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A medical certificate generally identifies the patient, the issuing practitioner and the period the person is considered unfit or has restricted capacity. The exact wording and information included are determined by the doctor based on the consultation and the purpose of the certificate.

An online medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner after a genuine consultation can be used as supporting medical evidence. Acceptance and any additional documentation requirements depend on the employer, university, insurer or other organisation receiving it.

A GP may certify a prior period or multiple days if, after assessing your circumstances, they consider the requested dates clinically appropriate. This is not automatic, and the doctor may decline dates they cannot support with the information available during the consultation.

Check the current evidence policy, form or instructions provided by your employer, university, insurer or other organisation. If they require specific information, tell the GP during your consultation. The receiving organisation ultimately decides whether the evidence meets its requirements.