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Your options

When you need a medical certificate, what are your options?

There is no single right way to get a medical certificate in Australia. Your circumstances decide the best fit. Here is a calm comparison of the five main paths, with no pressure to pick ours.

01

Visit your regular GP

When it works

For an examination, ongoing care, monitoring or a certificate request that benefits from your existing medical history.

When it does not

When you cannot attend the available appointment. Ask whether your clinic offers a suitable telehealth appointment.

Typical costCheck the clinic fee, Medicare rebate and bulk-billing eligibility.
Typical timeCheck current appointment availability and allow for travel.
02

Walk-in clinic or Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

When it works

For an urgent but non-life-threatening illness or injury that needs in-person assessment.

When it does not

For life-threatening emergencies, call 000. A Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is not a substitute for routine GP appointments or ongoing care.

Typical costMedicare Urgent Care Clinics bulk bill. Other walk-in clinics set their own fees.
Typical timeNo appointment is needed at Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. Waiting depends on demand and clinical urgency.
03

Online medical-certificate request

When it works

For a short absence when your request can be assessed remotely and a physical examination is not needed.

When it does not

When an examination, tests or urgent care are needed. Check the provider's scope and refund terms.

Typical costInstantMed certificates from $24.95. No Medicare required. Full refund if the doctor declines.
Typical timeSubmit a secure form. Eligible certificates may complete under the approved protocol; concerning or uncertain requests go to a doctor. Review timing varies.
04

Statutory declaration

When it works

When a declaration meets the evidence requirements for your leave request.

When it does not

When you need medical assessment or a specific clinical document.

Typical costCheck the chosen process. The myGov digital Commonwealth declaration service is free.
Typical timeUse the required form with an approved witness, or the eligible digital myGov process without a witness.
05

Self-certification with your employer

When it works

When your employer's policy allows you to report an absence without obtaining a separate document.

When it does not

When your circumstances require other evidence. Check the applicable workplace policy.

Typical costNo medical consultation fee.
Typical timeFollow your employer's absence notification process.

Routine absence evidence, reviewed under workplace policy

Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), s 107, employees may be asked for evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person. A certificate from an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner can support that evidence review.

Employer policies may vary. High-stakes requests such as compensation, return-to-work clearance, court, or exam-deferral documents need their own assessment pathway.

Common questions

Can an online medical certificate support a leave request?

A medical certificate can support sick or carer's leave. Fair Work also recognises statutory declarations as examples of evidence. The evidence must satisfy a reasonable person; check your applicable award, agreement and workplace requirements.

When should I see an in-person GP instead of using telehealth?

Choose in-person care when you need a physical examination, tests, ongoing care or an assessment that cannot be completed safely online. For a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

Can I use a statutory declaration?

Check the evidence needed for your circumstances. A statutory declaration may be suitable, but it does not provide a clinical assessment or replace medical care.

Are walk-in clinics faster than booking my regular GP?

Availability and waiting times vary with the clinic, demand and clinical urgency. Check current options directly. Online care avoids travel when suitable, but does not guarantee a faster outcome.

How can I compare costs?

Ask a clinic for its consultation fee, any Medicare rebate and bulk-billing eligibility. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide bulk-billed urgent care. InstantMed's medical-certificate fee is displayed before payment; Medicare is not required.

Do statutory declarations always need a witness?

A Commonwealth statutory declaration can be made with an approved witness, or digitally through myGov with a linked Digital Identity. The digital myGov process does not require a witness. Check which declaration format the recipient needs.

Sources and current details

Checked 2 October 2026. Clinic fees, availability and evidence requirements vary.

If online telehealth fits your situation

Eligible certificates may complete under the approved protocol. Concerning or uncertain requests go to a doctor. You receive a PDF certificate if approved. Full refund if the doctor declines.

See how an online certificate works

Or call your GP, drop into a walk-in clinic, or ask your employer about self-certification. Choose the option that meets your care and evidence needs.