Can I Get a Sick Note by Video Visit?
Need a sick note in Canada? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Serving all provinces.
Looking for a sick note online Canada service? MedLetter provides sick note Alberta — get your online doctor sick note delivered same-day for $49. No clinic visit needed.
Yes. Video-based physician consultations are a fully recognized form of medical practice in Canada. A sick note issued after a video visit carries identical legal weight to one issued after an in-person examination.
Since the pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, video visits have become a mainstream option for Canadians seeking New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.. In fact, recent statistics show that over 60% of Canadians have used virtual care services, and a significant portion of these visits involve requests for medical certificates. Whether you are dealing with a sudden flu, a severe migraine, or a flare-up of a chronic condition, a video consultation provides a legitimate, efficient, and safe way to secure the documentation you need to protect your job.
Why You Need a Sick Note
Many employees mistakenly believe that a sick note is unnecessary for short absences. However, having proper medical documentation is crucial for protecting your employment status. A sick note provides formal, verifiable proof that your absence is medically justified. Without it, your employer may classify your time off as unexcused, which can lead to disciplinary action, loss of pay, or even termination. Furthermore, a sick note ensures that you receive the sick pay or benefits you are entitled to under your employment contract or provincial labor laws. Do not risk your livelihood, securing a sick note is a small step that offers significant peace of mind and job security.
How Video Visit Sick Notes Work
The process of obtaining a sick note via a video visit is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring you get the documentation you need without the hassle of leaving your home.
Step 1: Book or queue for a video appointment
Most telehealth services let you either book a specific time slot or join a queue for the next available physician. This flexibility is especially beneficial when you are feeling unwell and cannot predict exactly when you will have the energy to speak with a doctor.
Step 2: Connect via video
You will use the service's app or website to connect with a physician via video call. The call typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes. During this time, you will interact face-to-face with a licensed medical professional, just as you would in a traditional clinic setting.
Step 3: Physician assessment
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how they affect your ability to work, and how long you have been ill. They may ask you to show visible symptoms, such as a rash, swelling, or redness, on camera. This comprehensive assessment ensures that the physician has all the necessary information to make an accurate evaluation of your condition.
Step 4: Documentation issued
If the physician determines you are unable to work, they issue a sick note and email it to you, usually immediately after the call or within 1 to 2 hours. This rapid turnaround is crucial when you need to provide documentation to your employer promptly.
Video Visit Services in Canada
The landscape of virtual care in Canada is diverse, offering several options depending on your needs, budget, and location.
| Service | Cost | Wait Time | Hours | Sick Notes? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple | $49 to $79 | 5 to 30 min | Extended | Yes |
| Tia Health | $0 (some provinces) | 15 to 60 min | Business hours | Yes |
| Felix | $39 to $69 | Scheduled | Business hours | Yes |
| Rocket Doctor | $0 (OHIP/MSP) | 30 to 90 min | Extended | Yes |
| MedLetter | $49 (no video needed) | Same-day delivery | 24/7 | Yes |
Note: Services covered by provincial health insurance, such as OHIP in Ontario or MSP in British Columbia, may not charge for the visit, but availability and wait times vary significantly. For those who need immediate documentation without the wait, MedLetter offers a streamlined, asynchronous process.
MedLetter vs. Walk-In Clinics
When you are sick, the last thing you want to do is sit in a crowded waiting room. Here is how MedLetter compares to a traditional walk-in clinic:
| Feature | MedLetter | Walk-In Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49 flat fee | $20 to $50 note fee (plus potential travel costs) |
| Wait Time | Same-day delivery (often within hours) | 2 to 4 hours in a waiting room |
| Convenience | 100% online, no video or travel required | Requires travel, waiting, and exposure to other illnesses |
| Availability | 24/7 access | Limited business hours |
| Documentation | Secure, digital sick note emailed directly to you | Paper note that you must deliver or scan |
Choosing MedLetter means you can rest and recover at home while we handle the paperwork. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..
What Physicians Can Assess via Video
Video visits are highly effective for a wide range of common ailments. They are appropriate for:
- Visible symptoms: Rashes, swelling, redness, and various skin conditions can be easily examined via a high-quality video connection.
- Reported symptoms: Fever, nausea, headache, body aches, and fatigue are standard complaints that physicians evaluate through detailed patient history and conversation.
- Mental health: Stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout are increasingly common reasons for work absences and can be thoroughly assessed in a virtual setting.
- Recovery assessment: Confirming you are still recovering from a known illness and require additional time off.
- Functional limitations: Discussing exactly how your symptoms prevent you from performing your specific job duties.
Video visits are less appropriate for:
- Conditions requiring physical palpation, such as severe abdominal pain.
- Situations requiring precise blood pressure measurement.
- Conditions requiring auscultation, such as listening to the heart or lungs for complex respiratory issues.
- Complex diagnostic workups that necessitate immediate lab tests or imaging.
For sick notes specifically: Most sick note situations do not require a physical exam. The physician needs to confirm you have symptoms that prevent you from working, which can be accurately assessed through conversation and visual observation. This makes video visits an ideal solution for obtaining medical certificates.
Employer Acceptance of Video Visit Notes
Canadian employers must accept sick notes from video visits. The legal and professional framework supporting virtual care is robust. Here is why your employer cannot reject a virtual sick note:
1. Provincial medical colleges recognize video consultations as equivalent to in-person care. A diagnosis made via video carries the same medical authority as one made in a clinic.
2. Employment standards do not specify how the medical assessment must be conducted. The law requires medical proof, not a specific venue for the consultation.
3. Human rights law dictates that rejecting virtual care notes could discriminate against those with mobility issues, rural residents, or immunocompromised individuals who cannot safely visit a clinic.
4. Post-pandemic precedent has established video visits as a standard, everyday medical practice across the country.
If your employer pushes back: Ask them to point to the specific law or policy that requires an in-person assessment. There isn't one. A sick note from a licensed Canadian physician is valid, regardless of whether the consultation occurred in an office or over a screen. Having this documentation is your best defense against unfair workplace practices.
Video Visit vs Other Options
Understanding your options can help you choose the best path for your situation.
| Factor | Video Visit | Phone Call | Online Form (MedLetter) | Walk-In Clinic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| See the doctor | Yes (face-to-face) | No | No | Yes |
| Doctor sees you | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Wait time | 5 to 60 min | 15 to 60 min | No wait | 2 to 5 hours |
| Must be presentable | Somewhat | No | No | Yes |
| Can show symptoms | Yes | No | Via photos | Yes |
| Available when voiceless | Partially (can type in chat) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | $0 to $79 | $30 to $79 | $49 | $20 to $80 |
Tips for a Successful Video Sick Note Visit
To ensure your video consultation goes smoothly and you receive your sick note without delay, follow these best practices:
1. Test your technology first, Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working properly before the appointment begins.
2. Find good lighting, The doctor needs to see you clearly, especially if you are showing visible symptoms like a rash or pale complexion.
3. Be in a private space, Medical consultations require privacy to discuss sensitive health information openly.
4. Have your health card ready, Some services require it for identification or billing purposes.
5. Know your symptoms, Be prepared to describe exactly when they started, how severe they are, and specifically how they affect your ability to perform your job.
6. Ask about the note upfront, Mention you need documentation for work at the beginning of the call so the physician can tailor their assessment accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a video visit sick note different from an in-person one?
No. The document is identical. It includes the physician's name, registration number, date of assessment, period of absence, and signature. The method of assessment is not typically noted on the document, as it is irrelevant to the validity of the medical certificate.
What if my internet cuts out during the video call?
Most services will call you back or allow you to reconnect. If the connection is too poor for video, some physicians will switch to a phone call to complete the assessment and issue your sick note.
Do I need to show my face on camera?
Yes, physicians need to visually confirm your identity and may want to observe your general appearance, such as pallor, fatigue, or visible illness. You do not need to be dressed up, but your face should be clearly visible.
Can I get a video visit sick note on my phone?
Yes. Most telehealth services have mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites that support video consultations directly from your smartphone, making it incredibly convenient to get your documentation from bed.
Will my employer know I used a virtual service?
Generally, no. The sick note will simply state that you were assessed by a licensed physician and are unfit for work. It does not need to specify that the consultation occurred via video.
Protect Your Job Today
Do not leave your employment status to chance. A proper medical certificate is your best protection against lost wages and disciplinary action. With MedLetter, you can secure a legally valid sick note quickly and affordably, without the stress of a video call or a clinic visit.
New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
Sources
- Canadian Medical Association, Virtual Care Framework, 2025
- Provincial Medical College Telemedicine Policies
- Ontario Telemedicine Network, Patient Guide