What Employers Typically Look For
Most Kiwi employers will accept a medical certificate that includes:
The name of the issuing doctor
Their NZ medical registration number
A clear statement that the patient is unfit for work
Start and end dates of recommended leave
The date the certificate was issued
What it doesn’t need to include is your diagnosis — and that’s to protect your privacy. As long as the information confirms unfitness for work, it’s usually enough to satisfy HR requirements.
Online services like Pocket Lab’s online medical certificates meet these exact standards.
What About Schools and Universities?
Tertiary institutions across NZ — including polytechs and universities — now routinely accept digital medical certificates for:
Missed assessments or exams
Deferred coursework
Special consideration or extensions
Like employers, they need official documentation but don’t require a clinic visit. In fact, many universities explicitly allow online telehealth certificates as part of their wellbeing policies.
Just make sure to check your institution’s guidelines — most have a process for uploading or emailing your certificate securely.
Common Situations Where an Online Certificate Works
Here are a few scenarios where I’ve seen online medical certificates used (and accepted):
A student with gastro needing to skip an exam
A retail employee calling in sick for a weekend shift
A remote contractor unable to attend a site meeting
A corporate worker on stress leave needing documentation
In all of these, the key was that the request was reasonable, the condition didn’t require in-person examination, and the certificate was issued by a registered doctor.
What to Watch Out For
Not all providers are created equal. To make sure your certificate is accepted:
Avoid overseas providers not authorised in NZ
Ensure the certificate includes a medical registration number
Use a known platform with verifiable credentials
Don’t falsify information — doctors may follow up with questions
If your employer or school wants to verify the document, the issuing platform should be able to confirm it directly.
Final Word
Online medical certificates are widely accepted across New Zealand — provided they meet legal and professional standards. For everyday illnesses, stress leave, or short absences, they’re a practical way to keep your responsibilities covered without dragging yourself to a clinic.
