The Rise of Online Medical Certificates: What You Need to Know

Online medical certificates have become more popular in Australia in recent years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many in-person clinics switched to online means of meeting patient needs. Online medical certificates were part of this change, and have remained popular even after the pandemic has died down. They are a convenient way to get a medical certificate when you need one for sick leave, carer’s leave or insurance claims.

Click Clinic was one of the first companies to start using online technologies to issue medical certificates. Over the years, we have continued to act as an online medical certificate service that provides easy access to patients in need.

What is an online medical certificate?

An online medical certificate is like a conventional medical certificate, but uses remote methods to assess your symptoms. Online medical certificates still need to be issued by AHPRA-registered medical practitioners and they hold the same status as those issued in person. They are medical documents that offer all of the same benefits as in-person medical certificates. The primary difference is that they are more convenient and don’t require you to leave your home. This can be a blessing when you’re feeling ill enough to take sick leave.

What can online medical certificates be used for?

Online medical certificates can be used as proof that you are dealing with any number of medical issues. Much like a regular medical certificate, it is a legal document that may be necessary when you take sick or carer’s leave or if you need to file an insurance claim with your provider.

It is worth noting that you must still be suffering from your illness when you get a medical certificate online. Backdated certificates will often not be accepted, as it is considered a questionable medical practice to issue them retroactively.

Sick Leave

If you are ill, you may need to inform your workplace or your educational institution about this. Workplaces will typically request evidence if you will be requesting time off work, especially if it involves paid sick leave. The same may be true for your university or TAFE if you request extensions on assignments and course work. Getting a medical certificate online provides a convenient way to do this.

Carer’s leave

Getting a medical certificate online may also be necessary if you have to take care of someone else. You can present a medical certificate from a household member, such an immediate family member or a partner, if they are ill. This helps to establish that you need to take care of them.

Insurance claims

If you are making a claim from your chosen insurance provider, they may request a doctor’s certificate. Online medical certificates are considered valid proof on these claims, just like in-person medical certificates.

How can you get an online medical certificate in Australia?

There are a number of different ways to get an online medical certificate in Australia. They are all valid options and mainly depend on the preference of the patient and the one providing the medical certificates. Broadly, these methods are all classified as telehealth.

Phone call

A phone consult is a fairly common choice and involves having a short conversation with a registered Australian doctor. They will talk with you about your symptoms to assess whether you need a medical certificate.

Video Call

A video call involves utilising a software such as Zoom to have a consultation with a health professional, face-to-face. Some people prefer a video consultation because it allows the doctor’s assessment to be conducted with a full view of the patient.

Fillable form

A fillable online form is extra convenient, because it foregoes the need to schedule a call. You are simply able to write the details of your symptoms in the appropriate sections of the online questionnaire. A medical team is able to use this information to assess a patient’s medical illness before deciding whether to issue a medical certificate online. Click Clinic utilises fillable forms in order to streamline the experience and make it as convenient as possible for our users.

How Much do medical certificates cost in Australia?

The cost of medical certificates is typically between $70 and $100 up front. This is partly because most GP clinics in Australia charge private fees and do not bulk bill. Even if a Medicare rebate is offered, you may still be over $60 out of pocket. This may not be affordable for everyone that requires a valid medical certificate.

Click Clinic will only charge you a flat fee of $30 for an online medical certificate. And we have not increased our online medical certificate cost in over five years, so you know they’ll stay affordable.

Get medical certificates quickly and easily from click clinic

Click Clinic makes the process of getting an online medical certificate quick and easy. Simply on fill out the form our website and, if it’s approved, your online medical certificate will be emailed to you. We list our standard turnaround time as within 48 hours, but it is usually much faster than this. This whole process can be done right from your bed, so you don’t have to drive to a GP clinic when you’re feeling unwell to get a certificate for work. Contact us today if you would like any more details.