Yes. Employers and universities in Australia accept medical certificates issued online via trusted telehealth services. Online certificates follow the same rules and have the same legal standing as certificates issued in a clinic. They are issued by a registered Australian doctor, and employers should accept them, especially now that telehealth is common.
Why Hola certificates are accepted
- Issued by real Australian practitioners: All Hola certificates are reviewed and approved by AHPRA-registered Australian healthcare professionals.
- Includes required details: Your certificate includes the practitioner’s name, registration number, date, and a confirmation that you’re unfit for work or study. The certificate also has Hola company's details like physical address, contact, ABN and official logo.
- Protects your privacy: The certificate only states that you’re unfit to work or study and for how long. It does not include your diagnosis.
- Verified if needed: Employers can contact us if they need to confirm the certificate’s authenticity.
Short-term or multi-day leave
Hola certificates are valid for both single-day and multi-day absences, just like in-person certificates.
Get a medical certificate for sick leave with Hola Health.
Can an employer refuse a medical certificate?
Usually no, but there are some cases where an employer may question a certificate:
- Missing information: If the certificate doesn’t include the doctor’s details, date, or a clear statement of incapacity.
- Concerns about fraud: If the document looks altered or unofficial.
- Not a health-related reason: Employers may reject certificates issued for non-medical reasons.
- Not following workplace rules: If you don’t notify your employer on time or submit the certificate late, they may refuse it based on company policy.
What information should a medical certificate include to be valid?
A valid medical certificate, whether issued online or traditionally, must consist of below information to meet the Australian guidelines -
- Provider's name, contact and address
- Patient’s name
- Date of examination or consultation
- Period during which the patient is unfit for work or study
- Doctor's name, signature and registration number
How can I avoid having my medical certificate rejected?
If you are requesting a doctor's certificate online, here's what you need to do:
- Choose a reputable service so the format is professional and expected. Hola medical certificates are accepted at Australian workplaces.
- Trusted telehealth providers are generally registered with the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA). Hola is an ADHA-registered platform and follows the guidelines under the Australian Privacy Principles.
- Be honest in your assessment process.
- Don't try to change anything on the certificate. Any tampering with information may lead to rejection.
- Try to keep away from fraudulent providers; it is good to check whether the provider is based in Australia. It’s always better to get a legitimate online doctor’s certificate or see a GP.
Employee's right
- As an employee, you have a right to privacy regarding your medical information. In practical terms, this means you generally do not have to disclose your specific diagnosis or medical condition.
- The Australian Medical Association’s guidelines advise that a diagnosis is not required on a medical certificate, and employers should respect that this document is proof enough that you are unfit to work.
- When your employer asks for evidence of your sick leave, providing a valid medical certificate should be sufficient.
Employer's right
- Your employer has the right to ask for evidence that you were genuinely ill or injured and unable to work. In practice, this usually means providing a doctor’s certificate (also called a medical certificate).
- The Fair Work Ombudsman specifically lists medical certificates as reasonable evidence that an employee was entitled to sick leave.
Can I really get a medical certificate online? How does it work?
Absolutely. Through telehealth services (e.g. Hola Health or similar), you can request a doctor’s certificate online. The process is fast and easy. Beyond convenience, Hola offers legit medical certificates by working only with licensed Australian practitioners. Any certificate you get is from a real, registered doctor (with their AHPRA details on the certificate).
Step-by-step guide to get a doctor's certificate online
- Fill out a secure online form: To make it hassle-free, you will be asked to fill out a simple guided questionnaire, ensuring you mention symptoms and needs, which the doctor will review. This helps the doctor’s documentation be thorough.
- The doctor reviews your request: The doctor will assess your symptoms, review your request and, if appropriate, email you a medical certificate, often within minutes. It’s a convenient option if you’re too sick to travel to a clinic.
- Receive the doctor's certificate: Certificates are delivered via email. You can forward the PDF to your employer, and it’s easy to read and store.
For a medical certificate for more than one day, you will have a quick consult with a practitioner. This makes sure the certificates issued are reasonable and less likely to be questioned.
Request a legit medical certificate in just 15 minutes with Hola Health: Get an online medical certificate in Australia
