Guide
Do you need a medical certificate for sick leave?
Short answer: if your employer asks for one, yes. Under the Fair Work Act 2009, an employer can request evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person that you were genuinely unfit for work — and they can ask even for a single day of sick leave. A medical certificate from an AHPRA-registered doctor is the standard way to meet that request, and you can get one online without leaving home.
When can an employer ask for evidence?
The Fair Work Ombudsman is clear on this: an employer may ask for evidence "for as little as one day or less" of personal (sick) leave. There's no minimum number of days before a certificate can be required, and a workplace policy, award or enterprise agreement can set stricter expectations — such as a certificate for any absence, or for leave taken either side of a weekend or public holiday.
If you're asked for evidence and don't provide it, your employer may not have to pay you for that leave. An online medical certificate from a registered Australian doctor counts as evidence in the same way as one from an in-person visit. You can read the Fair Work Ombudsman's guidance at fairwork.gov.au.
One day off — do you still need a certificate?
Sometimes, yes. Many employees search this exact question because the answer feels unfair, but legally an employer can ask even for a single day. Whether they will depends on your workplace: some employers only ask after two or more consecutive days, others ask every time. Check your award, agreement or employment contract — or ask your manager what your workplace expects.
What a Medibyte certificate contains
- • Your name and the dates you were unfit for work
- • The name, signature and AHPRA registration number of the issuing doctor
- • A unique verification code your employer can check on our verify page
In line with medical board guidance, your diagnosis is not printed on the certificate — only that you were unfit for work on the stated dates.
How to get a certificate online
Start the request form and choose Sick Leave at the first step. You'll answer a short questionnaire about your symptoms and the days you need covered — it takes about three minutes. $10 AUD covers a single day and $20 covers 2–5 days.
An AHPRA-registered doctor reviews your request, usually within a few hours during Australian business hours, and emails the signed PDF. If telehealth isn't appropriate for your situation, the request is declined and your payment is refunded in full.
When to see someone in person instead
Telehealth isn't right for everything. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, severe or persistent vomiting, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, or any other severe or worsening symptom, see a GP in person or go to your nearest emergency department. In an emergency call 000.
Need a sick leave certificate today?
Choose Sick Leave on the first step. Most certificates are emailed within hours.
Request a sick leave certificate