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 in Alberta? 2026 Price Comparison

Q: 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.

How much should you pay for a sick note in Alberta? We compared prices at walk-in clinics, telehealth apps, and online services across the province.

## How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Alberta in 2026? If you need a sick note in Alberta, one of the first questions is: how much will it cost? The answer varies dramatically depending on where you go. Here's a comprehensive price comparison. ### Sick Note Prices Across Alberta (2026) | Provider Type | Typical Cost | Wait Time | Notes | |---------------|-------------|-----------|-------| | Family doctor (if you have one) | $0-$20 | Days to weeks for appointment | Free if covered by visit; some charge separately | | Walk-in clinic | $20-$50 | 2-4 hours | Some clinics charge; others include with visit | | Hospital ER | $0 (but inappropriate use) | 4-8 hours | Never go to ER just for a sick note | | Telehealth (Maple, Tia Health) | $49-$99 | 15-60 min wait + video call | Requires video appointment | | MedLetter | $49 flat | 5 min form, 1-4 hr delivery | No video call, same day | | Medicentre (Alberta chain) | $25-$35 | 1-3 hours | Varies by location | ### Why Do Prices Vary So Much? **Family Doctors:** If you have a family doctor, a sick note may be free (included in your visit) or cost $20-$30 as an "uninsured service." The catch? Getting an appointment within 24 hours is nearly impossible for most Albertans. The average wait for a family doctor appointment in Alberta is 5-7 days. **Walk-In Clinics:** Most walk-in clinics in Alberta charge $20-$50 for a sick note as an uninsured service. Alberta Health does not cover sick notes under the provincial health plan - they're considered "third-party requests." You'll also spend 2-4 hours waiting. **Telehealth Apps:** Services like Maple and Tia Health charge $49-$99 for a virtual appointment that may result in a sick note. You'll need to wait for a doctor to become available (15-60 minutes), then complete a video call. The doctor may or may not issue a note depending on their assessment. **MedLetter:** $49 flat fee, no video call, same day delivery. You complete a 5-minute form, a CPSA physician reviews it, and your official sick note is emailed to you. ### Is a Sick Note Covered by Alberta Health? **No.** Sick notes are classified as "uninsured services" in Alberta. Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) does not cover: - Sick notes for employers - Medical certificates for third parties - Forms completion for non-medical purposes - Letters for insurance, legal, or employment purposes This means you'll pay out of pocket regardless of where you get your sick note. The question is how much you'll pay and how much time you'll spend. ### Hidden Costs of "Free" Sick Notes Even when a sick note appears free (e.g., from a family doctor), there are hidden costs: - **Lost wages:** 3-4 hours at a walk-in clinic = half a day of work missed - **Transportation:** Gas, parking, or transit to the clinic - **Childcare:** If you need someone to watch your kids while you wait - **Exposure risk:** Sitting in a waiting room while immunocompromised For a worker earning $25/hour, spending 4 hours at a walk-in clinic costs $100 in lost wages alone - plus the $30 sick note fee. That's $130 total cost for a "cheap" sick note. ### Price Comparison by Alberta City | City | Walk-In Avg Cost | Walk-In Avg Wait | MedLetter | |------|-----------------|------------------|-----------| | Calgary | $30-$50 | 2-3 hours | $49, same day | | Edmonton | $25-$45 | 2-4 hours | $49, same day | | Red Deer | $20-$40 | 1.5-3 hours | $49, same day | | Lethbridge | $25-$35 | 1-2 hours | $49, same day | | Banff/Jasper | $35-$50 | 3+ hours | $49, same day | | Fort McMurray | $30-$50 | 2-4 hours | $49, same day | ### Can My Employer Reimburse the Cost? Some Alberta employers reimburse sick note costs, especially if they're the ones requiring the note. Check your: - Employee handbook - Collective agreement (if unionized) - HR policies If your employer requires a sick note, it's reasonable to ask them to cover the cost. Some employment lawyers argue that employers who require sick notes should bear the expense.