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Are Online Medical Certificates Legal in Australia?

Yes, online medical certificates are legal in Australia. The Fair Work Act 2009 states that an employee must provide “reasonable evidence” to their employer when taking personal/carer’s leave.

Examples of reasonable evidence include a medical certificate from a registered health professional or a statutory declaration. As our certificates are issued by AHPRA-registered healthcare professionals, they meet this requirement.

However, some companies’ agreements or workplace policies may specify that only a certificate issued in person by a medical practitioner (a doctor) is accepted. We always recommend checking your employer’s policy if you are unsure.

How Our Online Medical Certificate Service Works

Getting a medical certificate online with OnCare Health is fast, simple, and fully online. There are no appointments and no waiting rooms. Here is our four-step process:

Step 1: Choose Your Certificate Type

Select whether you need a certificate for sick leave, carer’s leave, or university leave.

Step 2: Complete a Secure Online Questionnaire

You will be asked to answer a simple questionnaire about your general health and the reason for your leave. Your information is kept confidential and protected in compliance with Australian privacy laws.

Step 3: Reviewed by Registered Health Professionals

Your request is reviewed by one of our AHPRA-registered pharmacists. If your case is outside the pharmacist’s scope of practice, it may be escalated to one of our registered doctors for further assessment. If the doctor determines that a certificate is appropriate, they will issue a medical certificate.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate by Email

Once approved, your certificate is sent quickly and securely to your email inbox. Each certificate is verifiable via secure QR code and contains all the necessary information your employer or university needs.

When We Won’t Issue an Online Medical Certificate

OnCare Health prioritises your health and safety. Certain situations require an in-person consultation, and a certificate cannot be issued online. These include:

  • Emergency symptoms: Cases involving severe pain, breathing difficulties, or other urgent medical issues.
  • Cases needing physical examination: Symptoms that require a physical examination to diagnose properly.
  • Inappropriate leave requests: Requests for extended periods of leave, or for reasons that are not genuine or reasonable.

In these cases, we will advise you to seek appropriate in-person medical attention.

Medical Certificate and Health Practitioners

Some employers or institutions may have a policy requiring a medical certificate to be issued by a specific type of health practitioner. While
our standard process involves review by qualified health professionals, such as pharmacists, we can accommodate this requirement subject to
practitioner availability. If you need a medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner, please contact us.

Want to Discuss Your Symptoms Further?

If you would like to discuss your symptoms in more detail or require additional support, you can book a medical consultation with one of our registered doctors. During a consultation, doctors can provide medical certificates, issue prescriptions where appropriate, offer treatment advice, and address any health concerns you may have.