The International Student Healthcare Gap
You came to Alberta to study. You're focused on your degree, adjusting to Canadian winters, and trying to figure out a healthcare system that's completely different from home. Then you get sick during midterms.
Here's what you're facing:
- You don't have an Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card yet — or you're not eligible
- Your student health plan (Guard.me, StudentGuard, or your school's plan) is confusing
- You don't have a family doctor
- Walk-in clinics want your health card or charge $100+ for uninsured patients
- Your campus health centre is booked for weeks
- Your exam is tomorrow
Do You Need a Health Card for a Sick Note?
No. MedLetter does not require an Alberta Health Care card. The $49 flat fee covers everything — no insurance billing, no surprise charges, no "uninsured patient" surcharges.
This is particularly important because:
- New international students often wait 3+ months for AHCIP eligibility
- Students from certain countries may not qualify for AHCIP at all
- Guard.me and other student plans often don't cover "sick note only" visits
- Walk-in clinics may charge $80-$150 for uninsured patients just for the visit, plus an additional fee for the note itself
What Your University Needs
Your university doesn't care whether you have a health card. They need:
1. A note from a licensed physician (CPSA-registered in Alberta)
2. Confirming you were medically unable to attend on a specific date
3. With the physician's signature and registration number
4. On official letterhead
That's it. MedLetter provides exactly this.
Common Situations for International Students
"I was sick during my midterm but didn't know what to do"
Many international students don't realize they can get documentation after the fact. You don't need to see a doctor on the exact day you were sick. A physician can provide documentation based on your reported symptoms.
"My campus health centre has a 2-week wait"
This is extremely common at U of A, U of C, and MacEwan during exam season. MedLetter delivers same day.
"The walk-in clinic charged me $120 and didn't even give me a note"
Uninsured visits at walk-in clinics are expensive, and many clinics charge an additional $20-$50 for the note itself. MedLetter's $49 covers everything.
"I don't understand the deferral process in English"
MedLetter's note is clear, professional, and in standard Canadian medical format. Your registrar's office will recognize it immediately.
AHCIP Eligibility for International Students
For reference, here's who qualifies for Alberta Health Care:
| Student Type | AHCIP Eligible? | Wait Period |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit holder (12+ months) | Yes | 3-month waiting period |
| Study permit holder (under 12 months) | No | N/A |
| Exchange student (under 12 months) | No | N/A |
| Student with valid work permit | Yes | 3-month waiting period |
| Refugee claimant studying | Yes | Immediate |
During your 3-month waiting period, or if you're not eligible at all, MedLetter is your simplest option.
Your Student Health Plan May Not Help
Most international student health plans (Guard.me, StudentGuard, Allianz) cover:
- Emergency room visits
- Prescription medications
- Specialist referrals
But they often don't cover or make it difficult to claim:
- "Sick note only" visits (no treatment provided)
- Administrative medical documentation
- Visits where no diagnosis or treatment is given
With MedLetter, there's no insurance claim to file. You pay $49, you get your note.
Tips for International Students
1. Don't wait — your deferral deadline is usually 2-3 days
2. Keep your student ID handy — your registrar may ask for it with your note
3. Save a copy of your note — keep it in your email and print a backup
4. Notify your professor — email them the same day, even before you have the note
5. Check your specific school's policy — some schools have international student advisors who can help
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Medically reviewed by a Licensed Alberta Physician, CPSA-Registered
Last reviewed: July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note for a missed exam without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes. Licensed physicians can assess your symptoms through a virtual consultation and issue a valid sick note for exam deferral purposes. Most Alberta universities accept notes from virtual care providers.
How quickly do I need to get a sick note for an exam deferral?
Most Alberta universities require documentation within 2-5 business days of the missed exam. Online services provide same-day notes to meet tight deadlines.
Will my university accept an online sick note for an exam deferral?
Yes. All major Alberta universities (U of C, U of A, MRU, SAIT, NAIT, MacEwan) accept sick notes from any licensed physician, including virtual care providers.
What if I was sick but did not see a doctor on the exam day?
A physician can still assess your reported symptoms and provide documentation. Getting a note as close to the illness date as possible strengthens your deferral application.