Before You Resign Due to Health Issues, Consider A Leave of Absence

Resignation is permanent, while a leave of absence may give you time to receive treatment, recover, or determine whether you can eventually return to your position.

Before submitting your resignation, you may want to review your employee handbook or speak privately with HR about the options available through your employer.

Depending on your circumstances and workplace policies, you may want to explore:

• Medical leave
• Sick leave
• Paid time off
• Unpaid leave
• Reduced hours
• Temporary schedule changes
• Temporary changes in duties
• Remote or hybrid work
• An extended leave of absence

If you only need a short period away from work, these Sick Leave Letter to Manager Templates may be more appropriate than resigning.

If you need a longer break without pay, review these Unpaid Leave of Absence Letter Samples before making a permanent decision.

If you have already considered your alternatives and believe leaving your job is the best decision for your circumstances, you can use one of the resignation templates below.

What You Should Include in a Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues

Your resignation letter does not need to be complicated.

A clear resignation letter normally includes:

Your name

Your job title

The date

Your manager’s name

Your company’s name

A clear statement that you are resigning

Your final working day

A brief reference to health or medical reasons

A short expression of appreciation

A transition offer, if appropriate

Your signature or typed name

You can adjust the wording depending on whether you are giving two weeks’ notice, short notice, or resigning immediately.

15 Free Samples of Resignation Letters Due to Health Issues

1. Simple Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues

Use this version when you want your letter to be professional, brief, and private.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Manager’s Name]
[Manager’s Job Title]
[Company Name]

Subject: Resignation Due to Health Reasons

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day].

After careful consideration, I have decided that I need to leave my position because of health issues that require my attention. This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is the appropriate choice for my current circumstances.

I am grateful for the opportunities, experience, and support I have received during my time with [Company Name].

During my remaining time, I will do what I reasonably can to organize my current work and assist with the transition.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

2. Two Weeks’ Notice Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues

Use this template when your health allows you to provide approximately two weeks of notice.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My final working day will be [Date].

Unfortunately, ongoing health concerns have made it necessary for me to reconsider my current work situation. After giving the matter considerable thought, I have decided that resigning is the best decision for my health and personal circumstances.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunities I have received while working here. I have valued the experience I gained and the relationships I developed with my colleagues.

Over the next two weeks, I will make every reasonable effort to complete important assignments, update my files, document outstanding responsibilities, and assist with an orderly handover.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

3. Immediate Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues

You may need to leave immediately when continuing to work is no longer realistic because of your health.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective immediately.

Due to unexpected health issues, I am no longer able to continue performing my job responsibilities at this time. Because of the circumstances, I am unable to provide my usual notice period.

I regret any inconvenience my immediate departure may create and appreciate your understanding of the circumstances.

I am grateful for the opportunities and experience I received during my employment with [Company Name].

Please let me know how I should return company property and complete any remaining departure requirements that can reasonably be handled under my current circumstances.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

4. Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues on Doctor’s Advice

Use this template when medical guidance has influenced your decision to stop working.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Date].

Based on medical advice and my current health circumstances, I need to step away from my employment so that I can focus fully on my health and recovery.

I had hoped to continue working, but after careful consideration, I believe resigning is the most responsible decision for me at this time.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities I have been given at [Company Name]. I appreciate the professional experience, guidance, and support I have received.

If my health permits, I will assist with transferring important information and organizing my outstanding responsibilities before my departure.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

5. One Week Notice Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues

Use this letter when you can continue working briefly but cannot manage a longer notice period.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name]. My final working day will be [Date].

Due to health issues that currently require greater attention, I am unable to provide a longer notice period. I apologize for the shortened notice and appreciate your understanding.

During my remaining week, I will focus on documenting my responsibilities, updating current assignments, and providing any information that can make the transition easier.

I am thankful for the opportunities I have received during my time with [Company Name] and for the support of my colleagues and management.

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult transition.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

6. Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues Without Disclosing Your Diagnosis

You can keep your medical information private by referring only to “health reasons” or “personal health circumstances.”

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name]. My final day of employment will be [Date].

Due to personal health circumstances that require my full attention, I have determined that I need to leave my position.

I prefer to keep the specific details of my health situation private, and I appreciate your understanding and respect for my privacy.

I am grateful for the opportunities and professional experience I have gained during my employment with the company.

Before my departure, I will make every reasonable effort to organize my current responsibilities and provide useful transition information.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

7. Resignation Letter Due to Ongoing Medical Treatment

Use this template when treatments, appointments, recovery periods, or related medical responsibilities are making continued employment difficult.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Date].

I am currently dealing with health issues that require ongoing medical treatment and increased attention to my recovery. After carefully considering my ability to balance my medical needs with my work responsibilities, I have decided that resigning is the best course of action for me.

I appreciate the patience and support I have received during my time with the company.

Working at [Company Name] has provided me with valuable professional experience, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have received.

I will do what I reasonably can before my final day to organize my assignments and make the transition as smooth as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

8. Resignation Letter Due to Surgery and Recovery

Use this version when an upcoming surgery or extended recovery period makes leaving your position necessary.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to notify you of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Date].

Because of an upcoming medical procedure and the recovery period that will follow, I need to devote my attention to my health. After considering my circumstances, I have concluded that I will not be able to continue meeting the requirements of my position.

This decision has been difficult because I have genuinely appreciated my time with [Company Name].

Thank you for the experience, professional opportunities, and support I have received.

Before my departure, I will provide any reasonable assistance I can with organizing my responsibilities and preparing transition notes.

Thank you for your understanding and best wishes to the team.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

9. Resignation Letter Due to a Long-Term Health Condition

Use this template when your health circumstances are expected to affect your ability to continue working for the foreseeable future.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice that I am resigning from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Date].

I have been managing an ongoing health condition, and after careful consideration of my current circumstances, I have determined that I need to step away from my position.

Although this is not the outcome I had originally expected, I believe focusing on my health is necessary at this time.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunities, encouragement, and professional experience I have received during my employment with [Company Name].

I will make every reasonable effort before my departure to organize my files, document ongoing projects, and provide useful information for whoever assumes my responsibilities.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

10. Resignation Letter Due to Mental and Emotional Well-Being

You can use this version when your overall mental or emotional well-being requires you to leave your position without giving personal details.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name]. My final working day will be [Date].

After considerable reflection, I have determined that I need to prioritize my health and personal well-being. As a result, I believe stepping away from my current position is the best decision for me.

This has been a difficult choice, and I appreciate your understanding.

I am thankful for the opportunities I have received at [Company Name] and for the experience I have gained while working with the team.

During my remaining time, I will assist with an orderly transition to the extent I reasonably can.

Thank you for respecting my decision and privacy.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

11. Resignation Letter Because Job Duties Are Affecting Your Health

Use this template when the physical or practical requirements of your position are becoming difficult to manage because of your health.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Date].

Due to changes in my health, I have found it increasingly difficult to continue meeting the physical and practical demands of my position.

After carefully reviewing my circumstances, I have concluded that leaving my position is the best decision for my health.

I want to express my appreciation for the opportunities and experience I have received at [Company Name].

I will do what I reasonably can during my remaining time to document pending responsibilities and assist with the transition.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

12. Resignation Letter After Trying Reduced Hours or Other Work Changes

Use this version if you have already tried adjusting your work arrangement but still need to resign.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], with my final day being [Date].

I appreciate the efforts that have been made to help me manage my work responsibilities while dealing with my health circumstances. Unfortunately, despite those efforts, I have determined that I need to step away from employment so I can focus more fully on my health.

This was not an easy decision, and I am grateful for the understanding and flexibility I have received.

I have valued my time with [Company Name] and appreciate everything I have learned here.

Before leaving, I will prepare transition notes and organize my current assignments as much as my health permits.

Thank you again for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

If reduced hours could still allow you to remain employed, consider requesting a schedule change before resigning. You may also use a formal Business Request Letter to document the arrangement you are requesting.

13. Resignation Letter Due to Serious Health Issues

Use this version when your condition is serious but you still prefer not to describe your diagnosis.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Date].

I am currently facing serious health circumstances that require my immediate and continued attention. Because of these circumstances, I am unable to continue fulfilling my position as I normally would.

For that reason, I have made the difficult decision to resign.

I am grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and professional relationships I have developed during my time at [Company Name].

I appreciate your understanding of my need to prioritize my health and keep the details of my situation private.

Please let me know what administrative steps I need to complete before my employment ends.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

If your medical condition is also creating substantial financial or personal difficulty, these Medical Hardship Letter Templates may help you communicate with other organizations.

14. Short Resignation Email Due to Health Issues

Use this version if your employer accepts resignation by email and you want your message to be brief.

Subject: Resignation — [Your Name]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this email as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name], effective [Date].

Due to health issues requiring my attention, I have decided that I need to step away from my position.

I am grateful for the opportunities and experience I have received while working with the company.

Thank you for your understanding. Please let me know what remaining departure procedures I need to complete.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

15. Warm and Grateful Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues

Use this template when you have a positive relationship with your employer and want your resignation letter to sound more personal while remaining professional.

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

It is with mixed emotions that I submit my resignation from my position as [Job Title] with [Company Name]. My final working day will be [Date].

Because of ongoing health concerns, I have reached the difficult conclusion that I need to step away from my professional responsibilities and focus on my health.

This decision is especially difficult because I have genuinely enjoyed being part of [Company Name].

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have received, the skills I have developed, and the relationships I have built during my time here. Your support and the support of my colleagues have meant a great deal to me.

I will do everything reasonably possible before my departure to organize my responsibilities and leave clear information for the transition.

Thank you for your understanding, kindness, and support. I wish you and the entire team continued success.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

How You Should Write a Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues

You can make your resignation easier to understand by following a simple structure.

Step 1: Clearly State That You Are Resigning

Do not make your employer guess why you are writing.

You can say:

“Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation.”

Then identify your position and final working day.

Step 2: Briefly Mention Your Health Reason

You can keep this to one sentence.

For example:

“Due to ongoing health concerns, I need to step away from my position.”

Or:

“After careful consideration of my current medical circumstances, I have decided to resign.”

You do not need a long explanation.

Step 3: Give Your Last Working Day

Whenever possible, provide an exact date.

For example:

“My final working day will be September 18, 2026.”

An exact date helps your employer understand your intended departure schedule.

Step 4: Express Appreciation

You can keep this brief and genuine.

For example:

“I appreciate the professional opportunities and experience I have received during my time with the company.”

Step 5: Discuss the Transition Only If Your Health Allows

You do not have to make unrealistic promises.

Instead of promising to train a replacement or finish every outstanding project, you can write:

“I will provide reasonable assistance with the transition during my remaining time.”

That gives you flexibility if your health changes.

Step 6: Ask About Departure Procedures

You may need instructions concerning company property, paperwork, benefits, final compensation, account access, or other employment matters.

You can write:

“Please let me know what remaining departure procedures I need to complete.”

How Much Medical Information Should You Put in Your Resignation Letter?

You should generally include only the information needed to explain your decision.

You can write:

“due to health reasons”

“because of ongoing medical circumstances”

“based on my current health needs”

“because I need to focus on treatment and recovery”

“for personal health reasons”

Your resignation letter does not need to contain your complete medical history.

If HR separately requires documentation for a leave, benefit, insurance, or workplace process, you can handle that documentation through the appropriate procedure rather than putting sensitive information into your resignation letter.

What You Should Avoid Putting in Your Health-Related Resignation Letter

Even when you are frustrated, your resignation letter should remain focused on your departure.

Consider avoiding:

• Detailed descriptions of symptoms
• Lists of medications
• Medical test results
• Private treatment information
• Accusations against coworkers
• Arguments with management
• Emotional complaints
• Threats
• Long explanations about workplace disputes
• Promises you cannot realistically fulfill

Your goal is to create a simple record showing that you resigned, when your resignation takes effect, and how your remaining responsibilities should be handled.

Best Subject Lines for a Resignation Due to Health Issues

If you are sending your resignation electronically, use a clear subject line.

You can choose from:

• Resignation Due to Health Reasons — [Your Name]
• Formal Resignation — [Your Name]
• Resignation Effective [Date]
• Notice of Resignation Due to Medical Reasons
• Resignation from [Job Title] — [Your Name]
• Immediate Resignation Due to Health Reasons
• Two Weeks’ Notice — [Your Name]
• Resignation Notice — Health Reasons
• Formal Notice of Resignation

Avoid vague subject lines such as “Important,” “Personal Matter,” or “Need to Talk.”

If You Cannot Give Two Weeks’ Notice Because of Health Issues

You may want to provide as much notice as your circumstances reasonably allow, but sometimes your health may prevent you from continuing.

If you need to leave quickly, you can explain the shortened notice without giving unnecessary medical details.

For example:

“Due to unexpected health circumstances, I am unable to provide my usual notice period.”

You can then apologize briefly for the inconvenience without apologizing for prioritizing your health.

Your employer’s policies, employment agreement, or local requirements may affect departure procedures, so review any applicable documents before setting your final date when possible.

Should You Resign or Request Medical Leave First?

If you are uncertain whether you want to leave permanently, you may want to investigate temporary options before submitting a resignation.

You can start with these Medical Leave of Absence Letter Samples if you need time for treatment or recovery.

You can also use these Leave of Absence Application Letter Templates if your situation requires an extended break.

If you simply need permission to miss work temporarily, these Request for Permission to Be Absent from Work Samples may provide a less permanent solution.

Once you submit and your employer processes a resignation, returning to the same job may not be guaranteed. You should therefore consider your available alternatives before making your decision final.