Why consider an online medical certificate for work & personal leave?

Overview

Whether you're unwell, supporting an ill family member, or dealing with stress that impacts your capacity to work, a medical certificate is often required. However, with extended waiting times at clinics and the inconvenience of booking appointments, many Australians are opting for online medical certificates as a quicker, more straightforward solution. With services like Hola Health, you can now get a valid medical certificate from the comfort of your home. Qualified Australian doctors assess every application and provide certificates electronically, streamlining the smooth management of your professional and personal leave.

Benefits of online medical certificates

The benefits of obtaining a medical certificate online include:

1. Convenience and time-saving: Requesting a certificate from home saves time and avoids the hassle of visiting a clinic and waiting in long queues.
2. Fast turnaround: Online certificates are generally issued promptly, often within minutes to hours, ensuring no delays for employers or employees.
3. Access to medical advice anytime: Many platforms like Hola Health offer 24/7 availability, allowing individuals to consult doctors outside traditional working hours.
4. Reduced exposure to illness: Minimising in-person visits helps reduce the risk of spreading or catching contagious diseases such as the flu or COVID-19.
5. Cost-effective: Online processes are often more affordable than traditional clinic visits, as they lower travel and clinic fees.
6. Remote access for remote workers: Employees working remotely or in rural areas can access the services they need without geographical limitations.
7. Privacy and confidentiality: Online consultations ensure privacy, which can be beneficial for discussing sensitive health issues.
8. Streamlined documentation: Receive your certificate directly via email, ready to submit to your employer.
9. Legal and professional acceptance: Most online certificates, issued by licensed healthcare providers and AHPRA-registered doctors, are accepted by employers, educational institutions, and insurance companies.

Types of online medical certificates

Online doctors can issue a range of certificates, including:

• Sick leave certificates: Validate an employee's inability to work due to illness or injury, with the recovery duration provided if needed.
• Carer's leave: Confirms the need for an employee to take time off to care for a family member.
• University certificates: Support students in schools or universities needing health-related leave.
• Stress leave: Ensures employees can take time off to address mental health needs without fear of judgment. Such leave is protected under the Fair Work Act 2009¹, safeguarding your rights.

Hola Health offers a simple way to submit requests through a short online form, assessed by a licensed Australian GP or health practitioner.

Are online medical notes legal in Australia?

Yes, absolutely. The Fair Work Act 2009 makes medical certificates valid when issued by registered healthcare professionals, including telehealth providers. This means:

• Certificates from Hola Health are legal and recognised nationwide.
• Employers, universities, and most official institutions accept them.

When do you need a certificate?

A certificate is usually required when:

• Taking personal (sick) leave, especially for absences longer than one or two days.
• Caring for an unwell family member (carer's leave).
• Being absent from work due to stress, anxiety, or burnout.
• When a university or TAFE (Technical and Further Education) needs documentation for missed exams, lectures, or assessments.

Employers may require "evidence acceptable to a reasonable person", and a medical certificate issued by an AHPRA-registered doctor or health practitioner (including online) meets this requirement under the Fair Work Act.

Common misconceptions about online medical note

Here are a few common misconceptions with facts:

• "Online certificates aren't genuine." - Incorrect. Certificates from AHPRA-registered doctors or health practitioners (including Hola Health practitioners) are equally valid as in-person ones.
• "My employer won't accept it." -  Actually, under the Fair Work Act, most employers are required to accept valid medical certificates, whether issued online or in person.
• "They're only for colds and flu". - Not true. You can get certificates for stress, carer's leave, and other reasons, provided a doctor supports the need.

Can employers reject an online certificate?

Generally, the answer is no, they can't, if it meets the Fair Work Act requirements. Specifically:

• An AHPRA-registered doctor issues it.
• It states you are unfit for work for the listed dates.

Employers are required to accept this as adequate evidence. If you're uncertain, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman² for support.

How can Hola help

Getting started with Hola Health is easy:

• Visit the webpage: Head over to the medical certificate page on our site.
• Choose your certificate type: Select the purpose of your certificate—whether for work, education, stress leave, or caregiving. You can choose between a single-day or multi-day medical certificate based on your needs.
• Fill out the form: Complete a brief form with details about your condition. If needed, you can also schedule a short telehealth appointment for further assessment.
• Doctor review: A licensed doctor or health practitioner will review your form or conduct a telehealth consultation to confirm your condition and decide if a certificate is appropriate.
• Receive your certificate: If approved, your certificate will be sent to you via email, typically within 15 minutes.

No Medicare? No worries. You can still access the service without it. Need time off for recovery? Get a doctor-approved certificate online with Hola Health within 15 minutes. Get started here.

Conclusion

Online medical certificates are a convenient, valid, and trustworthy solution for personal or carer's leave. They are accepted across Australia and help minimise the stress and time involved in conventional doctor visits.

FAQs

Are online medical certificates legal in Australia?

Yes. Under the Fair Work Act 2009, certificates are valid when an AHPRA-registered practitioner issues them.

How quickly can I get an online certificate?

With Hola Health, most certificates are delivered within 15 minutes of submission, if clinically appropriate.

Will my employer accept an online certificate?

Yes, if it aligns with the Fair Work standards. Most employers recognise certificates from registered doctors, whether given in person or online.

Can I get a certificate for stress leave?

Yes. Stress-related absences are classified as personal leave, and Hola Health can review your situation and provide certificates when suitable.

Can Hola Health provide backdated certificates?

No, Hola Health cannot provide backdated certificates as it is not considered legal or ethical in Australia to backdate a medical certificate.

Do I need Medicare to use Hola Health?

No, you can access Hola Health's services even without Medicare.