How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Ontario? 2026 Price Comparison

How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Ontario? (2026 Price Comparison)

In Ontario, sick notes are not covered by OHIP. This means you'll pay out of pocket regardless of where you go. Here's what to expect.

2026 Price Comparison

| Provider | Cost | Wait Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in clinic | $20-50 | same day (in-clinic wait) | Business hours only |
| Family doctor | $20-30 | Days to weeks (appointment) | Limited hours |
| Telehealth (Maple, Telus Health) | $30-75 | 15-60 min | Varies |
| MedLetter | $49 | same day (no wait) | 24/7 |
| ER (not recommended) | $50+ (note fee) | 4-12 hours | 24/7 |

Hidden Costs to Consider

Walk-in clinics:

• Transportation costs (TTC fare, gas, parking)


• Lost wages while waiting (potentially $50-200)


• Childcare if needed

• Some charge per minute


• Video call requirements


• May not provide notes for all conditions

Is Your Employer Required to Pay?

Ontario law does not require employers to reimburse sick note costs. The Working for Workers Act actually reduces the need for notes by prohibiting employers from requiring them for the 3 ESA sick days.

Why MedLetter at $49?

• No hidden costs — flat fee, no surprises


• No travel — save on TTC/gas/parking


• No waiting room — save same day of your time


• 24/7 availability — weekends, holidays, evenings


• Same-day delivery — most notes in same day

Ontario Employment Standards: Your Rights

Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), employees are entitled to 3 unpaid sick days per year (some employers offer paid days). Important provisions:

• Employers cannot require a doctor's note for ESA-protected sick days as of January 2024 (Working for Workers Act amendments)


• The Ontario Human Rights Code requires employers to accommodate medical conditions to the point of undue hardship


• Federally regulated employees in Ontario get 10 paid sick days under the Canada Labour Code


• Many Ontario employers still request notes as a matter of company policy (distinct from legal requirement)

Statistics: Healthcare Access in Ontario

According to Ontario Health and Statistics Canada (2025-2026):

• 2.3 million Ontarians lack a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner


• Average emergency room wait time in Ontario: over 4 hours for non-urgent cases


• Walk-in clinic wait times in the GTA: 1.5-3 hours on average


• Ontario has the lowest physician-to-population ratio of any large province

Practical Steps for Ontario Employees

1. Know the ESA - Your employer cannot penalize you for taking your 3 statutory sick days
2. Check your employment contract - Many Ontario employers offer 5-10 paid sick days beyond the ESA minimum
3. Unionized workers - OPSEU, CUPE, and Unifor contracts typically provide 12-18 paid sick days annually
4. Document everything - Keep a record of when you called in and who you spoke to
5. Accommodation requests - If you have a chronic condition, consider requesting formal workplace accommodation under the OHRC

When a Sick Note May Not Be Required

While Ontario law has specific rules, most employers still require documentation. Here's when you need to protect yourself:

• Your 3 annual ESA sick days (Working for Workers Act, 2024)


• Family responsibility leave (up to 3 days)


• Bereavement leave (up to 2 days)


• Domestic or sexual violence leave

What Employers Need to Know

Canadian employment law balances employer interests with employee privacy:

• Employers can request confirmation of illness but not specific diagnoses


• The note should state: dates of absence, that the employee was/is unfit for duties, and expected return date


• Employers cannot contact the physician directly without employee consent


• Requiring a note for every single-day absence may constitute harassment in some jurisdictions

Cost Considerations for Employers

• Walk-in clinic notes cost employees $20-50 and require 2-4 hours away from work


• Virtual sick notes reduce time away from work to minutes


• Some employers reimburse sick note costs as a best practice


• The cost of replacing a sick employee for a day far exceeds the cost of documentation

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.