How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Canada?
The cost of a sick note in Canada ranges from $0 to $80+ depending on where you get it, which province you're in, and what type of service you use. Here's the complete breakdown for 2026.
Why Sick Notes Cost Money
Many Canadians are surprised to learn that sick notes aren't free. Here's why:
Provincial health insurance (OHIP, MSP, AHCIP, etc.) covers medically necessary services — meaning diagnosis and treatment of illness. A sick note is classified as an "uninsured service" because it's an administrative document, not a medical treatment.
Think of it this way: Your doctor visit to discuss your flu symptoms is covered. The piece of paper they write confirming you had the flu — that's administrative, and clinics can charge for it.
Cost by Provider Type
| Provider | Cost Range | What You Get | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family doctor | $0-$50 | Note during regular appointment | 1-3 week wait |
| Walk-in clinic | $20-$80 | Note after in-person visit | 2-5 hours |
| Virtual walk-in (video) | $30-$79 | Note after video consultation | 15-60 min |
| Online form-based service | $39-$69 | Note after written assessment | Same-day |
| Emergency room | $0 (but inappropriate) | Note after ER visit | 4-12 hours |
Province-by-Province Walk-In Clinic Costs
| Province | Typical Sick Note Fee | Visit Covered by Insurance? |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $20-$50 | Yes (OHIP covers visit) |
| British Columbia | $20-$40 | Yes (MSP covers visit) |
| Alberta | $30-$80 | Yes (AHCIP covers visit) |
| Saskatchewan | $30-$60 | Yes (provincial plan covers visit) |
| Manitoba | $20-$50 | Yes (provincial plan covers visit) |
| Nova Scotia | $20-$40 | Yes (MSI covers visit) |
| New Brunswick | $20-$40 | Yes (Medicare covers visit) |
Why the range within each province? Each clinic sets its own fee for uninsured services. There's no government regulation on what they can charge for a sick note. A clinic in downtown Toronto might charge $50 while one in Scarborough charges $20 for the identical document.
Online Sick Note Service Costs (2026)
| Service | Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| MedLetter | $49 | Physician review + same-day note |
| Maple | $49-$79 | Video consultation + note |
| Felix | $39-$69 | Consultation + note |
| Tia Health | $0-$49 (varies by province) | Video visit + note |
| Avee Health | $39-$79 | Assessment + note |
Hidden Costs to Consider
When comparing prices, factor in these often-overlooked costs:
Lost wages from waiting:
If you earn $25/hour and spend 3 hours in a walk-in clinic, that's $75 in lost wages — on top of the $20-$80 note fee. Total real cost: $95-$155.
Transportation:
Driving to a clinic while sick costs gas, parking ($5-$20 in city centers), or transit fare. If you take a taxi/Uber while too sick to drive: $15-$40 each way.
Exposure risk:
Sitting in a waiting room full of sick people when you're already ill can extend your recovery. This is a real cost in additional sick days.
True cost comparison:
| Option | Note Fee | Lost Wages | Transport | Total Real Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in clinic | $20-$80 | $50-$125 (2-5 hrs) | $10-$40 | $80-$245 |
| Online service | $49 | $0 | $0 | $49 |
When Sick Notes Are Free
You can get a free sick note if:
- You have a family doctor who doesn't charge for notes (many don't, but you need an appointment)
- Your employer pays — some employers reimburse sick note costs (check your policy)
- Your union covers it — some collective agreements include sick note reimbursement
- You're already at the doctor — if you're being treated and ask for a note during the visit, some doctors include it at no charge
- Provincial programs — some provinces cover sick notes for certain populations (social assistance recipients, etc.)
Should Your Employer Pay for Your Sick Note?
This is a growing debate in Canadian employment law. Currently:
- No province requires employers to pay for sick notes they request
- Some employers voluntarily reimburse the cost
- Some collective agreements include sick note reimbursement
- Several provinces are considering legislation to require employer reimbursement
The argument for employer payment: If the employer is requiring the note (not the employee choosing to get one), the employer should bear the cost. This is especially relevant in provinces where employers can request notes for any absence.
The current reality: In most cases, the employee pays. Keep your receipt — some employers will reimburse if asked, even without a formal policy.
How to Minimize Sick Note Costs
1. Know your rights — In Ontario (3 days), Saskatchewan (3 days), and Manitoba (3 days), your employer may not be able to require a note at all
2. Ask your employer to reimburse — Many will if you simply ask
3. Use your family doctor — If you have one and can wait for an appointment
4. Compare online services — Prices range from $39-$79 for similar documentation
5. Check your benefits — Some extended health plans cover "medical documentation" fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some clinics charge $80 and others charge $20?
There's no regulation on uninsured service fees. Each clinic sets its own price. Generally, clinics in higher-rent areas (downtown cores) charge more.
Can I claim the cost on my taxes?
Sick note fees are generally not eligible as medical expenses on your tax return. However, if the note is required for a disability tax credit application, it may qualify.
Do online sick notes cost more than walk-in clinic notes?
Not necessarily. Online services ($39-$69) are often comparable to or cheaper than walk-in clinic fees ($20-$80), especially when you factor in lost wages and transportation.
Is it worth paying $49 for a sick note?
Consider the alternative: 3 hours in a waiting room while sick, plus $20-$80 for the note, plus lost wages, plus transportation. For most workers, $49 with same-day delivery from home is the better value.
Sources
- Provincial Medical Association Fee Guides (2026)
- Canadian Medical Association — Uninsured Services Position Statement
- Statistics Canada — Health Care Costs Survey, 2025
- Employment Standards Acts — Documentation Cost Provisions