Sick Note Costs in New Brunswick: 2026 Guide
Sick notes are an uninsured service in New Brunswick. Your NB Medicare card does not cover medical documentation for employers or schools — you pay out of pocket.
Price Comparison by City
| City | Walk-In Cost | Wait Time | Total Real Cost* |
|------|-------------|-----------|-----------------|
| Moncton | $25-$40 | 2-4 hours | $65-$110 |
| Saint John | $25-$40 | 2-3 hours | $55-$95 |
| Fredericton | $25-$40 | 2-4 hours | $65-$110 |
| Bathurst | $20-$35 | 2-3 hours | $50-$85 |
| Miramichi | $20-$35 | 3-5 hours | $65-$120 |
| MedLetter (online) | $49 flat | 0 wait | $49 |
*Total real cost includes lost wages at NB average hourly wage (~$25)
Hidden Costs in New Brunswick
Lost wages:
- NB minimum wage: $15.30/hour (2026)
- Average walk-in wait: 3 hours = $46 at minimum wage
- At average NB wage ($25/hr): 3 hours = $75
Transportation:
- Gas in Moncton/Saint John/Fredericton: $5-$15
- Rural NB driving to nearest clinic: $20-$50+
- Parking: $5-$10 in downtown areas
The "turned away" scenario:
- Walk-in clinics in NB frequently reach capacity
- If turned away, you've wasted travel time and gas with nothing to show for it
When You Don't Need to Pay
Under NB Employment Standards:
- Employers cannot require a sick note for absences of 3 days or fewer
- Check your employment contract — some employers have more generous policies
- Unionized workers (CUPE, PSAC, NBNU) should check collective agreements
Clinic-by-Clinic Pricing (2026)
Moncton:
- Moncton Medical Walk-In (Mountain Road): $30-$40
- After Hours Medical Clinic: $45-$60
- Riverview Medical: $25-$35
- Average wait: 2-4 hours
Saint John:
- Market Square Medical: $25-$35
- Millidgeville Walk-In: $25-$35
- After Hours (Rothesay Ave): $40-$55
- Average wait: 2-3 hours
Fredericton:
- Regent Mall Walk-In: $30-$40
- Brookside Medical: $25-$35
- Average wait: 2-4 hours
Northern NB (Bathurst, Campbellton, Edmundston):
- Limited walk-in options (1-2 per city)
- $20-$35 when available
- French-language service available (important for northern NB)
- Wait times: 2-3 hours
Rural NB (Miramichi, Woodstock, Sussex, Sackville):
- Very limited or no walk-in access
- May require driving 30-60 minutes to nearest city
- $20-$35 when available
Bilingual Considerations
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province. This matters for sick notes:
- Francophone workers in northern NB may need documentation in French
- Some employers (especially federal) accept notes in either official language
- MedLetter provides documentation in English; for French-language notes, specify in your request
- Irving, McCain, and other major NB employers accept notes in either language
Should Employers Reimburse?
NB law doesn't require employer reimbursement for sick note costs. However:
- Some collective agreements (CUPE, PSAC, NBNU) include reimbursement provisions
- Some employers voluntarily reimburse as a retention tool
- If your employer requires a note that the law doesn't mandate (i.e., for absences under 3 days), there's a strong argument they should pay
- The NB Federation of Labour has advocated for employer-paid documentation
Students: University Documentation Costs
NB students face the same pricing for academic documentation:
- UNB (Fredericton/Saint John): Requires physician documentation for exam deferrals
- St. Thomas University: Same requirement
- Université de Moncton: Requires medical note (French or English accepted)
- NBCC/CCNB: Medical note required for missed assessments
True Cost Scenarios for NB Workers
| Scenario | Walk-In Total | MedLetter | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage ($15.30/hr), 3-hr wait | $46 wages + $30 note = $76 | $49 | $27 |
| Average worker ($25/hr), 3-hr wait | $75 wages + $35 note = $110 | $49 | $61 |
| Rural worker (45-min drive each way) | $30 gas + $63 wages + $30 note = $123 | $49 | $74 |
| Irving employee (shift worker) | Lost shift premium + $35 note = $85+ | $49 | $36+ |
| Student (part-time at $15.30/hr) | $46 wages + $30 note = $76 | $49 | $27 |
Key Takeaway
When you factor in the note fee, lost wages, and transportation, MedLetter's $49 with zero wait time is the most cost-effective option for most New Brunswickers — especially those in rural areas who face significant travel costs just to reach a clinic.
Related: [NB Sick Leave Guide 2026](/blog/new-brunswick-sick-leave-guide-2026) | [Can Employer Require Sick Note NB](/blog/can-employer-require-sick-note-new-brunswick) | [Weekend Sick Note NB](/blog/weekend-after-hours-sick-note-new-brunswick)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in New Brunswick?
Yes. Licensed physicians provide virtual consultations and issue valid sick notes for New Brunswick residents.
How many sick days do New Brunswick employees get?
New Brunswick provides unpaid sick leave under the Employment Standards Act. The specific entitlement depends on length of employment.
Will my New Brunswick employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All New Brunswick employers must accept sick notes from licensed physicians, whether issued in person or through virtual care.
How fast can I get a sick note in New Brunswick?
Online services deliver most sick notes within 2-6 hours.