Legal guide · Updated July 2026
Are online medical certificates legal in Australia?
Short answer: yes. An online medical certificate issued by an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor is legally valid and must be accepted by employers, schools and government agencies just like a certificate issued in person.
The legal basis
Under section 107 of the Fair Work Act 2009, employees must give their employer evidence that "would satisfy a reasonable person" of the reason for their leave. The Act does not require the certificate to be issued in person and does not specify the format.
What makes a medical certificate valid?
- Issued by a registered medical practitioner (AHPRA-registered in Australia)
- States the patient's name and dates they were unfit for work
- Signed and dated by the practitioner
- Includes the practitioner's registration number
Every Medibyte certificate meets all four requirements and adds a unique verification code employers can check against our public register.
Telehealth is explicitly recognised
The Medical Board of Australia's Telehealth Consultations with Patients guidelines confirm that a doctor may consult a patient by phone or video and issue any documentation arising from that consult, including a medical certificate, provided the standard of care matches an in-person consult. Medicare has funded telehealth consultations Australia-wide since 2020.
Can my employer refuse it?
No — provided the certificate is genuine and issued by a registered practitioner, your employer must accept it. Refusing a valid certificate can breach the Fair Work Act and, in some cases, constitute adverse action. If an employer is unsure the certificate is real, the correct step is to verify it — not to reject it. Medibyte certificates can be verified in seconds at medibyte.com.au/verify.
When telehealth isn't appropriate
Some situations require an in-person examination and are outside the scope of any online service — including work-related injuries (which need a Certificate of Capacity), pre-employment medicals, fit-to-fly assessments, and any potentially serious symptom that needs hands-on examination. See our FAQs for the full list.
Need a certificate now?
From $10. Reviewed by an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor, emailed to you within hours.
Request a certificateFrequently asked questions
Are online medical certificates legal in Australia?
Yes. A medical certificate issued after a telehealth consultation by an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor has the same legal standing as one issued in person, and satisfies the 'evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person' requirement under section 107 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
Does the Fair Work Act allow online medical certificates?
Yes. The Fair Work Act does not specify the format of medical evidence or require an in-person consultation. Any certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner is acceptable evidence for personal / carer's leave.
Can my employer reject an online medical certificate?
An employer can only reject a certificate if it is not from a registered practitioner or is clearly fraudulent. A valid, signed certificate from an AHPRA-registered doctor — including one issued via telehealth — must be accepted.
Do I have to disclose my illness on the certificate?
No. A medical certificate only needs to state that you were unfit for work for the specified dates. The diagnosis remains confidential between you and the doctor.
How does an employer verify an online certificate?
Every Medibyte certificate includes a unique verification code. Employers can confirm authenticity on our public Verify page using the code and the employee's date of birth.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your specific circumstances please consult a lawyer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.