Updated August 2026, Current Ontario ESA and CPSO telemedicine standards.
A sick note in Canada costs $49 from MedLetter with same-day delivery. Walk-in clinics charge $20-50 and require a 2-4 hour wait. MedLetter is faster, more convenient, and delivers your official physician documentation by email — no appointment needed.
Need a sick note in Ontario? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Ontario.
Need a sick note in Ontario? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Ontario.
Need a sick note in Ontario? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit your request in 2 minutes and receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Ontario.
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
Telehealth apps:
- 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 (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) 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 your employer faces consequences for penalizing you for taking your 3 statutory sick days
2. Check your employment contract - Many Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) 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
The Urgent Need for a Sick Note in Ontario
Sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where you urgently need a sick note. Here are common scenarios where time is of the essence:
- Your boss demands a note by tomorrow: You called in sick, and your manager insists on seeing a doctor's note before you return to work.
- You called in sick without one: You thought you'd recover quickly, but now you're facing disciplinary action for not providing documentation.
- Weekend or evening illness: You fall ill when most walk-in clinics are closed, and you need a note for Monday morning.
- You're too sick to leave the house: You have a high fever or severe symptoms and cannot physically make it to a clinic.
In these urgent situations, waiting for a family doctor appointment or spending hours in a walk-in clinic is not feasible. This is where online services like MedLetter become invaluable, offering 24/7 access and same-day delivery.
Navigating Sick Notes Across Ontario Cities
The experience of getting a sick note can vary significantly depending on where you live in Ontario. Here's a breakdown of what to expect in major cities:
- Toronto: While there are many walk-in clinics, wait times can be notoriously long, especially in densely populated areas. Transportation costs (TTC or parking) add to the overall expense.
- Ottawa: Access to family doctors is a significant issue, leading to crowded walk-in clinics and longer wait times.
- Mississauga and Brampton: Rapid population growth has strained local healthcare resources, making it challenging to get timely appointments.
- Hamilton and London: These cities have a mix of urban and suburban areas, with varying access to clinics. Wait times can be unpredictable.
- Kitchener and Windsor: Access to healthcare can be limited, especially outside of regular business hours.
Regardless of your location, online sick note services provide a consistent and convenient alternative, saving you time and hassle.
Major Ontario Employers and Sick Note Policies
Different employers have varying policies regarding sick notes. Here's a look at how some major Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) handle them:
- Shopify: Known for its flexible work environment, Shopify may have more lenient policies, but documentation might still be required for extended absences.
- TD Bank and RBC: Large financial institutions typically have strict HR policies and may require sick notes for absences beyond a certain number of days.
- Ontario Public Service (OPS): The OPS has specific guidelines for sick leave, often requiring documentation for absences exceeding a few days.
- TTC and OPG: Unionized environments may have specific rules outlined in collective agreements regarding when a sick note is necessary.
- Amazon Warehouses: Fast-paced environments like Amazon warehouses often have strict attendance policies, making timely sick notes crucial.
Always check your specific employer's policy or collective agreement to understand their requirements.
Understanding Ontario Institutions and Regulations
When dealing with sick notes, it's essential to understand the roles of various Ontario institutions:
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): The CPSO sets the standards for physicians, including guidelines for telemedicine and issuing medical certificates. They ensure that doctors provide appropriate care and documentation.
- Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP): As mentioned earlier, OHIP does not cover the cost of sick notes, as they are considered administrative services.
- Employment Standards Act (ESA): The ESA outlines the minimum rights for employees in Ontario, including the right to unpaid sick leave.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): If your illness or injury is work-related, you may need to deal with the WSIB, which has its own specific documentation requirements.
- Ontario Human Rights Tribunal: If you feel you've been discriminated against due to a medical condition, you can file a complaint with the Tribunal.
Understanding these institutions can help you navigate the complexities of sick notes and employment rights in Ontario.
Comparing Sick Note Options in Ontario
To help you make an informed decision, here's a detailed comparison of your options for getting a sick note in Ontario:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in Clinic | In-person assessment | Long wait times, travel costs, limited hours | Minor illnesses requiring physical examination |
| Family Doctor | Continuity of care | Difficult to get timely appointments | Chronic conditions, ongoing medical issues |
| Telehealth Apps | Convenient, accessible | May charge per minute, video call required | General medical advice, prescriptions |
| MedLetter | Fast, affordable ($49 flat fee), 24/7 access | No physical examination | Urgent sick notes, straightforward illnesses |
| Emergency Room | Comprehensive care | Extremely long wait times, high cost for notes | Severe, life-threatening emergencies only |
Choosing the right option depends on your specific needs, urgency, and budget. For a quick and hassle-free sick note, New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..
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 fire me for not providing a sick note?
Under the ESA, your your employer faces consequences for penalizing you for taking your 3 statutory sick days. However, for absences beyond these days, failing to provide required documentation could lead to disciplinary action, depending on company policy.
Is a telemedicine sick note valid in Ontario?
Yes, sick notes issued via telemedicine are valid in Ontario, provided they are issued by a licensed healthcare professional following CPSO guidelines.
What should I do if my employer refuses my sick note?
If your employer refuses a valid sick note, you may want to consult with an employment lawyer or contact the Ministry of Labour to understand your rights and options.
Related: Sick Note Ontario, Complete City Guide | Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026 | Understanding the Working for Workers Act