Why Insurance Companies Require Doctor's Notes
Insurance claims require medical documentation to verify that your claim is legitimate. Without proper documentation, your claim will be delayed or denied — regardless of how valid it is.
Different types of insurance claims require different documentation:
Types of Insurance Claims Requiring Medical Notes
1. Travel Insurance Claims
If you need to cancel a trip or seek medical treatment while travelling:
| Situation | Documentation Needed |
|-----------|---------------------|
| Trip cancellation (illness before travel) | Note confirming illness prevents travel |
| Trip interruption (illness during travel) | Note from treating physician + receipts |
| Medical emergency abroad | Hospital records + physician notes |
| Pre-existing condition flare-up | Note confirming unexpected worsening |
Key requirement: The note must confirm the condition arose AFTER purchasing insurance (unless pre-existing conditions are covered).
2. Short-Term Disability (STD) Claims
| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| Initial claim | Physician note confirming inability to work |
| Diagnosis | Must be included (unlike employer notes) |
| Functional limitations | What you cannot do |
| Expected duration | When you might return to work |
| Treatment plan | What treatment you're receiving |
| Follow-up notes | Usually every 2-4 weeks |
3. Long-Term Disability (LTD) Claims
LTD claims require more extensive documentation:
- Detailed medical history
- Specialist reports (if applicable)
- Functional capacity evaluation
- Treatment records
- Physician statement of disability
4. Critical Illness Insurance
Requires confirmation of a qualifying diagnosis:
- Cancer diagnosis with pathology report
- Heart attack with cardiac enzyme results
- Stroke with imaging confirmation
- Other qualifying conditions per policy
5. Accident/Injury Claims
- Date and circumstances of injury
- Diagnosis and severity
- Treatment provided
- Prognosis and recovery timeline
- Functional limitations
What Makes a Good Insurance Doctor's Note
Insurance companies are looking for specific elements. A vague "patient is sick" note will be rejected.
Must Include:
1. Patient full legal name and date of birth
2. Date of examination/assessment
3. Diagnosis (ICD-10 code helpful but not required)
4. Date of onset — when symptoms began
5. Functional limitations — what the patient cannot do
6. Treatment plan — medications, therapy, referrals
7. Prognosis — expected recovery timeline
8. Physician credentials — name, registration number, signature
9. Clinic/practice information — address, phone number
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied:
- Note is too vague ("patient is unwell")
- Missing diagnosis or onset date
- No functional limitations described
- Note doesn't match policy's definition of disability
- Documentation submitted too late
- Gaps in treatment records
Tips for Successful Insurance Claims
1. Document Early
Start getting medical documentation as soon as your condition begins. Gaps in treatment records are red flags for insurers.
2. Be Specific
Vague notes get denied. Your doctor should describe exactly what you cannot do and why.
3. Match Policy Language
Read your policy's definition of "disability" or "illness" and ensure your documentation addresses those specific criteria.
4. Keep Copies
Always keep copies of all medical documentation submitted to insurers.
5. Follow Up
If your insurer requests additional information, respond promptly. Delays can result in claim closure.
How MedLetter Helps with Insurance Documentation
MedLetter provides medical documentation suitable for insurance claims:
What We Can Provide:
- Sick notes confirming illness and inability to work/travel
- Medical letters with appropriate detail for insurance purposes
- Follow-up documentation for ongoing claims
- Return-to-work clearance when you're ready to resume activities
What We Cannot Provide:
- Specialist reports (we refer to appropriate specialists)
- Diagnostic testing results
- Backdated documentation for conditions we didn't assess
- Fraudulent claims documentation
Pricing:
- Standard sick note (work/travel): $49
- Detailed medical letter (insurance): $49
- Workplace accommodation letter: $99
Important: Timing for Travel Insurance
For travel insurance claims, timing is critical:
- You must have purchased insurance BEFORE the medical condition arose
- Documentation must show the condition was unexpected
- Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded unless you purchased a waiver
- Get your note as close to the onset of illness as possible
The Bottom Line
Insurance claims live and die by documentation. The better your medical documentation, the faster and more likely your claim will be approved.
MedLetter provides professional medical documentation from licensed Canadian physicians that meets insurance company requirements. Same-day delivery means you won't miss claim deadlines.
[Get your insurance documentation — $49 →](/get-started/sick_note)