In Australia, a medical certificate is a straightforward way to show that an illness or injury stopped you from working, studying, or doing caring duties. It helps your employer or education provider approve time off fairly and consistently — especially when they need something on file.
Situations where a medical certificate is commonly required
1. Workplace sick leave
- Some workplaces ask for a certificate when you take sick leave.
- It’s usually about following policy and keeping leave records clear.
2. Frequent absences (close together or ongoing)
- If you’ve been away a few times in a short period, your employer may ask for evidence.
- This can happen even if a single day off normally wouldn’t need paperwork.
3. University, TAFE, or school absences
- Many education providers require a certificate if you miss an exam, placement, assessment, or a compulsory class.
- It can also support special consideration or an extension request, which usually requires an in-person GP visit.
4. Carer’s leave or family responsibilities
- If you take time off to care for someone unwell, you may be asked for a certificate or other evidence.
- Rules vary by workplace, award, or institution, so it’s worth checking what applies to you.
Get your medical certificate online in minutes. No wait, no appointment.
Do online medical certificates work the same as in-clinic ones?
Yes. Online doctor certificates hold the same legal validity and standard as those you get from your local GPs in clinics. As long as you have the medical certificates reviewed and approved by an AHPRA-registered health practitioner.
With Hola Health, you receive a valid and genuine medical certificate same day in minutes. Request sick certificates for work, school, university, carers leave or mental health in minutes. Signed by registered doctors, each medical certificate issued has the practitioner’s AHPRA registration number. If approved, get on your phone via email/SMS in PDF and simply share or upload. No dramas!
Why employers and institutions ask for them
- Most of the time, it’s about applying rules consistently, so everyone is treated the same.
- Employers can ask for evidence to confirm sick leave is genuine and meets leave conditions.
- What’s considered “reasonable” depends on your role, your workplace agreement, and the situation.
When an employer can ask for a medical certificate
- If your absence impacts staffing, shifts, or important work duties.
- If sick leave is being used more often than expected, or patterns are showing up over time.
- If your contract, award, enterprise agreement, or workplace policy says evidence is required.
Important things to know
- Every workplace or school can set their own rules on what it accepts. One place may accept a stat dec, another may not.
- Medical certificates are usually based on an assessment at the time, so they generally can’t be backdated.
- A certificate doesn’t need to list your diagnosis — it usually just confirms you weren’t fit for work/study.
- Your health information is private and should be handled respectfully.
- If you’re using telehealth, make sure the certificate comes from an Australian-registered practitioner.
Tip: Before you submit anything, check what your employer or education provider actually requires. Policies can change, and it’s less stressful when you know the rules upfront.
When a medical certificate may not be required
- Some workplaces accept a statutory declaration or self-declaration for short absences.
- Some schools allow a day off without a certificate, depending on their policy.
- In more flexible workplaces, a quick conversation might be enough.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking with your manager, HR, student services, or the school office. A two-minute check can save a lot of back-and-forth later.
Know more about how to get medical certificate online with Hola Health.
