Are MedLetter documents legitimate?

Yes. Every letter is reviewed and signed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Our documents include the physician's CPSA registration number, official letterhead, and signature.

How quickly will I receive my letter?

Most letters are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. Some complex requests may take up to 24 hours.

Is this service available outside Alberta?

No. This service is exclusively for Alberta residents. Our physicians are licensed with the CPSA and can only provide medical documents to patients within their jurisdiction.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?

An ESA letter is an official document from a licensed physician stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. This letter can be used for housing accommodation requests.

Alberta Sick Note Cost 2026: What to Expect & How to Save

Q: How much does a sick note cost?

A sick note from MedLetter costs $49 CAD. This is a one-time flat fee with no hidden costs.

Sick note costs in Alberta range from $0 to $100+ depending on where you go. Here's a complete price breakdown for 2026 and how to get the best value.

## How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Alberta in 2026? One of the most common questions we hear: "How much should I expect to pay for a sick note in Alberta?" The answer varies significantly depending on where you go. --- ## Sick Note Cost Comparison (2026) | Provider | Note Cost | Consultation Cost | Total Cost | Wait Time | |---|---|---|---|---| | Family doctor | $0-30 | $0 (AHC covered) | $0-30 | Days-weeks for appt | | Walk-in clinic | $20-50 | $0 (AHC covered) | $20-50 | 2-6 hours | | After-hours clinic | $30-75 | $0 (AHC covered) | $30-75 | 1-3 hours | | Telehealth (Maple) | Included | $49-79 | $49-79 | 30-60 min | | Telehealth (Tia Health) | Included | $0 (AHC) | $0 | 1-2 hours | | **MedLetter** | **Included** | **$49** | **$49** | **1-4 hours** | ### The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions: | Hidden Cost | Walk-In Clinic | MedLetter | |---|---|---| | Transportation (gas/parking/transit) | $5-20 | $0 | | Lost wages (time in waiting room) | $40-180 | $0 | | Childcare (if needed) | $20-50 | $0 | | Exposure to illness | Risk of getting sicker | $0 | | **True total cost** | **$85-300** | **$49** | --- ## Why Do Walk-In Clinics Charge for Sick Notes? The consultation with a doctor is covered by Alberta Health Care (AHC). However, the **sick note itself** is considered an "uninsured service" — meaning: - The doctor's time to examine you is covered - The administrative act of writing a note is NOT covered - Clinics set their own prices for uninsured services - There is no regulated maximum price ### Common Walk-In Clinic Note Fees by City: | City | Typical Note Fee | Range | |---|---|---| | Calgary | $30-50 | $20-75 | | Edmonton | $25-45 | $20-60 | | Red Deer | $25-40 | $20-50 | | Lethbridge | $20-40 | $15-50 | | Medicine Hat | $20-35 | $15-45 | | Fort McMurray | $35-60 | $25-75 | | Grande Prairie | $30-50 | $20-60 | --- ## Who Pays for the Sick Note? ### The Law: Alberta law does **not** require employers to reimburse employees for sick note costs. The cost is your responsibility unless: - Your collective agreement includes reimbursement - Your employer voluntarily covers it - Your employer's policy states they'll reimburse ### Exceptions: Some situations where you may get reimbursed: - **Unionized workplaces:** Many CBAs include sick note reimbursement - **Government employees:** Federal and provincial employees often get reimbursed - **Large corporations:** Some have policies covering medical documentation costs - **Workers' compensation claims:** WCB covers all medical documentation costs --- ## Cost by Type of Note Not all medical notes cost the same. Here's what to expect: | Note Type | MedLetter Price | Walk-In Clinic Price | What It's For | |---|---|---|---| | Basic sick note | $49 | $20-50 | 1-5 day absence from work | | Return-to-work note | $49 | $25-50 | Clearance to resume duties | | Stress leave note | $79 | $30-75 | Extended mental health leave | | School sick note | $49 | $20-50 | Exam deferral, assignment extension | | Workplace accommodation | $149 | $50-150 | Modified duties, flexible hours | | ESA letter | $199 | $75-200 | Emotional support animal housing | --- ## How to Save Money on Sick Notes ### Strategy 1: Use MedLetter ($49 flat) No hidden fees, no transportation costs, no lost wages. The $49 includes everything. ### Strategy 2: Ask About Reimbursement Check your employee handbook or ask HR if sick note costs are reimbursable. ### Strategy 3: Use Your Family Doctor (If You Have One) Some family doctors don't charge for sick notes, or charge minimal fees ($10-20). ### Strategy 4: Check Your Benefits Plan Some extended health benefits cover "medical documentation" fees. ### Strategy 5: Ask Your Employer to Waive the Requirement If the cost of the note exceeds your daily wage, the requirement may be unreasonable. Communicate this to your employer. --- ## Is a Cheaper Sick Note Less Valid? **Absolutely not.** A $49 sick note from MedLetter has identical legal validity to a $75 not