The Cost Question
Who pays for your sick note depends on your employer's policies and BC employment law.
BC Employment Standards Position
If an employer requires proof of illness, the cost should not be an unreasonable burden on the employee.
What MSP Covers
MSP covers the medical appointment but NOT paperwork like sick notes. Many clinics charge $20-50 for note completion.
Employer Reimbursement Policies
Check your:
- Employment contract
- Employee handbook
- Collective agreement
- Company expense policy
MedLetter's Transparent Pricing
$49 flat fee for sick notes from CPSBC-registered physicians. We provide a receipt for reimbursement. Many customers successfully claim through their employer or health spending account.
What Employers Need to Know
Canadian employment law balances employer interests with employee privacy:
- Employers can request confirmation of illness but not specific diagnoses
- The note should state: dates of absence, that the employee was/is unfit for duties, and expected return date
- Employers cannot contact the physician directly without employee consent
- Requiring a note for every single-day absence may constitute harassment in some jurisdictions
Cost Considerations for Employers
- Walk-in clinic notes cost employees $20-50 and require 2-4 hours away from work
- Virtual sick notes reduce time away from work to minutes
- Some employers reimburse sick note costs as a best practice
- The cost of replacing a sick employee for a day far exceeds the cost of documentation
Breakdown of Sick Note Costs in BC
| Provider | Cost to Employee | Wait Time | Coverage |
|----------|-----------------|-----------|----------|
| Family doctor | $0 (MSP covered) | Days-weeks for appointment | Visit covered, note may have admin fee ($20-30) |
| Walk-in clinic | $0-30 | 2-4 hours | Visit free, some charge for note |
| Virtual clinic (Telus Health, Maple) | $0-50 | Minutes-hours | Some covered by MSP, others private |
| MedLetter | $49 | Within 6 hours | Flat fee, all-inclusive |
| ER visit (not recommended) | $0 | 4-8 hours | MSP covered, but inappropriate use |
Can Your Employer Make You Pay?
Under BC employment law:
- Employers cannot deduct the cost of a sick note from your wages (Employment Standards Act, Section 21)
- Some employers reimburse sick note costs as a best practice
- If your employer requires the note, many employment lawyers argue they should cover the cost
- Check your employment contract — some include sick note reimbursement clauses
The Hidden Costs Beyond the Fee
The true cost of getting a traditional sick note in BC includes:
- Lost wages: 3-5 hours away from work (or using more sick time)
- Transportation: $10-30 for gas, transit, or parking in Metro Vancouver
- Childcare: If you need someone to watch kids while you visit a clinic
- Productivity: Energy spent travelling while sick delays recovery
- Exposure risk: Sitting in a waiting room with other sick patients
For many BC workers earning $20-35/hour, the total cost of a "free" walk-in clinic visit is actually $80-200 when factoring in lost wages and expenses.
What BC Employment Standards Says
The Employment Standards Act does not specifically address who pays for sick notes. However:
- Section 49.1 provides 5 paid sick days — but most employers still request documentation
- For absences beyond 3 days, employers may request documentation
- The cost of documentation is generally the employee's responsibility unless the employment contract states otherwise
- Some collective agreements (BCGEU, HEU, CUPE) include sick note reimbursement
Tax Deductibility
Medical documentation fees may be eligible as a medical expense on your tax return:
- Must exceed the lesser of 3% of net income or $2,635 (2026 threshold)
- Keep all receipts for sick note fees
- Can be claimed on Line 33099 or 33199 of your T1 return
Employer Best Practices
Progressive BC employers are moving toward:
- Eliminating sick note requirements for absences under 3 days
- Reimbursing sick note costs when documentation is required
- Accepting virtual/online sick notes to reduce employee burden
- Implementing honour-based systems for short absences
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.