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.

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.

Do I Need a Sick Note for 3 Days Off Work in Alberta?

Three days off sick and your boss wants a note? Here's when Alberta employers can require documentation and how to get one without the hassle.

## The 3-Day Rule: What Alberta Employers Can Require Most Alberta employers follow an informal "3-day rule" — if you're off sick for 3 or more consecutive days, they'll ask for a doctor's note. But is this legally required? ### What the Law Says Alberta's Employment Standards Code does **not** specify a minimum number of days before an employer can request a sick note. However: - Employers **can** include sick note requirements in their workplace policy - The requirement must be **consistently applied** to all employees - It must be **reasonable** given the circumstances ### The Common "3-Day" Standard While not legally mandated, the 3-day threshold has become standard practice because: 1. **Short absences** (1-2 days) - Most employers accept a verbal explanation 2. **3+ consecutive days** - Most written policies require documentation 3. **5+ days** - Almost universally requires a medical note 4. **Pattern absences** - May trigger a note requirement regardless of length ### Can Your Employer Ask for a Note After Just 1 Day? **Yes, technically they can** — if it's in their written policy. However: - Requiring notes for every single-day absence is considered unreasonable by many employment lawyers - It creates an unnecessary burden on the healthcare system - Some employers have moved away from this practice post-COVID ### What If You Don't Have a Family Doctor? Over 800,000 Albertans lack a family physician. Your options: | Option | Wait Time | Cost | |--------|-----------|------| | Walk-in clinic | 2-4 hours | $0-$80 | | Telehealth (Maple, etc.) | 30-60 min | $49-$99 | | **MedLetter (online)** | **No wait** | **$49** | ### Pro Tip: Get the Note Early Don't wait until day 3 to think about documentation. If you suspect you'll be off for multiple days: 1. **Request your sick note on day 1 or 2** - It can cover multiple days retroactively 2. **Include your expected return date** - This satisfies most employer requirements 3. **Keep a copy** - Always save the PDF for your records ### What Your Sick Note Should Include A valid sick note for a 3+ day absence should state: - That you are/were medically unable to work - The dates of your absence - Your expected return date - The physician's signature and registration number It does **NOT** need to include your specific diagnosis. --- **Need a sick note for your absence?** MedLetter delivers official documentation from a CPSA-registered physician to your inbox — usually within 1-4 hours. Available 24/7, no appointment needed. [Get your sick note now - $49 →](/get-started/sick_note)