Updated: 19/08/2026
If you are searching for an online medical certificate in Australia, you have likely come across both OnCare Health and Updoc. These are two of the most well-known platforms offering sick and carer’s leave certificates.
Both platforms offer convenience, but a question that comes up regularly is: are Updoc medical certificates legit, and how do they compare to OnCare Health? In this comparison, we will discuss the differences between these two services and help you make an informed decision.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, an employer can request evidence that satisfies a “reasonable person” that an employee was genuinely entitled to take sick or carer’s leave, even when the absence is for just one day. A medical certificate is one form of evidence that can be used to support this requirement.
Medical certificates are generally issued by registered healthcare professionals who can assess symptoms and provide certification where it falls within the scope of their practice. Both OnCare Health and Updoc follow this professional and legal framework, with their certificates widely accepted by employers and educational institutions across Australia.
OnCare Health specialises in providing sick and carer’s leave certificates for work and university. Our focus is on making the certificate process as straightforward and affordable as possible.
Cost: $12.99 with requests submitted and processed online and $20.99 for phone consultations, if you would prefer to speak with a practitioner directly.
Processing time: Once a request is approved by the reviewing practitioner, the certificate is sent to your email. Processing times can vary, but certificates are generally issued within a few minutes after approval.
Scope: OnCare Health provides certificates for sick leave, carer’s leave, and university leave, along with access to telehealth consultations. With every certificate, you will receive practical self-care advice and clear guidance on when to consult a doctor, speak with a pharmacist, or visit a pharmacy in person.
Process: The process is fully online. You complete a structured questionnaire and make a secure payment. Your request is then reviewed by an AHPRA-registered health practitioner. If, in the practitioner’s professional clinical judgment, the information provided supports the need for a certificate, the practitioner may approve your request. If further information is needed to make a decision, the practitioner may also request additional details from you.
OnCare Health is designed for people who need a certificate for minor, short-term health issues rather than complex or ongoing medical conditions. If you have a condition that requires ongoing care, we recommend consulting your GP.
All personal and health information submitted through OnCare Health is stored on encrypted servers. Our platform operates in full compliance with Australian privacy regulations, and your information is not shared beyond what is required for the certificate review process.
If you require a certificate to be issued by a specific type of medical practitioner we can help. Contact the OnCare Health support team at support@oncarehealth.com.au, and we can assist you based on practitioner availability.
Updoc is a full-service telehealth platform that goes beyond medical certificates. While you can get a certificate through Updoc, the service offers a broader range of healthcare options, including prescriptions, specialist referrals, and consultations for various health concerns.
Cost: A one-time medical certificate consultation costs $39.95. Updoc also offers subscription plans starting at $19.95 per month for “unlimited” certificate consults, though fair-use terms apply.
Processing time: Most medical certificate consultations are reviewed within an hour, although response times can vary depending on demand. According to Updoc, if a partner practitioner does not get to your request on the day, you may receive a call the following day.
Scope: Along with medical certificates, Updoc provides access to prescriptions, specialist referrals, pathology and radiology referrals, health checks, and support for weight management.
Process: You complete an online form. An AHPRA-registered partner practitioner then reviews your request. They have complete discretion to determine if a certificate is appropriate and may follow up with additional questions if needed.
With Updoc, a certificate is not guaranteed. The partner practitioner uses their clinical discretion to decide if a certificate is appropriate for your situation. Subscription plans are subject to fair-use policies, so their “unlimited” certificate service comes with conditions.
Updoc claims that its service is used by thousands of Australians every day, which reflects the platform’s reach across the country. For specific information about the medical certificates Updoc issues, you can visit their medical certificate page directly.
| Feature | OnCare Health | Updoc |
|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | Sick leave, carer’s leave, and university leave certificates along with telehealth services | Full telehealth platform with certificates, prescriptions, referrals, and broader consultations |
Cost | $12.99 per certificate | $39.95 per certificate (one-off) or $19.95 per month subscription |
Process | Simple online questionnaire, certificate in minutes if approved | Online form + doctor review, generally within 60 minutes |
Scope | Certificates, doctor consultation, prescription, referrals | Certificates plus prescriptions, referrals, and comprehensive health consultations |
Considerations | No backdating; multi-day certificates require discretion | Certificate not guaranteed; doctor discretion applies; subscription subject to fair-use |
Best For | Reliable, quick, affordable certificate, along with access to doctor consultation, prescription, referral | Frequent users or those who may need multi-day certificates. |
At OnCare Health, each certificate request is reviewed by an AHPRA-registered health practitioner. At Updoc, requests are reviewed by partner practitioners who are also AHPRA-registered. In both cases, the practitioner uses their clinical judgement to determine whether a certificate is appropriate.
Neither platform guarantees that a certificate will be issued. If the information provided is incomplete, inconsistent, or does not support the need for time away from work or study, the practitioner may decline the request based on their clinical judgment.
Yes. Updoc medical certificates are legitimate when issued by an AHPRA-registered partner practitioner following a proper clinical assessment. The certificates comply with Australian workplace and educational requirements and can be used as valid proof of absence for work, school, or university purposes.
Moreover, Updoc is a trusted and reputable platform that works with highly qualified healthcare professionals. These professionals follow ethical and legal guidelines when issuing certificates, ensuring that the documents are legitimate.
Both services provide valid medical certificates accepted by Australian employers. However, some workplace agreements or awards may require certificates from a specific medical practitioner, such as a doctor. Please check your employment terms or consult with your HR department if you are unsure.
OnCare Health certificates are generally issued within minutes of the request being approved. Under Updoc’s certificates are issued within 60 minutes.
Yes. OnCare Health offers certificates specifically for carer’s leave, for situations where you need to take time off to care for an immediate family member or household member. Updoc also supports carer’s leave requests through its telehealth platform.
Both OnCare Health and Updoc can be accessed via any mobile phone with an internet connection. Updoc also has a dedicated mobile app. OnCare Health’s online form is mobile-friendly and does not require an app download.
OnCare Health stores all personal and health information on encrypted servers, in full compliance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988. Your information is not used for any purpose beyond processing your certificate request. Updoc handles data in accordance with its own privacy policy.
So, are Updoc medical certificates legit? Yes, they are. Both Updoc and OnCare Health provide legitimate online medical certificates, issued by AHPRA-registered practitioners, and both operate within the legal framework established by the Fair Work Act 2009.
The right choice depends on what you need. If you need a certificate for a single day of sick leave, carer’s leave, or university absence, OnCare Health offers a straightforward, affordable option at $12.99. OnCare Health also provides access to doctor consultations if you need to discuss your symptoms or require further medical advice. If you need ongoing telehealth support, Updoc offers a broader range of telehealth services.
