Bulk billing starts from 6pm*
Bulk billing starts from 6pm
Bulk billing starts from 6pm
Medically reviewed by Dr Ammar Al-Ani
MBChB, CCBST, AMC, General Practitioner, 28+ Years of Experience
Updated in June 2026
Yes, pharmacists in Australia can issue an Absence from Work Certificate for minor ailments, such as colds, headaches, or minor coughs. However, while legally valid for short workplace absences, pharmacists are classified as health practitioners rather than medical practitioners. For complex illnesses, university and work, a medical certificate from an AHPRA-registered doctor or medical practitioner is widely preferred and accepted.
Pharmacy-issued certificates have several limitations:
In Australia, a pharmacy certificate normally costs between $20 and $30, depending on the pharmacy and its location. Prices may differ between pharmacies, especially major pharmacy chains. Some pharmacies may also have limited availability at peak times or need an in-store consultation.
Hola Health offers online medical certificates starting from just $14.90. This gives you a widely accepted medical certificate without requiring you to leave your bed while sick.
| Feature | Pharmacy Leave Certificate | Hola Health Medical Certificate |
| Cost | Between $20 and $30 | Starts from $14.90 |
| Issuer Status | Registered Pharmacist (Health Practitioner) | AHPRA-Registered GP (Medical Practitioner) |
| Legal Validity | Valid under Fair Work Act for sick/carer’s leave | Valid and widely accepted by all employers & institutions |
| Maximum Duration | Usually restricted to 1–2 days. | Up to 7 days (Dependent on the doctor’s clinical assessment) |
| Exclusions | Cannot cover pregnancy, work cover, or compassionate leave. | Can cover complex medical, surgical, and pregnancy-related leave. |
| Convenience | Requires physical travel and waiting in-store. | 100% Online. Delivered via SMS/Email within minutes. |
| Availability | Pharmacy open hours | 24/7, all 365 days |
| Wait time | Longer dependent on the queue | Average wait time 15 minutes* |
If you are too unwell to visit a clinic, telehealth can be an easy alternative. Through Hola Health, you can complete a secure online assessment with an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner. If clinically indicated, your medical practitioner will issue an online medical certificate sent instantly to your smartphone via SMS and email. Start here – Certified online medical certificate.
Medical certificates are subject to clinical assessment and practitioner discretion.
If you have a very mild cold and just need a single day off from a casual job, a quick trip to your local pharmacy works perfectly. However, if you are too sick to leave the house, need your certificate backdated to when your illness actually started, or require a document that will be automatically accepted by HR managers and universities, booking an online consultation with a Hola Health doctor is the safer, faster, and more comprehensive choice.