Resignation Letter for Health Reasons

Updated: Oct 29, 2026

When to Use a Health Resignation Letter

If your health deteriorates or you become seriously ill, you may decide to leave your job. It tells your employer that you are stepping down because of your health. It gives your last working day and leaves a written record of your departure.

People do this for several reasons:

• Your health makes it too hard to carry out your professional duties
• You are starting long-term treatment that needs your full-time commitment
• In the case of an incurable disease, it may be wise to devote more time to yourself, your dreams, or your loved ones
• You want to request health benefits

Some diseases can be cured in the initial stages if you give them sufficient attention and time. It is not known how they will affect your abilities later, so people decide to suspend their employment.

To begin your resignation process, you must serve your supervisor with a resignation letter for health reasons. You should state the reasons for your departure from work in the resignation letter template, specifying the last working day.

Submit it in person, after talking with your management, so the document backs up your words. This letter is considered your official resignation document from your job position.

Details to Include in the Letter

Since it is an official document, you need to consider its preparation carefully. A short, polite resignation notice that includes the points below gives your employer everything needed to plan your departure and the handover of your work.

Use polite and respectful language and include these parts:

• Your name and address
• Date of writing the letter
• Name, title, and address of the addressee
• Respectful appeal
• Purpose of the letter
• Date of your last working day
• Gratitude to colleagues and management
• Expression of willingness to assist in the transition period
• Conclusion of the letter
• Your name and signature

How to Write the Letter

Writing it comes down to three steps: state your reason, give the date of your last working day, and hand it over. Keep each part brief and keep the tone calm and professional so your resignation is easy to act on.

1. Describe the reason. Write that you are leaving your workplace for reasons related to your health. If you can and want, then open your diagnosis. But some people prefer to make a note to keep this information confidential between you and your employer.
2. Give notice and the date of resignation. The more advance you warn your boss about your resignation, the better. The company will have to find a qualified employee in your place and bring them up to date. The minimum recommended time to notify your employer about the resignation is two weeks. Of course, there are unforeseen situations, especially if the reasons are related to health. But if your situation allows, then it is better to warn your manager in advance so that they can start looking for a replacement. Offer to help interview and onboard your replacement, and say so in writing.
3. Send the letter. By sending or providing a resignation letter for health reasons in person, you will initiate the process of leaving your work. It is usually also necessary to contact your company’s Human Resources department. An authorized employee will tell you about all further actions on your part and the part of the organization.

Letter Format

This letter is an important document that informs the management of your resignation and is attached to your file. Therefore, when writing it, adhere to the generally accepted format. Use a plain business letter layout, with the header first, the body next and your signature last.

1. Start With the Header

In the upper corner of the letter, add the following information:

• Your name
• Your mailing address
• Contact number
• Date of writing the letter
• Name of the recipient of the letter
• Their position
• Address of the recipient

Leave a blank line after the header, then add a respectful greeting to your addressee, such as “Dear Mr/Mrs.”

2. Write the Body of the Letter

Keep the body short. One page is best, so aim for three or four paragraphs.

Cover these points:

• The purpose of your appeal
• The date of the last working day in the company
• The reason for your departure from the position
• Thanks to your management for the position and colleagues for their cooperation
• Plan for your remaining work
• Willingness to help in the transition period

Always stay polite. Your circumstances may change, and you may want to return to your job one day. That is harder after a bitter departure, so keep ties intact, stay professional and write concisely.

3. End the Letter

Close by thanking the management again, then sign the letter and print your name.

Phrases You Can Use

If you are unsure how to word a line, adapt one of these:

• I am writing to resign from my position as (your position), effective (date).
• I am leaving because of a health condition that makes it hard to continue in this role.
• I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and for the opportunities I had here.
• I am happy to help train my replacement and to hand over my tasks before my last day.
• Please let me know what steps I should take next.

How to Tell Your Manager in Person

A short, calm conversation before you hand over your notice shows respect and avoids surprises. Choose a private moment, say that you are leaving for health reasons and give your last working day. Then hand it over and ask what happens next.

Points to cover in the conversation:

• Say that you are resigning because of your health
• Share your planned last working day
• Offer to help with the handover of your tasks
• Thank your manager for their support
• Ask who to contact in HR about the next steps

Dos and Don’ts

These tips reflect what experienced HR employees recommend and discourage when someone resigns for health-related reasons. Follow the dos to leave on good terms, and avoid the mistakes listed under Do not.

Dos:

• Give notice of resignation as early as possible. Management will thank you for giving them the time to find and train a new employee.
• Be polite during the termination process. Politeness will help you end your time at work on a positive note. There is no need to create scandals.
• Offer your help with the transition if you get the chance. This will help both your employer and yourself. Psychologically, preparing a new employee will help you part with your job.
• Thank your employer and management for their trust and the work provided.

Do not:

• Do not burn bridges. You may want to return to your position after a while. It will be easier to do this if you leave on good terms.
• Do not express your grievances or dissatisfaction with your employer in the letter. Complaints do not belong in a resignation letter. The letter may be attached to your file, but there is absolutely no need for such information.
• Do not spread rumors before talking to your boss. You must first inform your management and only then speak to your colleagues or clients about your resignation.

Sample Letters of Resignation Due to Illness

Use these three samples as a template. Sample 1 names a diagnosis, Sample 2 gives three weeks of notice, and Sample 3 keeps your diagnosis private. Replace each blank with your own details before you send any of them.

Before you copy a sample:

• Fill every blank with your own details
• Delete any paragraph that does not apply to you, such as the one about treatment costs
• Keep the finished version to one page
• Sign it and keep a copy for your records

Sample 1

_________________

(Your name)

_________________

_________________

(Your address and contact number)

_________________

(The date)

_________________

(Head’s name)

_________________

_________________

(Company’s name and address)

Dear Mr/Mrs _________________ (Head’s name),

It is with deep regret that I inform you of my intention to stop working as _________________ (your position) at _________________ (name of the company) starting from _________________ (insert the date).

My doctors diagnosed me with _________________ (name of the disease). My doctor advised me to devote all my time to treatment if I want a chance at recovery. Furthermore, it has become difficult for me to carry out some of my duties due to rapid fatigue.

I want to thank you personally and all my colleagues for the time spent in the company. Working here has brought me joy and positive emotions. The experience gained while working is invaluable, and I am grateful for every minute of my work.

I have prepared a plan for all my unfinished projects to help the new employee adapt faster. If you need my help in this matter, I’d be happy to assist.

According to my employment contract, I can claim a part of the cost of my treatment. Therefore, I am asking for your assistance in this matter.

Thanks again for your support.

Sincerely,

_________________

(Your name)

Sample 2

_________________

(Your name)

_________________

_________________

(Your address and contact number)

_________________

(The date)

_________________

(Supervisor’s name)

_________________

_________________

(Company’s name and address)

Dear Mr/Mrs _________________ (Supervisor’s name),

With all regret, I am writing this letter to inform you of my resignation. Starting from _________________ (insert date), I will stop working for the company as _________________. The reason for my decision is severe deterioration in my health.

I was diagnosed with _________________ (indicate the disease). It is difficult for me to cope with my tasks with such a diagnosis, and I need more time to recover.

I express my deep gratitude to the company for the opportunity to work in an excellent team. I can call my work here one of the happiest periods of my life. However, I am deeply saddened by the fact that I have to suspend my professional activities.

During my next three weeks (my last) at the company, I’ll be honored to provide my assistance in training and handing over to a new employee.

According to company policy, I am entitled to a partial refund of my medication costs. Therefore, I would like to exercise this right, if possible.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do while in my position. Finally, I would like to thank you personally once again for the work provided.

Sincerely,

_________________

(Your name)

Sample 3

_________________

(Your name and contact details)

_________________

(The date)

Dear _________________ (Supervisor’s name),

I am writing to resign from my position as _________________ (your position), with my last working day on _________________ (insert the date). The reason is my health, and I would prefer to keep the details private.

Thank you for your support and for the opportunities I have had at _________________ (name of the company). I am glad to help with the handover of my work and with training my replacement, so that the transition is smooth.

Please let me know what steps I should take next and who I should contact in Human Resources.

Sincerely,

_________________

(Your name)

Resigning Because of Mental Health or Stress

Mental health is a health reason too. If stress, anxiety or burnout is the reason you are leaving, you can write the same letter and keep the wording general, such as “for health reasons.” Keep the details to yourself if you prefer.

Helpful points when the reason is mental health:

• Use calm, neutral wording and avoid blaming anyone at work
• Name your last working day and offer help with the handover where you can
• Keep the letter to a few lines, since the details are between you and your doctor
• Take time to rest before you send it, so you feel sure about your decision

What to Do After You Send the Letter

Once it is delivered, a few practical steps keep your departure smooth. Most of them take only a few minutes, and they help you avoid loose ends with your employer during an already stressful time.

• Keep a signed copy of your resignation and note the date you handed it over
• Ask your manager or HR for a written confirmation of your last working day
• Ask HR what happens next with your final pay, your benefits and any property you hold from work
• List your open tasks and where the files are, so the handover is easy to follow
• Thank the people who helped you along the way before your last day

To Sum Up

Leaving work due to an illness is perhaps one of the saddest and most difficult reasons. However, do not give in to despondency. Instead, try to leave on a positive note and leave only a good impression of yourself as a professional. Warn your superiors and devote your time to health recovery.

Read your employment contract carefully before writing a letter. Your company may have adopted policies to support critically ill employees. Check if you are eligible for such assistance and financial support.

We advise you to leave your workplace in good relations with colleagues and management. This will benefit your state of mind and leave the opportunity to return to your place after recovering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people ask the same few questions when they resign for health reasons. They wonder how much to share, how much notice to give and who should get the letter.

Should I name my illness in the letter?

That is your choice. Many people write only that they are leaving for health reasons and keep the details private.

How much notice should I give?

Give as much notice as your health allows, so your employer has time to plan the handover. If you cannot give much, say so in the letter and offer to help in the time you have left.

How long should the letter be?

One page is plenty. Use a header, three or four short paragraphs and your signature.

Who should get the letter?

Hand it to your direct supervisor after you have talked with them, and send a copy to your HR department. Keep a signed copy for yourself.

General information, not legal or tax advice.

Jennifer M. Settles

Author & Attorney

With over 25 years of experience as a business and transactional attorney, Jennifer has mastered the craft of closing highly successful deals for her clients. Through her wide-ranging expertise in commercial contracts, real estate transactions, M&A and corporate law, Jennifer secures results that are second-to-none.