When you are feeling under the weather and need a day off work or school, a sick note is your proof that the absence was genuine. Traditionally that meant dragging yourself to the doctor’s rooms, exactly when you least feel like it. The good news is that in South Africa you can now get a valid medical certificate online, from the comfort of your bed. Here is how it works, when you actually need one, and what makes it legally valid.
In short: An online sick note is just as valid as one from an in-person visit, as long as it is issued by a registered doctor who has genuinely assessed you. With Bloom’s Health4Me health insurance and our Hello Doctor partnership, you can consult a doctor by chat, phone or video and receive your sick note by email, often within minutes.
What is a sick note?
A sick note, also called a medical certificate, is an official document from a doctor confirming that you were ill or had a medical reason to miss work or school. It is proof to your employer or institution that your absence was justified. In South Africa, a digital sick note carries exactly the same weight as a paper one, provided it comes from a registered medical practitioner, and it can be emailed straight to you while you rest.
When do you legally need a sick note in South Africa?
Sick leave is governed by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). Under it, your employer is not obliged to pay you for sick leave if you have been absent:
- for more than two consecutive days, or
- on more than two occasions in an eight-week period
…unless you provide a medical certificate. In other words, for a single day off you often won’t need one, but if your absence crosses those thresholds, a valid sick note protects your pay. As for how much sick leave you get: over a 36-month cycle you are entitled to the number of days you would normally work in a six-week period (around 30 days for many full-time employees), while in your first six months it is one day’s paid sick leave for every 26 days worked. Your employment contract or company policy may set additional rules, so it is always worth checking.
Are online sick notes legal in South Africa?
Yes. A sick note obtained online is legal and recognised by employers and institutions, as long as it is issued by a licensed medical practitioner following a proper assessment. South Africa’s telehealth guidelines allow doctors to consult and, where appropriate, issue certificates remotely. The key word is assessment: the certificate is issued at the doctor’s discretion after they have genuinely evaluated your condition, which is what keeps it both legal and trustworthy.
What makes a sick note valid?
Whether issued in person or online, a valid medical certificate should include:
| The name, qualification and registration details of a practitioner registered with a recognised professional council (such as the HPCSA) |
| The practice name and contact details |
| The date of the consultation or examination |
| A statement that you were examined and, in the doctor’s opinion, unfit for work, along with the period of incapacity |
| The doctor’s signature (a digital signature is fine) |
Your specific diagnosis can stay confidential, the note simply needs to confirm that you were assessed and were unfit to work for the stated period.
How to get a sick note online with Hello Doctor
For Health4Me members, consulting a doctor online through Hello Doctor is quick and straightforward:
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Log in. Open the Hello Doctor app or website and sign in. |
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Request an assessment. Tell them how you are feeling so a doctor can review your symptoms. |
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Consult a registered doctor. Connect by chat, phone or video call, whichever suits you. |
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Receive your sick note. If the doctor agrees one is needed, your certificate is emailed to you, complete with their signature and practice details. |
The benefits of getting a sick note online
- Convenience: no queues or crowded waiting rooms, you rest while you recover.
- Speed: once your consultation is done, your note can arrive by email in minutes.
- Access anywhere: from a city flat to a remote town, all you need is an internet connection.
- Who it’s for: employees verifying time off, and students excusing class absences, with short or extended leave based on the doctor’s assessment.
What does an online sick note cost?
An in-person GP visit can cost roughly R400 to R600 for a consultation that may only end in a sick note. Online consultations are a far more budget-friendly route, and for Health4Me members they are unlimited and included in your plan, so there is no extra charge to obtain your sick note.
| Option | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| In-person GP visit | Around R400–R600 per consultation |
| Hello Doctor (Health4Me members) | Unlimited online consultations included in your plan |
When you should see a doctor in person
An online consultation is perfect for everyday illnesses, but some symptoms need hands-on care. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a high fever that won’t settle, or anything that feels like an emergency, see a doctor in person or go to your nearest emergency department straight away. A registered practitioner will always advise you if your condition needs in-person attention.
Frequently asked questions
Is an online sick note legal in South Africa?
Yes. An online sick note is valid and recognised by employers and schools, provided it is issued by a registered medical practitioner who has properly assessed you. It carries the same weight as a certificate from an in-person visit.
When do I legally need a sick note?
Under the BCEA, your employer can withhold paid sick leave if you are absent for more than two consecutive days, or more than twice in an eight-week period, without a medical certificate. For a single day off you often won’t need one, but check your company policy.
Can a doctor give you a sick note online?
Yes. After a consultation by chat, phone or video, a registered doctor can issue a sick note at their discretion if they assess that you are unfit for work. It is then emailed to you with their signature and practice details.
How much does a sick note cost?
An in-person GP visit usually costs around R400 to R600. Online consultations are cheaper, and for Health4Me members they are unlimited and included, so there is no separate charge for your sick note.
How many days of paid sick leave am I entitled to?
Over a 36-month cycle, you are entitled to the number of days you would normally work in six weeks (around 30 days for many full-time staff). In your first six months, it is one day’s paid sick leave for every 26 days worked.
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A doctor in your pocket, whenever you need one With Bloom’s Health4Me health insurance, you get unlimited online doctor consultations through Hello Doctor, so getting medical advice and a sick note is as easy as picking up your phone. Want to see what suits you? Compare Health4Me options or chat to one of our consultants. |
This article is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Sick leave is governed by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, but your employment contract or company policy may add requirements, so check with your employer. Always consult a registered healthcare professional about your health, and seek urgent care in an emergency.
