How to get a medical certificate?

Unable to work? Looking after a loved one? Missed days of school?
Getting a medical certificate has never been easier. Now, thanks to telehealth services, you can obtain a medical certificate for personal or sick leave from the comfort of your own home.
Let’s break down the ins and outs of medical certificates, and how to get the most appropriate certificate for you in a quick and safe manner.
How to get a medical certificate online?
When you seek a medical certificate, the doctor has a professional obligation to ensure they make a full, honest and valid assessment, and issue a medical certificate only where deemed appropriate. If the assessment has been found to be appropriate, the doctor can usually provide a medical certificate instantly via email straight after your appointment, to cover sick or personal leave for a duration deemed appropriate. The medical certificate can then be easily issued to your email inbox, after a video or phone consultation.
Can you get a medical certificate without seeing a doctor?
To get a medical certificate you should speak with a doctor, who will make the most appropriate decision for you. A consultation also allows the doctor to give you any other appropriate advice to help you feel better quicker - a holistic consultation that puts your health needs first!
At Healthylife, our telehealth provider requires you to have an appointment (via phone or video) to access a medical certificate, where appropriate.
Can you get a medical certificate over the phone?
Yes. Simply book a telehealth appointment with a doctor and speak to them over phone or video. If appropriate the doctor can send you the medical certificate instantly via email straight after your appointment.
How to get a backdated medical certificate?
Medical certificates are a legal document, and hence they must always be dated on the day on which they were written. There are a few exceptions to this when it comes to certain illnesses, but the doctor will give each case careful consideration of the circumstances before making that professional decision.
How to get a carer’s certificate?
When you need to take care of a sick child or family member, the last thing you want to worry about is balancing work. You could be eligible for carer’s leave by simply providing your workplace with a carers certificate. Remember that all workplaces are different, so it’s best to check your workplace policies to understand what is right for you.
Similarly to a medical certificate, you can simply book an appointment with a doctor and have a consultation with them either via phone or video. If appropriate the doctor can send you the carer’s certificate instantly via email after the completion of the appointment.
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Reviewed by healthylife advisory board March 2023.
^Healthylife works with Medmate to provide a platform that connects you with qualified doctors. These service providers have the sole responsibility for their services, products and information, and are independent of Healthylife. Please see our Terms and Conditions and Medmate’s Terms and Conditions for more information. Telehealth consultations may not be suitable in all circumstances. If a telehealth consultation is not suitable for you, the healthcare professional you book with will alert you prior to or during your appointment. Typical wait time to speak to a doctor is 60 minutes for a priority booking and up to 4 hours for a general booking. This may vary depending on availability and demand. Telehealth services are best suited when you cannot access your regular doctor. Hours of operation are Doctor service: 8am - 8pm AEST or AEDT, 7 days a week. Doctors' appointments only available 9am - 6pm AEST or AEDT, 7 days a week (excluding public holidays for ‘book with a doctor’ service). Same day appointments for bookings with a doctor are typically available when made prior to 6pm AEST or AEDT. Any appointments or consults booked after 8pm on a given day will be processed the next day (that is not a public holiday for ‘book with a doctor’ service). Naturopath service: 10am - 4pm AEST or AEDT Monday- Friday. Got a question about telehealth? Get in touch via healthservices@healthylife.com.au. Read how we're working to support our customers and the healthcare industry in kind via our Telehealth Commitment.