When might you be asked for a sick note or certificate of duration?
The certificate is used by employers, unemployment funds, municipalities and insurance companies as documentation in connection with salary during illness, sickness benefits or insurance coverage. Only an authorized doctor can issue the certificate, which is sent digitally via a secure system directly to the authority or company you consent to.
Most employers accept self-certification for the first 1-3 days of absence. If you are sick for longer, they can legally require medical documentation from the first day of illness. The municipality can require a certificate of duration (LÆ 285) after 8 weeks of sick leave to assess the need for sickness benefits and possible job clarification process. Also, unemployment funds or pension companies may require a certificate if your illness affects the right to benefits.
The earlier the certificate is available, the faster wage reimbursement and case processing can be initiated – and you avoid unnecessary reminders from HR or the municipality.
What does the certificate contain – and what does it not contain?
The doctor must describe the nature and severity of the diagnosis in general terms (e.g. "back condition with reduced function"), state the expected duration, and assess whether you can resume work partially or with special considerations.
The certificate must not disclose detailed medical record information such as test results or medical notes – they are covered by confidentiality. Only information necessary for the case worker is shared. If you need a duration certificate, the doctor realistically assesses the recovery timeline and indicates possible dates for follow-up or partial return to work.
The certificate contains
- An overall description of the nature and severity of the illness
- The doctor's assessment of function: whether you are fully or partially unable to work
- Expected duration — date or time interval for the course of the illness
- Possible gradual return or special considerations at work
- Brief description of ongoing treatment or planned check-up
- Doctor's name, authorization ID, date, and digital signature
The certificate does not contain
- Detailed medical records, consultation notes, or diagnostic terminology
- Precise laboratory or imaging results
- Detailed descriptions of medication dosages, side effects or previous hospitalizations
- Information about privacy, finances or other irrelevant sensitive personal data
- Assessments of fault, causation or employer responsibility
- Any information that goes beyond what is necessary to document incapacity for work and expected duration
How the consultation proceeds
You must book a 30-minute physical consultation for this certificate.
The doctor:
- review the course of the illness, your symptoms, and any treatment
- performs a brief, focused objective examination (e.g. movement test for back pain)
- Assess whether further investigation or specialist referral is needed
- plan appointments for follow-up and – if relevant – a gradual return to work
You should bring your health insurance card, any hospital records and information about medication or rehabilitation so the doctor can issue an accurate and complete certificate right away.
We can only help with short-term (max 14 days) sick leave. Choose where you want the sick note certificate to be made. You must select 30 minutes for a sick note certificate.
Extension, partial return to work, and follow-up
If you are ill for longer than initially expected, the doctor can issue a follow-up certificate where the duration is revised, and decisions are made regarding partial work tasks, working from home or reduced hours. In chronic or complicated cases, the municipality may call a joint meeting (RASK dialogue) with the employer, you and the doctor to plan a gradual return.
Therefore, book a new appointment with the doctor before the original certificate expires, so you avoid being without valid documentation and temporarily losing the right to salary or sickness benefits.
What is the price?
You must book a 30-minute physical consultation for this certificate.
Price: 1,800
Ready to book an appointment?
Choose a doctor in your area and a time that suits you. Get the certificate your employer or municipality needs quickly and easily.
