Why consider an online medical certificate for work & personal leave?
Written by the editorial staff writer at Hola. Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC. Blog updated on 07 October, 2025. Originally published on 25 October 2024.
Contents
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:- Convenience and time-saving: Requesting a certificate from home saves time and avoids the hassle of visiting a clinic and waiting in long queues.
- Fast turnaround: Online certificates are generally issued promptly, often within minutes to hours, ensuring no delays for employers or employees.
- Access to medical advice anytime: Many platforms like Hola Health offer 24/7 availability, allowing individuals to consult doctors outside traditional working hours.
- 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.
- Cost-effective: Online processes are often more affordable than traditional clinic visits, as they lower travel and clinic fees.
- Remote access for remote workers: Employees working remotely or in rural areas can access the services they need without geographical limitations.
- Privacy and confidentiality: Online consultations ensure privacy, which can be beneficial for discussing sensitive health issues.
- Streamlined documentation: Receive your certificate directly via email, ready to submit to your employer.
- 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.
Need time off to recover? Get your medical certificate online within 15 minutes.
Request a medical certificate
Available 24/7, across Australia.
Are online medical note 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.
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 (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.
How to get an online medical certificate with Hola Health
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 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 and SMS, typically within 15 minutes.
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.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?
Doctors assess backdating individually. They may allow it only when it's medically appropriate.Do I need Medicare to use Hola Health?
No, you can access Hola Health's services even without Medicare.Workplace asking for proof? Get a Doctor’s note online in 15 minutes.
Request a medical certificate
Available 24/7, across Australia.
Reference
- Fair Work Act 2009 - reference link
- Fair Work Ombudsman - reference link
What we treat
- Cough
- Nausea & vomiting
- Fever
- Hayfever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Gout
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Sunburn
- UTI
- Erectile dysfunction
- Contraception
- Morning sickness
- Morning after pill
- Prostate health
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Grief & loss
- Antidepressants
- Premature ejaculation
- Asthma
- Blood pressure
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Migraines & headaches
- Allergies
- Body ache
- Heartburn & reflux
- Sleep disorder
- Pain relief
- Gastro
Related Articles
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health.