Gig Workers: Get Medical Documentation Fast in Alberta
As a gig worker in Alberta, you don't get paid sick days. When illness or injury stops you from working, you lose income immediately. Worse, platforms like Uber and Skip may deactivate your account if you miss scheduled shifts without explanation. And if you need to file an insurance claim or apply for EI sickness benefits, you need medical documentation. MedLetter provides official sick notes from a CPSA-registered physician, delivered same-day to your email. No appointment, no waiting room, no lost earnings sitting in a clinic.
Challenges
- No Paid Sick Days: Unlike employees, gig workers have zero sick leave benefits. Every hour you spend in a walk-in clinic is another hour of lost income on top of being sick.
- Platform Account Issues: Uber, Skip, and DoorDash may flag or deactivate accounts for missed scheduled blocks. Medical documentation helps resolve disputes and protect your account standing.
- No Employer Benefits: Traditional employees get health benefits that cover clinic visits. Gig workers pay out of pocket. A walk-in visit for just a note can cost $50-100 plus 3-5 hours of waiting.
- EI Sickness Benefits: Self-employed gig workers who opted into EI can claim sickness benefits, but Service Canada requires medical documentation proving you're unable to work.
- Vehicle Insurance Claims: If you're injured while driving for a platform, your auto insurance may require medical documentation to process a claim or cover lost income.
- Multiple Platform Juggling: Many gig workers drive for 2-3 platforms simultaneously. Getting documentation for each platform separately is time-consuming and expensive.
How It Works
- Fill Out the Form (2 min): Describe your symptoms and the dates you couldn't work. Mention which platforms you drive/deliver for if relevant.
- Physician Review: A CPSA-registered physician reviews your case. No video call needed. They may ask a follow-up question via email.
- Receive Your Note (Same Day): Your official sick note arrives by email as a PDF. Forward it to platform support, insurance, or Service Canada as needed.
Why Gig Workers Need Medical Documentation
Unlike traditional employees, gig workers face unique challenges when illness strikes. Medical documentation serves multiple critical purposes:
- Platform dispute resolution: prove to Uber/Skip/DoorDash that missed shifts were medically justified
- EI sickness benefits: Service Canada requires a medical certificate for self-employed claimants
- Auto insurance claims: document injuries sustained while driving for platforms
- Income tax deductions: medical expenses over $2,479 (2026) are tax-deductible
- WCB claims: if you're injured on a delivery, Workers' Compensation requires documentation
- Contract protection: some gig contracts allow medical exemptions from performance metrics
Platform-Specific Documentation Guide
Each platform handles medical absences differently. Here's what you need to know:
- Uber/Uber Eats: Submit medical documentation through the app's Help section > Account Issues > I need time off. Uber may pause performance warnings during documented illness.
- Skip The Dishes: Email courier support with your sick note attached. Skip generally excuses missed scheduled shifts with valid documentation.
- DoorDash: Contact support through the Dasher app. Documentation helps reverse contract violations for missed scheduled dashes.
- Instacart: Submit through the Shopper app's support section. Medical documentation can prevent deactivation for reliability issues.
- Amazon Flex: Upload documentation through the Amazon Flex app. Medical excuses are generally accepted for missed blocks.
EI Sickness Benefits for Self-Employed Gig Workers
If you've opted into Employment Insurance as a self-employed worker, you may be eligible for up to 26 weeks of sickness benefits at 55% of your average insurable earnings (max $668/week in 2026). Requirements:
- You must have opted into EI for self-employed and paid premiums for at least 12 months
- You need a medical certificate (sick note) confirming you cannot work
- Your weekly earnings must have decreased by more than 40% due to illness
- Apply through Service Canada within 4 weeks of your last day of work
- MedLetter sick notes are accepted by Service Canada as valid medical certificates
Your Rights as a Gig Worker in Alberta
Alberta's gig economy is evolving, and worker protections are expanding. Key rights to know:
- Alberta's Employment Standards Code is being reviewed for gig worker coverage (2026 consultations ongoing)
- You cannot be permanently deactivated from a platform solely for taking legitimate medical leave
- If you're injured while working, you may be eligible for WCB coverage depending on your worker classification
- Medical expenses are tax-deductible on your T2125 (Statement of Business Income)
- The Canada Labour Code protections apply if your platform is federally regulated
- Alberta Human Rights Act protections against disability discrimination apply regardless of employment classification
Cost Comparison: MedLetter vs. Alternatives
For gig workers, time is literally money. Here's how MedLetter compares:
- MedLetter: $49, 2-minute form, same-day delivery. Zero lost work hours.
- Walk-in clinic: $0-100 (depending on AHCIP), but 3-5 hours waiting = $60-150 in lost earnings
- Virtual clinic (Maple/Telus): $49-79, but requires 15-30 min video call during business hours
- Emergency room: Free with AHCIP, but 6-12 hour wait = $180-360 in lost earnings
- Total cost of walk-in for a gig worker: $60-250 when you factor in lost delivery time
FAQ
Can I use a MedLetter sick note for Uber/Skip/DoorDash?
Yes. Our notes are issued by CPSA-registered physicians and are accepted by all major gig platforms in Alberta. The note confirms you were medically unable to work on specific dates, which is all platforms require to excuse missed shifts.
Will this help me get EI sickness benefits?
Yes. If you've opted into EI as a self-employed worker, our sick note serves as the medical certificate that Service Canada requires. The note confirms your inability to work and the expected duration of your illness.
Can I get a note for multiple days off?
Yes. The physician will assess your reported symptoms and issue a note covering the appropriate duration. For ongoing conditions, they may recommend a specific return-to-work date or suggest follow-up.
What if I drive for multiple platforms?
One sick note covers all platforms. You can forward the same PDF to Uber, Skip, DoorDash, or any other platform. You don't need separate notes for each service.
Can I get a note for a car accident injury while delivering?
Yes. If you were injured while working, we can provide documentation confirming your injury and inability to work. For WCB or insurance claims, you may also need additional forms, but our note serves as initial medical documentation.
Is $49 tax-deductible as a business expense?
Potentially yes. As a self-employed gig worker, medical documentation related to your business may be deductible on your T2125. Consult your accountant, but many gig workers deduct medical expenses that relate to their ability to earn income.
How fast can I get my note?
Most notes are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. This means you can submit your form in the morning and have documentation to send to platform support by afternoon, minimizing account disruption.
Do I need Alberta Health Care coverage?
No. MedLetter is a private service with a flat $49 fee. You don't need AHCIP, employer benefits, or any insurance to use our service. This is especially helpful for gig workers who don't have traditional health benefits.
Get Your Note - $49