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Need a sick note? Compare your options
There are a few ways to get documentation for a short absence from work. See how Sicknotes compares with popular online services and visiting your GP.
Jump to: Comparison table · vs your GP · FAQ
Just need a certificate for a short absence?
Some online services are broader telehealth clinics. They can connect you with a doctor for medical advice, prescriptions, referrals and certificates.
Sicknotes is more focused. Your request is reviewed by an AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist, and it costs just $5. If a certificate can't be issued, you'll receive a full refund.
- Only $5
- No appointment required
- Reviewed by an AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist
- No certificate, no charge
What's the right fit for you?
Sicknotes
Best for a simple short-term work absence certificate.
Just need documentation for 1–2 days off work? This is what Sicknotes is built for.
Online doctor services
Best when you also need medical advice, prescriptions, referrals or broader care.
Updoc, Doccy, Abby Health, Hola Health and Qoctor are broader telehealth clinics.
Your GP
Best when you need diagnosis, treatment, ongoing care or a more complex assessment.
For anything beyond a short absence, your GP is the right place to start.
Sicknotes vs Updoc, Doccy, Abby Health, Hola Health and Qoctor
A side-by-side look at price and what's included, whether you call it an online medical certificate, a sick note, a work certificate or a sick leave certificate.
- Price
- $5
- Work absence certificate
- Absence from Work Certificate
- Carer's leave
- Yes
- Who reviews the request
- AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist
- Certificate delivery
- Emailed
- Certificate options
- Maximum 2 days
- Broader healthcare available
- No, certificates only
- No certificate, no charge
- Yes
UpdocFrom $39.95 per consult$19.95/mo subscription also available
- Work absence certificate
- Medical certificate
- Carer's leave
- Yes
- Who reviews the request
- AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor
- Certificate delivery
- SMS & email
- Certificate options
- Single or multi-day (doctor's discretion)
- Broader healthcare available
- Yes, scripts, referrals & more
- No certificate, no charge
- See provider
Doccy$12.90 (1 day)$28 (2–5 days)
- Work absence certificate
- Medical certificate
- Carer's leave
- Yes
- Who reviews the request
- AHPRA-registered Australian doctor
- Certificate delivery
- Emailed
- Certificate options
- Up to 5 days
- Broader healthcare available
- See provider
- No certificate, no charge
- Non-refundable, per provider's terms
Abby HealthBulk billed (eligible patients)From $27 private
- Work absence certificate
- Medical certificate
- Carer's leave
- Yes
- Who reviews the request
- GP or Nurse Practitioner
- Certificate delivery
- App & email
- Certificate options
- Single or multi-day (clinician's discretion)
- Broader healthcare available
- Yes, scripts, referrals & more
- No certificate, no charge
- See provider
Hola HealthFrom $16.90 (1 day)From $39 (multi-day)
- Work absence certificate
- Medical certificate
- Carer's leave
- Yes
- Who reviews the request
- AHPRA-registered doctor or practitioner
- Certificate delivery
- Emailed
- Certificate options
- Up to 7 days
- Broader healthcare available
- See provider
- No certificate, no charge
- See provider
QoctorFrom $14.99Up to $34.99 (5 days)
- Work absence certificate
- Medical certificate
- Carer's leave
- Yes
- Who reviews the request
- AHPRA-registered Australian doctor
- Certificate delivery
- Downloadable from your account
- Certificate options
- Up to 5 days (GP consult available for longer)
- Broader healthcare available
- Yes, GP consults available
- No certificate, no charge
- Yes, see provider for details
Comparison information checked 14 September 2026. Prices, eligibility and service details can change, so check each provider's website for the latest information.
Ready to request your Absence from Work Certificate?
Request a CertificateStill weighing it up?
Now that you've seen the detail, here's the simplest way to decide.
Ready to request your certificate?
If a short-term Absence from Work Certificate is all you need, Sicknotes is built for exactly that.
Need more than a certificate?
If you also need medical advice, a diagnosis, a prescription or a referral, an online doctor service or your GP may be the better fit.
Dealing with something more complex?
For ongoing care or a more involved assessment, see your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Sicknotes vs your GP
Your GP isn't really a competitor to Sicknotes. It's a different kind of care. Here's how a Sicknotes request compares with seeing your GP for a short-term work absence.
| Comparison criteria | Sicknotes | Your GP |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $5 | Varies |
| Appointment | No appointment required | Usually appointment required |
| Wait time | Usually reviewed within about an hour | Varies, often same day to a few days for an appointment |
| Travel | None, everything is done online | Usually required to attend in person |
| Online | Yes | Depends on practice |
| Short work absence certificate | Yes | Yes |
| Medical advice / diagnosis | No | Yes |
| Prescriptions / treatment | No | Yes |
| Ongoing care | No | Yes |
| No certificate, no charge | Yes | Varies |
Ready to skip the appointment?
Request a CertificateFrequently Asked Questions
How does Sicknotes compare with an online doctor?
Is Sicknotes cheaper than other online certificate services?
Do I need to see a doctor for a work absence certificate?
What is the difference between Sicknotes and my GP?
Who reviews Sicknotes requests?
What happens if Sicknotes cannot issue a certificate?
Can I use Sicknotes for carer's leave?
Request a certificate, without the hassle.
Sicknotes is a simple, focused option when you just need an Absence from Work Certificate for a short-term absence.
Request a CertificateOnly $5 · No certificate, no charge