Updated August 2026, Current Ontario ESA and CPSO telemedicine standards.
How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Ontario in 2026? A sick note in Ontario costs $20-50 at a walk-in clinic (note fee only, the visit is OHIP-covered), $0 from your family doctor if you have one, or $49 from a virtual telehealth service like MedLetter with same-day delivery. Walk-in clinics charge because sick notes are considered uninsured services under OHIP.
Looking for a sick note online Canada service? MedLetter provides sick note Alberta — get your online doctor sick note delivered same-day for $49. No clinic visit needed.
Sick Note Costs in Ontario: A Complete Breakdown
Getting a sick note in Ontario shouldn't break the bank, but costs vary significantly depending on where you go. Here's what you need to know.
Cost Comparison Table
| Provider | Cost | Wait Time | Availability |
|----------|------|-----------|--------------|
| Family Doctor | $20-50 (note fee) | 3-14 days for appointment | Weekdays only |
| Walk-In Clinic | $20-50 | 2-4 hours in clinic | Limited hours |
| Online Service (MedLetter) | $49 | same day delivery | 7 days/week |
| After-Hours Clinic | $40-75 | 1-3 hours | Evenings/weekends |
| Telehealth Ontario | Free (no notes issued) | 30-60 min wait | 24/7 |
Why Do Walk-In Clinics Charge for Sick Notes?
Under OHIP, a "sick note" or "doctor's note for work" is considered an uninsured service. This means:
- OHIP does not cover the cost of writing sick notes
- Clinics can set their own fees
- Fees range from $20 to $50+ depending on the clinic and location
- Some clinics in Toronto charge up to $75
The Hidden Costs of Getting a Sick Note
Beyond the direct fee, consider:
- Lost wages from taking time off to visit a clinic (average 3 hours)
- Transportation costs (TTC fare, parking, gas)
- Childcare costs if you need to arrange coverage
- Stress and discomfort of sitting in a waiting room while sick
Is It Worth Paying $49 for an Online Sick Note?
When you factor in the total cost of visiting a clinic:
- Clinic fee: $20-50
- Lost wages (3 hours): $45-90
- Transportation: $5-20
- Total real cost: $70-160
An online sick note at $49 with 1-4 hour delivery is often the most cost-effective option, especially when you're actually sick and shouldn't be sitting in a waiting room.
Can My Employer Make Me Pay for a Sick Note?
This is a grey area in Ontario:
- The ESA doesn't require employers to reimburse sick note costs
- Some collective agreements include reimbursement provisions
- The Ontario Medical Association has advocated for employer reimbursement
- If your employer requires a note, consider asking if they'll cover the cost
Free Alternatives
If cost is a barrier:
- Use your 3 ESA-protected sick days (no note required)
- Book with your family doctor (covered by OHIP, but longer wait)
- Check if your workplace has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Some community health centres offer free notes
MedLetter: $49 Sick Notes from CPSO Physicians
MedLetter offers same day sick notes from CPSO-registered physicians for a flat $49. No hidden fees, no clinic visits, no wait times. Delivered digitally in same day.
Weekend and Evening Options
When you fall ill outside of regular business hours, finding a clinic can be a nightmare. Many walk-in clinics in cities like Mississauga, Brampton, and Hamilton close by 5 PM or 6 PM, and are completely closed on Sundays. If you work shifts at places like the TTC, OPG, or hospitals, you might need a note urgently when everything is closed.
If your boss is demanding a note by tomorrow morning, or you called in sick without one and need it before your next shift, you have a few options:
- After-Hours Clinics: These are often crowded and can charge premium fees ($40-$75). You might spend hours waiting in a room full of other sick people.
- Emergency Rooms: Please do not go to the ER for a sick note. It clogs up the system for actual emergencies, and you will wait 8+ hours.
- Online Services: This is where MedLetter shines. You can request a note 24/7 from the comfort of your bed. Our CPSO-licensed doctors review requests promptly, ensuring you have the documentation you need before your boss starts asking questions.
Understanding the Working for Workers Act and ESA Section 50
The landscape of sick leave in Ontario has evolved. Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) Section 50, employees are entitled to up to three days of unpaid sick leave per calendar year, provided they have worked for the employer for at least two consecutive weeks.
The recent Working for Workers Act has aimed to provide more clarity and protection for employees, but the requirement for a medical certificate (sick note) remains a point of contention. While employers can ask for "evidence reasonable in the circumstances," the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has strongly advocated against employers requiring sick notes for minor illnesses, arguing it burdens the healthcare system.
However, many large Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies), such as Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, and the Ontario Public Service, still have strict HR policies requiring documentation for extended absences. If you find yourself in a situation where HR is demanding proof, knowing your rights and having a reliable, affordable option like MedLetter is crucial.
CPSO Telemedicine Guidelines: Are Online Notes Valid?
A common concern is whether an online sick note is legally valid. The short answer is yes, provided it follows the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) telemedicine guidelines.
The CPSO recognizes telemedicine as a valid method of delivering healthcare. When you use a service like MedLetter, you are interacting with a licensed Ontario physician who assesses your symptoms and determines if a sick note is medically appropriate. The note you receive is just as valid as one handed to you in a physical clinic in London, Kitchener, or Windsor.
Employers cannot arbitrarily reject a sick note simply because it was obtained via telemedicine, as long as it is issued by a qualified medical professional.
The Urgency Factor: When You Need a Note NOW
We've all been there. You wake up with a terrible migraine or stomach bug. You call in sick, and your manager says, "I need a doctor's note before your next shift." Panic sets in. You're too sick to drive, the local walk-in clinic in Ottawa is fully booked, and your family doctor can't see you until next Tuesday.
This urgency is exactly why MedLetter was created. We understand the stress of needing documentation immediately to protect your job. Whether you're a retail worker in Toronto or a factory worker in Windsor, you shouldn't have to choose between resting and securing your employment. Our streamlined process ensures you get your note quickly, without the added anxiety of navigating the healthcare system while unwell.
How to Get Started with MedLetter
Getting your sick note is simple and straightforward. you should still consider getting to download any apps or navigate complicated portals.
1. Visit our New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. page.
2. Fill out a brief medical questionnaire detailing your symptoms.
3. Pay the flat $49 fee securely online.
4. A CPSO-licensed physician will review your request.
5. Receive your secure, verifiable sick note via email.
It's that easy. No waiting rooms, no hidden fees, just fast, reliable service when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a sick note cost in Ontario?
Costs vary: walk-in clinics charge $20-50, telehealth apps charge $30-75, and MedLetter charges a flat $49 with same-day delivery included.
Are sick notes covered by OHIP?
No. Sick notes are considered uninsured services in Ontario. OHIP does not cover the cost of completing employer-requested medical forms.
Why do doctors charge for sick notes?
The Ontario Medical Association considers sick notes an uninsured service because they serve an administrative rather than medical purpose.
What is the cheapest way to get a sick note in Ontario?
Online services offer the best value when you factor in time saved. MedLetter charges $49 flat with no travel time, no waiting, and same-day delivery.
Can my employer reject a sick note from an online service?
Generally, no. As long as the note is issued by a licensed medical professional (like the CPSO-registered doctors at MedLetter) and follows telemedicine guidelines, it is legally valid. Employers cannot discriminate against telemedicine notes.
What if I need a sick note on a Sunday or a statutory holiday?
Finding an open clinic on weekends or holidays can be very difficult. MedLetter operates 7 days a week, making it an ideal solution for weekend or holiday illnesses when you need documentation for work.
Do I need a sick note for just one day off?
Under the Ontario ESA, you are entitled to 3 unpaid sick days per year without needing a note. However, company policies vary, and some employers may still request "reasonable evidence." It's best to check your specific workplace policy.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
We pride ourselves on speed. Most requests are reviewed and processed the same day, often within a few hours, ensuring you have the documentation you need promptly.
Is my medical information kept confidential?
Absolutely. MedLetter complies with all Ontario health privacy laws (PHIPA). Your medical information is securely stored and only accessed by the medical professionals involved in your care.
Related: Sick Note Ontario, Complete City Guide | Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026 | How to Ask Your Boss for a Sick Day
See Also
Ready to get your sick note? New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. — delivered same-day by a licensed Canadian physician.