A sick note is an official document that confirms you have fallen ill, or that you have suffered from an injury or accident. It is usually signed by a doctor, but can also be signed by other medical professionals.
What is a medical certificate?
A medical certificate is a document that confirms you have fallen ill or suffered from an injury or accident. It is usually signed by a doctor, but can also be signed by other medical professionals such as nurses and physiotherapists.
A doctor will normally provide you with a medical certificate if:
- You cannot work because of illness or injury; or
- You need time off work to recover from illness or injury; or
- If you are pregnant and need time off for antenatal care (pregnancy-related visits); or
- Your child needs time off school for treatment for illness or injury;
You can also apply for a sick note if your employer requires one as part of their sickness absence policy.
What can you do with a Medical Certificate?
A Medical Certificate is one of the most important documents you’ll need when working in South Africa. It can be used to:
- Get an extension on your work contract
- Get medical leave
- Apply for sick pay (if applicable)
- Get a refund from your health insurance company if they refuse to pay out
How to get a Medical Certificate in South Africa
You can get a medical certificate from your doctor. If you cannot get a medical certificate, then you can contact the South African Medical Association (SAMA) to get one.
If you cannot get a medical certificate and need to travel immediately, then here is how to do so:
A sick note is an official document that confirms you have fallen ill, or that you have suffered from an injury or accident. It is usually signed by a doctor, but can also be signed by other medical professionals.
A sick note will typically state:
- When the illness or injury occurred
- How long it lasted (how many days you took off work)
- What treatment was received (if any) and what condition was diagnosed
Conclusion
If you need a medical certificate, then there are several ways to go about getting one. You could ask your doctor or another medical professional to provide one for you, or you can apply for an official document online.
