9 FAQs About Medical Certificate
Q1. What is an absence from work certificate?
An absence from work certificate is a type of medical certificate that confirms you are unfit to attend work due to illness or injury. It is often used as proof when requesting sick leave from your employer.
Q2. Can a medical certificate be backdated?
No, doctors cannot legally backdate a medical certificate. They can only certify your condition from the date of consultation onward.
Instant Consult Doctors do not backdate Medical Certificates and cannot issue a Medical Certificate covering more than 3 days. The details issued on the Medical Certificate is up to the doctor and what they deem suitable during consultation.
Q3. Can a medical certificate be handwritten?
Yes, a medical certificate can be handwritten as long as it includes the required details (doctor’s information, patient’s name, dates covered, and signature). Most clinics now issue typed certificates, but handwritten versions are still valid.
Q4. Who can issue a medical certificate?
In Australia, a medical certificate can be issued by a registered medical practitioner such as a GP, specialist, or, in some cases, a nurse practitioner. Pharmacists can only issue limited absence-from-work certificates for minor conditions.
Q5. How many sick days can you take without a doctor’s certificate in Australia?
This depends on your workplace policy and employment agreement. Many employers allow 1–2 days of sick leave without a certificate, but they can request a medical certificate for any absence, even just one day.
**At Instant Consult, our Doctors cannot issue a medical certificate for more than 3 days.
Q6. Can a pharmacist issue a medical certificate in Australia?
Yes, pharmacists can issue an “absence from work” certificate, but only for minor ailments and usually limited to up to two days. For more serious conditions or longer leave, you’ll need a doctor’s certificate.
Q7. Can an employer refuse a medical certificate?
Generally, no. A valid medical certificate issued by a registered healthcare professional is considered sufficient proof of illness. However, an employer may question it if the certificate looks suspicious or does not meet workplace requirements.
Q8. Can Chemist Warehouse issue an absence from work certificate?
Yes, Chemist Warehouse pharmacists can issue an absence from work certificate for minor health conditions or injuries, typically covering up to two days. However, acceptance depends on your employer’s policy, as some may only recognise certificates from doctors. Chemist Warehouse also partners with Instant Consult, allowing you to obtain a doctor-issued medical certificate online via telehealth if required.
Q9. How to get a medical certificate?
You can get a medical certificate by visiting a GP, attending a telehealth consultation, or in some cases, through a pharmacist for short absences. Online platforms like Instant Consult make it easy to connect with an Australian-registered doctor and receive a certificate digitally.
