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Let’s be real – nobody wants to drag themselves to the doctor when they’re feeling like a walking flu ad. And in 2025, why should you?
If you’ve ever found yourself lying on the couch, sipping tea, wondering “Can I just get a doctor’s certificate online and skip the clinic?” The answer is a big, comfortable yes.
Thanks to telehealth, getting a medical certificate for work in Australia is not only possible – it’s fast, valid, and completely legal.
First, What Exactly Is a Telehealth Medical Certificate?
A telehealth medical certificate is just like the one you’d get from a face-to-face GP visit – but it’s issued by a registered doctor after a phone or video consultation.
The only real difference? You don’t have to change out of your pajamas.
After your consultation, the doctor emails you an online sick certificate for work, which you can forward to your employer, attach in your HR portal, or even print if needed.
So, Can You Get a Doctor’s Certificate Without Seeing a GP?
Absolutely.
In Australia, you’re allowed to get a sick note after a virtual consultation – whether it’s over the phone or video – with a registered medical professional.
What used to require a face-to-face appointment, a commute, and an hour out of your day can now be handled in 10 minutes from your couch. That includes getting:
- Online medical certificates
- Online prescriptions
- Referrals
- And other healthcare services
It’s all possible because telehealth is recognised under Australian law as a legitimate method of delivering healthcare services.
What the Law Says: Fair Work Compliance
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, you’re entitled to take sick leave when you’re unwell, and employers have the right to request evidence – such as a medical certificate – for your absence.
An in-person appointment isn’t required for the certificate to be legitimate. As long as it’s:
- Issued by an AHPRA-registered doctor
- Based on a genuine consultation (even online)
- Includes your name, period of absence, and date of consultation.
Then it’s considered valid evidence of your condition.
Read “Validation of Online Medical Certificate In Australia” to know more about validity of online medical certificates.
How Do You Get a Doctor’s Certificate Online?
Here’s how the process usually works – and it takes less time than ordering takeaway:
- Choose a Telehealth Website – Make sure to choose a reputable one.
- Book a Phone or Video Consult – Often available 7 days a week, same-day.
- Have a Quick Chat with the Doctor – Usually just 5–10 minutes.
- Receive Your Certificate by Email – A downloadable PDF, legally valid.
Will My Employer Accept It?
If it’s:
- From a licensed Australian doctor (registered with AHPRA).
- Clearly states your unfitness for work.
- Covers the correct date(s).
Then yes – they must accept it under National Employment Standards (NES).
Employers are not allowed to reject a valid certificate just because it came from a telehealth appointment.
According to Fair Work Act 2009 – Section 107(3), an employer is entitled to request evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person that the leave is taken for a permitted reason. This includes a medical certificate.
Also read: Understanding Medical Certificates Validity and Rejection
When Can You Use a Telehealth Certificate?
Common situations include:
- Cold or flu
- Migraine or headache
- Stress or burnout
- Carer responsibilities
- COVID isolation
- Gastro or food poisoning
- Period pain
- Mental health rest days
Basically, anything that would make you unfit for work, and where a trip to the clinic would just make you feel worse.
Final Thoughts
With so much to do in our busy lives, getting care shouldn’t make you leave your house with a fever or have to drag yourself to get a doctor’s note.
Because of telehealth, you can easily get an online sick certificate for work and it will be accepted and valid in Australia. If you got the flu, are feeling stressed or burned out or want some time away from work, you can use online healthcare from home.
At Doctor Help, you can easily talk to a registered doctor in Australia using your phone and get your online doctors certificate delivered to your email right after. Skip any extra trips. No long queues. No stress
So, next time you are under the weather or want a certificate for your work, book a telehealth appointment with us and get your medical certificate for work online instantly.
Reference:
- Sick and carer’s leave – Fair Work Ombudsman. (n.d.).
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/sick-and-carers-leave
