How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Saskatchewan in 2026?
Sick notes are classified as an uninsured service in Saskatchewan — your provincial health card does not cover the cost of medical documentation for employers or schools. This means you'll pay out of pocket regardless of where you get your note.
Price Comparison by Provider Type
| Provider | Cost | Wait Time | Availability |
|----------|------|-----------|--------------|
| Family doctor | $20-$35 | 7-21 day wait for appointment | Weekdays only |
| Walk-in clinic (Saskatoon) | $25-$45 | 2-4 hours | Limited hours |
| Walk-in clinic (Regina) | $25-$50 | 3-5 hours | Limited hours |
| After-hours clinic | $40-$75 | 1-2 hours | Evenings/weekends |
| Emergency room | Free | 6-12 hours | 24/7 (inappropriate use) |
| MedLetter (online) | $49 flat | 0 wait (2-4 hr delivery) | 24/7 |
The Hidden Costs Most People Forget
The sticker price of a sick note doesn't tell the full story. Consider these hidden costs:
Lost wages from waiting:
- Saskatchewan minimum wage: $15.00/hour (as of October 2024)
- Average walk-in clinic wait: 3 hours = $45 in lost wages
- If you earn $25/hour: 3 hours = $75 in lost wages
- Total real cost of a "free" walk-in visit: $70-$125
Transportation costs:
- Gas/parking in Saskatoon or Regina: $10-$20
- Rural residents driving to nearest clinic: $20-$50+ in fuel
- Taxi/rideshare if too sick to drive: $15-$40
Childcare costs:
- If you need someone to watch your kids while you wait: $30-$60
Exposure risk:
- Sitting in a waiting room while sick exposes you to other illnesses
- Sitting in a waiting room while contagious exposes others
When You Don't Need to Pay at All
Remember: under The Saskatchewan Employment Act (2026 amendments), your employer cannot require a sick note for absences of 5 days or fewer (unless you have documented pattern absences). Before paying for a sick note, check:
1. Is your absence 5 days or fewer?
2. Do you have a documented pattern absence history?
3. Does your collective agreement override provincial minimums?
If your absence is short and you don't have pattern issues, you may not need a note at all. Politely cite Section 2-62.1 of The Saskatchewan Employment Act if your employer insists.
City-by-City Pricing
Saskatoon:
- Idylwyld Medical: $30 for sick note
- Broadway Medical: $25-$35
- Average: $30 + 2.5 hours wait
Regina:
- Albert Street Walk-In: $35-$45
- Rochdale Medical: $30-$40
- Average: $35 + 3.5 hours wait
Prince Albert:
- Limited walk-in options; $25-$40 when available
- Often requires driving to Saskatoon
Moose Jaw:
- Very limited walk-in access
- $25-$35 when available
Swift Current, Yorkton, North Battleford:
- Very limited or no walk-in access
- May require driving 1-2 hours to Saskatoon or Regina
- When available: $25-$35
Northern Saskatchewan (La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Nipawin):
- No walk-in clinics
- Nearest option may be 2-4 hours away
- Some communities rely entirely on nursing stations that cannot issue sick notes
Who's Paying for Sick Notes in Saskatchewan?
Different situations, different costs:
Employees needing notes for work (most common):
- Absences over 5 consecutive days require documentation under the Employment Act
- Pattern absences (3+ same day in 12 months) may trigger a note requirement
- Some collective agreements (SGEU, CUPE, Unifor) have their own thresholds
Students needing notes for exam deferrals:
- University of Saskatchewan: Requires physician documentation for exam deferrals
- University of Regina: Same requirement
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Requires medical note for missed assessments
- These notes often cost the same as workplace notes ($25-$50)
EI sickness benefit applicants:
- Service Canada requires a medical certificate (separate from employer notes)
- This is a more detailed form that some clinics charge $50-$75 for
- MedLetter can provide this documentation for the same $49 flat fee
Insurance claims (Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life):
- Short-term disability forms are more complex
- Clinics charge $50-$100+ for insurance paperwork
- These are outside MedLetter's scope (we provide employer/school sick notes only)
Can You Claim the Cost Back?
In most cases, no — sick note fees are not reimbursable:
- Saskatchewan Health does not cover uninsured services
- Most employers will not reimburse the cost
- Some union collective agreements (SGEU, SFL) include provisions for employer-paid documentation when the employer requests it
- If your employer demands a note and your union agreement says they must pay, file a grievance
The Bottom Line: True Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Walk-In Total Cost | MedLetter Total Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage worker ($15/hr), 3-hr wait | $45 wages + $35 note = $80 | $49 | $31 |
| Average worker ($25/hr), 3-hr wait | $75 wages + $35 note = $110 | $49 | $61 |
| Rural worker (1-hr drive each way) | $50 gas + $50 wages + $35 note = $135 | $49 | $86 |
| After-hours clinic | $0 wages + $60 note = $60 | $49 | $11 |
When you factor in the full cost (note fee + lost wages + transportation + time), MedLetter's $49 flat fee with zero wait time and same-day delivery represents the best value for most Saskatchewan workers. You submit from home, a CPSS-registered physician reviews your request, and your signed documentation arrives the same day.
No hidden fees. No video call. No waiting room. If your request isn't approved for clinical reasons, you get a full refund.
Related: [Saskatchewan Sick Note Rules 2026](/blog/saskatchewan-sick-note-rules-2026) | [No Family Doctor Saskatchewan](/blog/no-family-doctor-saskatchewan-sick-note) | [Weekend Sick Note Saskatchewan](/blog/weekend-sick-note-saskatchewan)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Licensed physicians provide virtual consultations and issue valid sick notes for Saskatchewan residents.
Will my Saskatchewan employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan?
Online services deliver most sick notes within 2-6 hours.
How many sick days do Saskatchewan employees get?
Saskatchewan provides 12 days of unpaid sick leave per year under The Saskatchewan Employment Act.