What is a medical certificate?
A medical certificate is a formal document issued by a registered health practitioner such as a GP, nurse practitioner or registered nurse. It confirms you have a health condition that affects your ability to work, study, drive or access a specific entitlement. The most common type is a sick note for short-term illness, but certificates are also issued for WINZ, ACC, driver licencing and general consultations.
Under the Holidays Act 2003, registered nurses can issue medical certificates within their scope of practice, which is how Tend delivers online certificates without you needing a doctor’s appointment.
Tend is unable to provide medical certificates for Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) online.
What types of medical certificates are there?
At Tend we provide several different types of medical certificates.
Online medical certificates
Request same-day medical certificates for minor illnesses. These can be requested via the app or web. Once requested, a nurse will call you, and if approved, your medical certificate will be emailed through to you.
Other medical certificates
These medical certificates are issued during a booked consultation only.
- Work-capacity medical certificates for WINZ (in-clinic only)
- ACC medical certificates related to an injury
How do I get an online medical certificate / sick note?
The quickest way to request a medical certificate for a minor illness is via the Tend app or website. Once signed into the app or website;
- Click 'Get a medical certificate'
- Select how you'd like to request a medical certificate, either via the Tend app or via the website
- Download the app or log into the web portal
- Follow the instructions and complete the questions about your current state of health
- A nurse will call to check you're okay and that you don't need further medical care
- You'll get your medical certificate by email, usually within 2 hours!
This service is available nationwide 7 days a week and medical certificates can be issued for up to 7 consecutive days.
What is the online medical certificate service not suitable for?
The online medical certificate service cannot be used for:
❌ ACC certificates related to an injury
❌ WINZ work-capacity or Disability Allowance certificates
❌ Extensions of an existing medical certificate
❌ Situations where you need medication or a referral
❌ Driver licencing certificates
For ACC, book a GP consult via the Tend app. For WINZ, book an in-clinic appointment.
How much does an online medical certificate cost?
The cost for an online medical certificate is cheaper than seeing a doctor. Your fee depends on whether you are enrolled with Tend, and if you have a CSC (Community Services Card).
When do you need a medical certificate?
Under the Holidays Act 2003, your employer can ask for a medical certificate any time you take three or more consecutive days of sick leave. They can also ask for one earlier than three days, but in that case they need to cover the reasonable cost of getting the certificate.
Common situations where you'll need one:
- Sick leave at work (three or more consecutive days)
- Looking after a dependant who’s unwell, your employer can ask for a certificate for them
- Missed exams, assignments or unit standards at school, polytech or university
- Cancelled flights, events or bookings with a medical policy
- Applying for or renewing a WINZ benefit, Disability Allowance or Supported Living Payment
- An ACC claim for a workplace or accident-related injury
Who can issue a medical certificate in NZ?
In New Zealand, medical certificates can be issued by a range of registered health practitioners working within their scope of practice:
- Registered nurses are authorised under the Holidays Act 2003 to issue sick notes for short-term illness. This is how Tend’s online service works.
- General practitioners (GPs) can issue any type of medical certificate, including WINZ work-capacity, ACC, driver licencing and immigration medicals.
- Nurse practitioners have the same authority as GPs for most certificate types.
- Pharmacists can issue medical certificates for minor ailments in some situations, but with a narrower scope than a nurse or doctor.
- Physiotherapists, dentists and midwives can issue certificates within their specific scope (e.g. a physio can certify incapacity related to an injury they’re treating).
Work-capacity medical certificates for WINZ
WINZ certificates cannot be requested through the online medical certificate service. You must be enrolled and these must be completed in-clinic.
We cannot issue WINZ certificates online and you must be enrolled with Tend. The appointment is 15 minutes and must be done in the clinic. You can book this assessment via the app under Services.
A work-capacity medical certificate (WCMC) is the certificate WINZ asks for when you're applying for or staying on a benefit that requires proof you can't work. This includes Jobseeker Support with a health condition, Supported Living Payment, or a deferred work test. Your GP or nurse practitioner completes the WCMC form during a consultation and assesses how long your condition is likely to affect your capacity.
Medical certificates for Disability Allowance
This certificate cannot be requested through the online medical certificate service. It needs to be completed in-clinic with a GP or nurse practitioner.
A Disability Allowance medical certificate is a specific form (MSD6) completed by your GP or nurse practitioner that confirms you have a long-term health condition or disability and lists the ongoing costs related to it. Things like prescriptions, specialist visits, travel to appointments, food and extra heating. WINZ uses this form to assess whether you qualify for the Disability Allowance, which helps cover those costs up to a weekly cap.
To get yours sorted, book an in-clinic appointment through the Tend app or call your local Tend clinic. You'll need to bring: your current medications and health costs, any specialist letters, and the MSD6 form from Work and Income.
ACC medical certificates
ACC certificates cannot be requested through the online medical certificate service. These are issued during a GP consultation, either online or in-clinic.
When you have your appointment with your clinician (either online or in-clinic) you can discuss your medical certificate needs.
Is a medical certificate guaranteed?
No. A medical certificate is not guaranteed, but in most online circumstances, requests will be approved. Online medical certificates are clinically-assessed by registered nurses. The issuing of the medical certificate is at the discretion of the nurse. The Holidays Act (2003) enables health practitioners, such as registered nurses, to issue sick notes within the scope of their practice.
Medical certificates during a general consultation
You can also request a medical certificate if you see a doctor in-clinic or online for a general consult. If issued, we’ll email it to you. Simple!
Frequently asked questions
For three or more consecutive days, you usually pay yourself. A Tend online medical certificate starts at $34.95 for enrolled patients and $39.95 for casual patients.
Children under 14 enrolled with Tend are free.
