Sick Note Costs in BC: Complete 2026 Breakdown
The cost of a sick note in British Columbia varies significantly depending on where you obtain it. While physician visits are covered by MSP, many clinics charge an administrative fee for completing medical documentation since sick notes are considered "uninsured services."
Sick Note Cost Comparison: Vancouver, Surrey & BC
| Option | Cost | Wait Time | Availability |
|--------|------|-----------|-------------|
| Walk-in Clinic | $20-75 | 2-5 hours | Weekdays only (most) |
| Online Service (MedLetter) | $49 | same day | 24/7 including weekends |
| Family Doctor | $20-50 | Days to weeks for appointment | Limited hours |
| ER Visit | $50+ | 4-12 hours | 24/7 (not recommended for sick notes) |
| Telehealth BC (811) | Free | N/A | Does NOT issue sick notes |
Why Do Walk-In Clinics Charge for Sick Notes?
Under BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP), the physician visit itself is covered. However, completing paperwork like sick notes is classified as an "uninsured service" by the BC Medical Association. Clinics can charge an administrative fee for:
- Completing employer forms
- Writing sick note letters
- Filling out insurance documentation
- Providing copies of medical records
The Hidden Costs of "Free" Options
Walk-in clinics may seem cheaper, but consider:
- Lost wages from 3-5 hours of waiting (at $20/hr = $60-100 lost income)
- Transportation costs (parking in downtown Vancouver: $15-25)
- Many clinics now charge $30-75 for the note itself
- Some clinics refuse to write notes for conditions they didn't treat
Emergency rooms are technically free but:
- 4-12 hour average wait times in Metro Vancouver
- Taking ER resources from actual emergencies
- Staff may refuse to write a note for minor illness
- Lost wages far exceed the cost of an online service
MedLetter: $49 Flat Rate, No Hidden Fees
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note from a CPSBC-registered physician:
- No walk-in clinic visit needed
- No travel or parking costs
- No lost wages from waiting
- Delivered to your inbox in same day
- Available 24/7 including weekends and holidays
Regional Price Variations: Vancouver, Surrey & BC Cities
Sick note costs can vary by region:
- Vancouver/Metro Vancouver: $30-75 at walk-in clinics
- Victoria: $25-60 at walk-in clinics
- Kelowna/Okanagan: $20-50 at walk-in clinics
- Northern BC (Prince George, Kamloops): Often $20-40, but fewer clinics available
- Rural BC: May require driving 1-2 hours to nearest clinic
Is It Worth Paying for a Sick Note?
Consider the math: If you earn $25/hour and spend 4 hours at a walk-in clinic, you've lost $100 in wages plus the $30-75 clinic fee. That's $130-175 total cost. MedLetter's $49 flat rate saves you both time and money.
Related: [Sick Note Vancouver](/online-sick-note-vancouver) | [Sick Note Surrey](/online-sick-note-surrey) | [Online Sick Note BC](/online-sick-note-bc)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in British Columbia?
Yes. CPSBC-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by all BC employers.
How much does an online sick note cost in BC?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This is often faster and more affordable than visiting a walk-in clinic.
Will my BC employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC recognizes virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How many paid sick days do I get in BC?
BC employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days per year after 90 days of employment, plus 3 additional unpaid sick days.