Legitimate medical certificates (MCs) are issued by Singapore Medical Council (SMC) registered doctors after a proper consultation. This guide explains how DigitalHealth.sg teleconsults work, what makes an MC valid, and when an in-clinic visit is safer.
Last reviewed by Digital Health Clinic: 29 Apr 2026.
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Start for Free (Drs Only)A medical certificate is a medicolegal document that certifies you are unfit for work, school, or physical activity. In Singapore, sick leave under MOM guidance requires certification by a medical practitioner registered under the Medical Registration Act or Dental Registration Act. For DigitalHealth.sg teleconsults, MCs are issued only by SMC-registered doctors after independent clinical judgement. Proper clinical assessment should be done over live two-way video for first-time or diagnostic teleconsults. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “guaranteed MC” or the ability to buy one legitimately in Singapore.
Doctors cannot issue MCs without first assessing you. Requests to backdate MCs, supply rest days “just in case”, or create documentation without symptoms go against the SMC Ethical Code and will be declined.
Every DigiMC we issue is generated through mc.gov.sg and contains:
DigiMC includes verification details that help employers check authenticity. Employers with questions can email hello@digitalhealth.sg for verification support. Altering or fabricating MCs is an offence under Singapore law, so keep your certificate intact.
Teleconsult MCs tend to focus on short rest periods (1-2 days) so doctors can reassess if symptoms persist. Recurrent illness or significant findings may trigger a referral for in-person review. These are typical recovery timelines:
| Condition | Expected recovery window | When to seek urgent care |
|---|---|---|
| Fever, cough, sore throat | 1–3 days — symptoms usually improve with rest and fluids. | Seek in-person care if fever persists beyond 3–4 days, breathing worsens, or chest pain appears. |
| Diarrhoea & vomiting | 1–2 days — most cases resolve within 24–48 hours. | See a doctor if there is blood in stools, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms last more than 3 days. |
| Migraine or tension headache | Often settles within a day with rest, hydration, and pain relief. | Arrange urgent review for thunderclap pain, neurological changes, or headaches triggered by exertion. |
| Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease | 7–10 days — you may feel better after a couple of days, but remain infectious. | Head to the emergency department for persistent high fever, dehydration, or neurological symptoms. |
| Gout flare | 1–2 days with anti-inflammatories and hydration. | Discuss long-term control if you experience two or more attacks a year or pain does not improve. |
Note: This is a non-exhaustive list
If in doubt, head to the nearest clinic or emergency department immediately.
No—MCs are not for sale. Attempting to purchase or alter a certificate is considered forgery.
Doctors will only issue MCs after a consultation and a documented clinical assessment. Notably, taking repeated MCs may signal an unresolved condition. Our doctors will review your history, recommend further tests, or arrange a in-clinic review if the pattern suggests something more serious.
DigitalHealth.sg typically sends medical certificates shortly after payment is made. Check your email inbox and spam folders, then WhatsApp the care team if you run into any issues.
Yes. If the doctor deems you fit for partial duties, they can document light-duty or excuse-from-PE instructions in the medical certificate.
Medical certificates are issued after clinical assessment. If there is a dispute, your employer can verify the certificate details and refer to MOM sick leave guidance where Employment Act sick leave eligibility applies.
No. MCs are not for sale. SMC-registered doctors can issue medical certificates only after a proper consultation and documented clinical assessment.
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