PIP, Universal Credit) and need supporting documentation
● You're dealing with an insurance claim and the insurer requires a medical report
● You need a letter for a university, housing authority, or other institution
● You need documentation for a legal case
● You need a fitness to travel or fitness to fly letter
KEY DIFFERENCES
Fit Note: Standardised format, covers work absence specifically, issued by a registered clinician.
Medical Letter: Bespoke format, can cover any medically relevant situation, more detailed, typically costs more than a standard fit note.
HOW DR SICK HANDLES BOTH
Dr Sick issues both fit notes and medical letters. Our online consultation allows you to specify exactly what you need and why. Our GMC-registered doctors tailor each document to your specific requirements.
TURNAROUND TIMES
Fit notes: typically within 2 hours of consultation.
Medical letters: typically within 24 hours, depending on complexity. Visit drsick.co.uk to request your fit note or medical letter today.
