Do I Need a Medical Certificate for COVID?
A medical certificate is not always necessary if you have contracted COVID. However, there are certain instances where it’s required or will come in handy if you are claiming your sick leave entitlement. If you’re sick with coronavirus symptoms, such as a sore throat or fever, and need to take sick leave from work, your employer might ask for a medical certificate.
Some employers may accept a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result as enough evidence for sick leave, especially during high-risk periods of the pandemic. However, others might require a medical certificate from a healthcare professional or a PCR test confirmation.
For further information, it’s best to check your workplace’s sick leave policy or consult with HR. The Fair Work Ombudsman also provides guidelines on sick leave related to COVID-19, which can offer further clarity.
If you need a medical certificate for COVID-19, get it easily and conveniently at Instant Consult. Our telehealth platform connects you with fully qualified medical practitioners so you can get a medical certificate without leaving home.
Please be aware: Doctors do not backdate Medical Certificates and will not issue a Medical Certificate covering more than 3 days. The details issued on the Medical Certificate are up to the doctor and what they deem suitable during consultation. In some cases, a doctor can add additional information to the medical certificate certifying that the period of illness occurred prior to the consultation date. This must be requested during the consultation and is always up to the doctor’s discretion as to whether they deem it to be appropriate.
Legal Requirements for Personal Leave Due to Covid
In Australia, the legal requirements for personal leave due to COVID-19 are guided by workplace laws and public health guidelines.
Here’s an overview of the Australian Fair Work guidelines for COVID-19 sick leave:
- Eligibility and Entitlement: Full-time and part-time employees in Australia are generally entitled to paid sick leave if they are unable to work due to COVID-19.
- Evidence for Sick Leave: Employers may require evidence, such as a medical online certificate, a statutory declaration, or a positive COVID-19 test result, to approve sick leave.
- Casual Employees: Usually, casual employees do not have paid sick leave entitlements, but they may be eligible for casual loading or other forms of leave.
- Self-Isolation and Quarantine: Employees who are required to self-isolate or quarantine as per public health guidelines are entitled to paid sick leave.
- Notification and Communication: Employees should inform their employer about their need for sick leave as soon as possible, including the likely duration of absence.
- Carer’s Leave: If an employee needs to care for a family member with COVID-19, they can use their carer’s leave entitlement, which is part of their personal leave. If they have no more paid leaves, they can take up to 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave on each occasion.
Remember, every workplace has different policies on sick leave and COVID prevention protocols. If you can’t obtain a sick leave, you may also request a work-from-home arrangement with your employer.
How to Get Medical Certificate for
Covid-19 Online?
Getting an online medical certificate for COVID-19 through Instant Consult is simple. Just sign up on the Instant Consult app, book a telehealth consultation, discuss your symptoms and test results with a doctor, and receive your medical certificate in your inbox right after the consultation. The process is quick and convenient, taking only four steps.
Medical Certificates and Vaccinations
Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is great, but it doesn’t change some of the basic rules at work. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you may still need a medical certificate in certain situations. Here’s why:
- Sick Leave: If you’re sick and can’t work, your employer might ask for a certificate. This is true regardless of your vaccination status.
- Proof of Illness: Sometimes, you may still exhibit symptoms even if you are vaccinated. A medical certificate proves you’re really sick, and going to work will only put your unvaccinated colleagues at risk.
- Workplace Policy: Some workplaces require medical certificates for every sick leave, regardless of your illness. They apply to everyone, vaccinated or not. This can apply for multiple days sometimes up to 3.
- Public Health: A COVID-19 medical certificate not only shows you are sick. It may also be necessary to show that you have recovered and are no longer at risk of infecting your colleagues.
Download the App
Simply visit the Australian App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) to download the Instant Consult App for free.
Once downloaded, simply register your details, agree to the terms and conditions and login! Don’t have an iPhone or Android? Sign Up Here
Instant Consult can be used with your Google Chrome or Safari web browser on any tablet, laptop or computer. If you are using an iPhone, iPad or Android phone you must download the app. You will also need a camera and speakers connected/installed on your device, and access to either a WiFi connection or a mobile data connection.
Why Should You Get a COVID Medical Certificate Online?
Yes, you can get a COVID medical certificate in an in-person consultation, but getting it online is much better because:
- It’s Convenient: You don’t need to leave home. This is great if you’re feeling unwell or need to self-isolate.
- Quick Access to Doctors: Online services often have shorter wait times. You can see a health professional sooner.
- Safety First: Avoiding clinics reduces your risk of spreading or catching the virus. This is especially important during a pandemic.
- Easy Process: Booking and attending an appointment online is straightforward. No need to spend hours in waiting rooms or wait for your GP to become available.
- Documentation Delivered Directly: Your certificate is sent directly to your Instant Consult inbox. No need to pick it up in person.
- Supports Public Health Efforts: By staying home, you’re helping to keep the community safe.
Get Your COVID Medical Certificate at Instant Consult
Instant Consult is a top choice for COVID medical certificates. Here’s why:
- Round-the-Clock Availability: Our doctors are available from 6 AM to midnight AEST every single day. This means you can get help whenever you need it, day or night, be it on a weekend or a public holiday.
- Fast Service: Consultations are quick. Seeing a doctor takes no more than 15 minutes.
- Qualified Professionals: Our doctors are fully qualified and AHPRA-registered. This means any certificate they issue is as valid as any you would get in a face-to-face consultation.
- Instant Certificates: If everything is in order, you get your certificate immediately. It’s sent straight to your Instant Consult inbox, and you will stay there until you opt to delete it.
- Nationwide Service: No matter where you are in Australia – from the bustling cities of Melbourne to rural and aboriginal communities – you can use Instant Consult. All you need is a phone or a laptop and a stable internet connection.
- Comprehensive Care: More than just certificates, our fully qualified doctors can also provide health advice on various health issues as well as issue online Australian prescriptions, specialist referrals, blood test requests, and even X-ray requests.
Community of Doctors
Australian registered, fully qualified, insured and experienced Doctors right at your fingertips ready for an instant online consult