How to Get a Medical Certificate Online in Australia (2026)
Woke up sick and need a medical certificate for work? You don't need to drag yourself to a waiting room. Here's how to get a legitimate medical certificate online in minutes.
Your Options for Getting a Medical Certificate Online
In Australia, you have several options for getting a medical certificate without visiting a clinic in person:
1. Telehealth GP Services
Services like Instant Consult, Qoctor, and 13SICK offer video consultations with doctors. These typically cost $40-80 and require a 15-30 minute video call. Good for when you need a prescription or have a more complex condition.
2. Pharmacist Certificate Services (Fastest)
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, registered pharmacists can issue medical certificates for personal leave and carer's leave. Services like SorryBoss offer phone consultations with AHPRA-registered pharmacists — no video required, certificate emailed in minutes.
3. After-Hours Doctor Home Visits
Services like 13SICK can send a doctor to your home. This is the most expensive option ($60-120) and wait times can be 1-3 hours. Best for when you actually need medical treatment, not just a certificate.
Best for Speed: Pharmacist Certificates
If you just need a certificate for 1-2 days of personal leave or carer's leave, a pharmacist certificate is the fastest and most affordable option. Phone consultation takes 5 minutes, and the certificate is emailed immediately.
How to Get a Medical Certificate on SorryBoss
Here's the step-by-step process:
- Go to sorryboss.com.au and click "Get Your Cert"
Fill in your details: name, date of birth, phone number, and symptoms. This takes about 2 minutes. - Choose your preferred call time
Select when you'd like the pharmacist to call you. Can be immediately or within a few hours. - Complete payment authorization
Your card is authorized for $13.99 but only charged if a certificate is issued. No cert = no charge. - Receive your phone call
Our AHPRA-registered pharmacist calls you for a quick assessment. No video — stay in bed, no need to look presentable. - Certificate emailed instantly
If the pharmacist assesses you as unfit for work, your Absence from Work Certificate is emailed immediately as a PDF.
Is an Online Medical Certificate Legitimate?
Yes — as long as it's from a registered health practitioner. Under section 107(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009:
A certificate from a registered health practitioner constitutes evidence that the employee was entitled to personal leave or carer's leave.
This includes certificates from registered pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and other AHPRA-registered practitioners — whether issued in person or via telehealth.
When to Choose Each Option
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Cold/flu, need 1-2 days off | Pharmacist certificate |
| Need a prescription | Telehealth GP |
| Serious symptoms | GP or emergency |
| Need 3+ days off | GP visit |
| WorkCover claim | GP visit |
| Carer's leave for family member | Pharmacist certificate |
Common Questions
Do I need a Medicare card?
Not for pharmacist certificates. Since it's not a Medicare-subsidised service, you don't need your Medicare details.
Can I get a certificate on weekends?
Yes — SorryBoss operates 7 days a week. No need to wait until Monday.
What if the pharmacist can't issue a certificate?
If the pharmacist assesses that a certificate isn't appropriate (e.g., symptoms require a doctor), you won't be charged. They'll recommend you see a GP instead.
How quickly will I receive the certificate?
The PDF is emailed within seconds of the call ending. You can forward it to your employer immediately.
Get your certificate in 5 minutes
Phone consult from bed. AHPRA pharmacist. $13.99 — only if issued.
Get Your Certificate →