Common reasons to get a medical certificate online

Overview

In Australia, getting a medical certificate has become simpler and faster with telehealth. Post COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces, institutions, schools and universities are widely accepting online medical certificates from AHPRA-registered practitioners. It is legally valid and convenient, making thousands of Australians turn towards online sick leave certificates for minor illnesses and injuries that do not require a physical examination. Whether you're dealing with minor illnesses, needing time off work, or managing chronic conditions, an online medical certificate can be a quick and efficient solution. People often seek online medical certificates for conditions like the flu, simple injuries, mental health support, carer's leave or after-hours healthcare needs. It's a simple way to obtain a sick note without the hassle of in-person visits, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

Why sick leave matters

Sick leaves are important to employee well-being in Australia. It helps students and employees get the much-needed time off when suffering from an illness. A sick leave certificate online acts as trustworthy proof of absence for employers and institutions. Whether it is a simple flu or an infection such as COVID-19 that needs extended absence, sick leaves help in ensuring you can rest and recover without losing pay. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, full-time and part-time employees get 10 days of paid sick or carer's leave per year in Australia.

Sick leave trends in Australia

Here are some key statistics and sick leave trends in Australia. These statistics reflect the evolving nature of sick leave in Australia. Recent trends show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid work environments, and increased awareness of mental health issues on sick leave.

• Full-time staff averaged at 8.3 days of sick leave in 2023
• By 2024, the average sick leave will have increased to 13.8 days per year for every employee.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, 3.4% of employed individuals took a week's leave, which is 4 times the pre-pandemic average.
• In 2021-22, 3.5% of people who worked in the previous 12 months experienced a work-related injury or illness.
• According to a report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies ¹, about one in seven workers who have a living parent or parent-in-law took time off to provide help to a parent.
•  In 2017, 93% of women who worked while pregnant took leave.

Common reasons to get a sick note in Australia

Here are common reasons people seek medical certificates online:

Sick leave for minor illnesses:

You can get an online doctor's note if you are suffering from minor illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, minor infections, nausea, food poisoning and more. An online medical certificate will act as proof of absence from your work, school or university.

Carer's leave:

Need to take care of your loved one? Be it a sick child, an elderly parent or a spouse who needs your care, get a carer's leave certificate online without taking time off from your carer duties.

Mental health days:

In Australia, a stress leave or mental health day is a valid reason to get a medical certificate online. You can get sick leave for stress, burnout, anxiety, depression and more.

Chronic conditions:

If there is a change in your chronic condition, such as an asthma flare-up, diabetes related issues, or hypertension, you can take sick leave. You can get an online doctor's certificate from the comfort of your home.

Pregnancy issues:

If you need sick leave to cope with that morning sickness or pregnancy diarrhoea, you can do so with an online sick note.

Pains and injuries:

If you are injured or have any body pains or aches, you can claim sick leave through an online medical certificate.

University and school leave:

Get a valid proof for your sickness absence, which will help you in rescheduling deadlines or exam exemptions. You can get sick leave for your school or university for a single day's absence or a multi-day absence.

Extended leave:

Some conditions require long absences. Through telehealth, you can obtain a multi-day medical certificate online up to 7 days. This is issued after a telehealth consultation with a registered practitioner, and if approved.

Top reasons Australians take sick leave

Common illnesses: Common illnesses such as cold, flu, fever, cough, stomach-ache and more are some of the main reasons for sick leave. Some of the common illnesses for which employees take sick leave include:

• Colds, fevers, and flu
• Stomach-ache, gastro, food poisoning, diarrhoea and vomiting
• Infections such as sore throat, viral illnesses and more

Chronic conditions: Changes in chronic conditions such as asthma flare-ups, migraines and more might require some time off from work or school to recover, leading to sick leave. If you have some changes in conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, that affect you, you can get a day off as well. Mental health reasons: Mental health disorders, including anxiety, stress, and depression, are now widely accepted as valid reasons for taking sick leave. These conditions can significantly affect a person's ability to focus, communicate with co-workers, and work performance. If you are feeling burned out or stressed due to work, these are also considered valid medical leave reasons in Australia. Injuries: You can take a day off from work or a long leave for injuries in personal life or at work. A sprain, an ankle injury, a back injury, fractures, accidents and physical trauma are some examples of injuries you can take sick leave for. Pregnancy issues: During pregnancy, women may require time off for health reasons, including morning sickness, complications, or medical appointments. You can get sick leave for pregnancy issues in Australia. Carer's leave: Whether you need to take a day off to care for your loved one, assist your parent to the hospital or be with your child when sick, it is all accepted. Musculoskeletal disorders: Issues such as joint pain, back pain, and injuries due to physical strain are common reasons to take time off from work or school.

Why do workplaces require a medical certificate?

According to the Fair Work Act 2009, employees are entitled to paid sick leave every calendar year, and the employer has the right to ask for proof of this illness. This proof is none other than a medical certificate from a registered practitioner. A medical certificate validates the illness for which an employee is taking leave. This helps in solving any trust issues that arise at the workplace or can be used as legal evidence in some cases. This is a formal letter from a qualified doctor or health practitioner in Australia, reaffirming your illness. This ensures that sick leave is only taken when you have a valid reason. It prevents misuse of sick leaves, laying unnecessary workload on other colleagues and acts as a legal record in cases of disagreement.

The purpose of getting a medical certificate in Australia

A medical certificate is considered a legal document in Australia, justifying your absence from your daily activities, such as work or school/university. Most Australian workplaces, universities and schools are accepting online medical certificates for minor illnesses, injuries, mental health days, carers' leave, etc. This certificate is considered valid only when approved by a registered practitioner. Here is why a medical certificate is required at various places in Australia:

• Workplaces: According to the Fair Work Act, all employees are entitled to 10 days' sick leave or carer's leave, and all employers retain the right to ask for proof of sickness. The proof in this case is a valid medical certificate.
• Universities: Universities might require a medical certificate for special consideration (special con), exam exemption or for pushing the assignment deadlines.
• Schools: Your child's school might ask for a medical certificate for their absence.

What to say to a doctor to get a medical certificate?

A medical certificate is a legal document that represents the status of your health on the day of the request. A doctor or health practitioner will adhere to clinical and ethical guidelines before approving any request. They will only approve requests that are genuine. Here are some tips on what to say:

• Be honest and open about your symptoms.
• Be clear about the purpose of the certificate, such as whether it is for work or school.
• If it is a multi-day medical certificate, specify the number of days you might need it for.

Why choose online medical certificates via Hola Health?

Choosing an online medical certificate from Hola Health has several benefits:

1. Convenience: You can access online medical certificates from home or work, no more clinic visits or unnecessary waiting.
2. Quick access: Get access to sick notes within minutes from anywhere in Australia.
3. 24/7 availability: Apply for a medical certificate online early in the morning, late at night, on weekends, or on public holidays.
4. Reduced exposure: Steering clear of overcrowded clinics reduces the likelihood of exposure to infectious diseases.
5. Enhanced privacy: Online telehealth consultations can provide added discretion, particularly for sensitive health matters.
6. Cost-effective option: Many platforms provide affordable consultations in comparison to in-person visits.
7. Remote accessibility: It helps bridge healthcare gaps for individuals in rural or underserved areas. It also helps parents, older adults, people with mobility issues and carers.
8. Instant documents: Certificates can be obtained directly via email or platform portals, making it easy to share with employers or schools.

However, for conditions requiring a physical examination or complex diagnostic tests, or where the patient is acutely unwell, it is advised to have an in-person consultation.

FAQ

Are online medical certificates legally valid in Australia?

Yes, online medical certificates are considered legally valid when issued and approved by registered practitioners. It should have details such as the patient's name, date of request, duration of sickness, doctor's name, practitioner's AHPRA registration number, and signature of the practitioner to make it valid.

Can my employer reject an online medical certificate?

Most workplaces usually accept online medical certificates. So usually, they are not rejected unless your employer has a specific policy about them. Check your contract or check with your employer about their take on online sick notes.

Can I get a medical certificate for university exams online?

Yes, if you have a valid sickness, you can request a medical certificate for university exam exemptions or special consideration online.

Can I take sick leave to care for a sick family member?

Yes, you can take a carer's leave, which is part of your sick leave, to care for a sick family member. You can take a carer's leave when caring for immediate family members such as your spouse, parents, your child or someone who is formally under your care. The process for taking the carer's leave is like a normal sick leave, and employers may ask for a medical certificate in this case.

Should I take sick leave even if my symptoms are mild?

It depends. You can take sick leave if your symptoms might hamper your productivity and will get worse with any amount of strain. For infectious illnesses such as the flu or gastroenteritis, it is important to protect yourself and your colleagues from the spread of illness. It is advised to stay at home and take a sick leave in this case.

What's the difference between sick leave and carer's leave?

Sick leave is when you are ill or when you have a medical condition that requires you to take time off from work. Carer's leave is taken by you when you are taking care of your loved one who is sick.

Should I take sick leave for a cold?

Yes, cold, especially when it occurs through a viral or bacterial infection, can spread easily. You can take sick leave when you are feeling uncomfortable with the symptoms and reduce the risk of potential exposure to your colleagues.

Should I take sick leave for mental health reasons?

Yes, if your mental health reasons are hindering your ability to work, you should take a sick leave for mental health. It is common in Australia to take a mental health day off from work to cope with stress and burnout.