How to Get an Online Medical Certificate for Your Child?

Overview

When your child feels unwell, getting a medical certificate shouldn’t add extra stress. Thankfully, in Australia, parents can now request an online medical certificate quickly and easily, all from home.

What is medical certificate for a child?

• Issued by a registered Australian doctor after a telehealth consultation
• Can be downloaded or printed for your records
• Accepted by schools, childcare centres, and workplaces for carers’ leave
• Acts as official proof of a child’s illness or recovery advice

When do you need it?

Parents may need a child’s medical certificate for:

• Sick days at school: to explain short absences
• Extended illness or recovery periods: if your child needs more rest
• COVID-19, flu, or similar symptoms: especially when schools request medical clearance
• Childcare absences: where proof is needed for re-entry

When to request medical certificate?

1. General illnesses: Colds, flu, or any other mild viral infection
2. Chronic condition flare-ups: If your child's dealing with an ongoing health issue, telehealth can be effective for helping to manage those flare-ups.
3. Mental health days: Many online platforms recognise the importance of mental health and offer certificates for these crucial rest days if required for your child.
4. Gastroenteritis: Commonly known as stomach flu, this can cause severe dehydration and discomfort, warranting rest and recovery at home. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, which can be particularly distressing for young children.
5. Ear infections: Frequent in young children and often painful, requiring time off from school for proper treatment and healing. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, and irritability, and they often follow a cold or upper respiratory infection.
6. Asthma attacks: Severe asthma flare-ups might need immediate attention and rest, especially if treatments are required to relieve their breathing difficulties. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, which can be alarming for both the child and the parent. If symptoms are severe, they should see a face to face doctor immediately or go to the emergency department.
7. Allergic reactions: Serious allergic reactions that require observation or a change in medication can also justify a medical certificate. Reactions can range from mild (such as hives or a rash) to severe (such as anaphylaxis), which requires urgent medical attention.
8. Chickenpox: This highly contagious illness requires isolation and rest until all blisters have scabbed over. Symptoms include a red, itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters, along with fever and fatigue
9. Hand, foot, and mouth disease: A common viral illness in children that necessitates rest and time away from school to prevent spreading. Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet, which can be uncomfortable and require several days of recovery.

Can You Get health certificate Online in Australia?

Yes, it’s simple and fully legal.

• Book a telehealth appointment with an Australian-registered GP
• Provide your child’s details (age, symptoms, school or childcare name)
• Consult online: the doctor reviews your child’s condition
• Receive your certificate electronically via email or secure link

Details are included in certificate

Detail	What It Means
Child’s Name	Confirms your child’s identity
Date(s) of Absence	Indicates the period covered
Reason for Absence	Notes illness or medical advice
GP Name & Signature	Validates the certificate from a registered doctor

 

How do I get my online medical certificate for my child in Australia?

1. Sign up: Find a trustworthy telehealth platform and create an account. You'll need to provide some basic information about your child.
2. Pick your platform: Choose how you want to chat with the doctor - video call, phone, or text.
3. Provide the details: During the online doctor's appointment, give the doctor the full story on your child's symptoms and medical history - the more details, the better.
4. Receive the medical certificate: If the doctor agrees your child needs some time to recover, they'll provide a medical certificate online for you to give to the school

Benefits

1. Convenience: You can receive your certificate at home without needing to take your sick child to the doctor's office.
2. Time saver: Skip the waiting room delays at the clinic and spend it resting at home instead.
3. Germ-free zone: Keep your child away from other sick patients in the doctor's office.
4. 24/7 access: Because children don't schedule their illnesses around business hours.

Medical advice for parents who have concerns about their child's health:

1. Trust your instincts: If something feels off with your child, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.
2. Keep the school in the loop: Let them know what's going on with your child. It'll make the transition back to class smoother.
3. Doctor's orders: Follow the Doctor's medical advice and review your child again if they are not improving.
4. Rest and fluids: Make sure your child is getting plenty of both.
5. Keep an eye out: Monitor your child's symptoms and don't be shy about reaching out to the doctor if things change.
6. Maintain a healthy routine: Ensure your child has a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity to boost their immune system. A healthy lifestyle can prevent frequent illnesses and help your child recover faster when they do fall ill.
7. Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on common childhood illnesses and their symptoms to better understand when medical attention is necessary. Knowledge is power, and being well-informed can help you make better decisions for your child's health.
8. Emergency preparedness: Know when to seek emergency care. Symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, or severe pain require immediate medical attention. Having a plan in place for emergencies can save valuable time and ensure your child gets the care they need promptly.

When Should You See a Doctor In Person?

• If your child has high fever or symptoms that worsen
• If your GP needs to physically examine your child
• If there are ongoing or serious symptoms (e.g. breathing difficulties, dehydration)
• If your child requires medical tests or prescriptions

How Hola Health Can Help

• Access Australian-registered doctors 7 days a week
• Book a same-day telehealth consultation
• Get digital medical certificates for your child
• Secure, private, and Medicare-rebate eligible (where applicable)

FAQs

Can a parent apply for a medical certificate on behalf of a child?

Yes. Parents or guardians can request it during the consultation.

How long does it take to receive the certificate?

Usually within a few hours of your telehealth appointment.

Are online certificates accepted by all schools in Australia?

Most schools and childcare centres accept online medical certificates from registered GPs.

Can I request a backdated certificate for my child?

This depends on the doctor’s discretion. It’s only possible if the illness details are reasonable and supported.

Do I need Medicare for an online consultation?

Some telehealth services accept Medicare, while others are private-fee based. Check when booking.

What makes an online doctor's certificate valid for schools and universities?

In Australia, online medical certificates from registered practitioners carry the same weight as those from your local GP. Just make sure you're using a reputable telehealth service to ensure that the medical certificate is legitimate.

Is It Legal and Accepted in Schools?

Yes. Online medical certificates are 100% legal in Australia when issued by a registered Australian GP. Schools, childcare centres, and employers usually accept them as valid documentation for illness-related absences.