International Students: Get a Sick Note Online in Alberta
As an international student in Alberta, getting a sick note can feel impossible. You may not have a family doctor, your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage may not have started yet, and walk-in clinic wait times can be 3-5 hours. Meanwhile, your university has strict deadlines for medical documentation. MedLetter solves this: fill out a 2-minute form, and a CPSA-registered physician reviews your case and delivers an official sick note to your email the same day. Accepted by every Alberta university, college, and polytechnic.
Challenges
- No Family Doctor: Most international students arrive in Alberta without a GP. Walk-in clinics have 3-5 hour waits, and many don't accept patients without AHCIP coverage.
- AHCIP 3-Month Wait: New residents must wait 3 months before Alberta Health Care coverage begins. During this gap, a walk-in clinic visit can cost $100-200 out of pocket just for a note.
- Strict University Deadlines: Universities like U of C and U of A require medical documentation within 48-72 hours of a missed exam. If you miss the deadline, you may receive a zero.
- Language Barriers: Explaining symptoms in English at a walk-in clinic can be stressful. Our written form lets you describe your situation clearly at your own pace.
- Unfamiliar Healthcare System: Canada's healthcare system is different from most countries. You don't need a referral or insurance to use MedLetter. Just fill out the form.
- Cost Concerns: International students already pay high tuition. A walk-in visit without insurance can cost $150-200. MedLetter is a flat $49 with no hidden fees.
How It Works
- Fill Out the Form (2 min): Tell us your symptoms, the dates you missed class/exams, and which institution you attend. No appointment needed.
- Physician Review: A CPSA-registered physician reviews your submission. They may ask a follow-up question via email if needed.
- Receive Your Note (Same Day): Your official sick note is delivered to your email as a PDF. Print it or submit it electronically to your registrar.
Accepted by All Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions
Our sick notes are issued by physicians registered with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). They are accepted by every university, college, and polytechnic in the province, including:
- University of Calgary (U of C) - Student Wellness Services
- University of Alberta (U of A) - Office of the Registrar
- Mount Royal University (MRU) - Academic Advising
- SAIT - Student Development and Counselling
- NAIT - Student Counselling
- MacEwan University - Student Services
- University of Lethbridge - Registrar's Office
- Red Deer Polytechnic - Student Services
- Bow Valley College - Learner Success Services
- NorQuest College - Student Services
What Your Sick Note Includes
Your note will contain all the information your university requires for an exam deferral, assignment extension, or excused absence:
- Physician's name, CPSA registration number, and signature
- Date of assessment and dates of incapacity
- Statement confirming you were medically unable to attend class/write an exam
- Recommendation for accommodation (if applicable)
- Clinic letterhead and contact information for verification
Common Situations for International Students
International students use MedLetter for a variety of academic situations. The most common include:
- Missed midterm or final exam due to illness (exam deferral)
- Assignment extension for illness lasting 2+ days
- Lab or tutorial absence documentation
- Co-op/internship sick day documentation
- Withdrawal from a course due to medical reasons (requires longer documentation)
- Study permit medical documentation (separate from sick notes)
Your Rights as an International Student
Under Alberta's Post-Secondary Learning Act and each institution's academic regulations, you have the right to request academic accommodation for illness. Your university cannot deny a deferral if you provide valid medical documentation within the required timeframe. Key points:
- You do NOT need Alberta Health Care coverage to get a valid sick note
- Your university MUST accept notes from any CPSA-registered physician
- You have the right to privacy - the note does not need to disclose your diagnosis
- Most universities allow 48-72 hours to submit documentation after an absence
- If your deferral is denied despite valid documentation, contact your Student Ombuds
FAQ
Do I need an Alberta Health Care card to use MedLetter?
No. MedLetter is a private service that does not require AHCIP coverage. You pay a flat $49 fee regardless of your insurance status. This is especially helpful during the 3-month AHCIP waiting period that new residents face.
Will my university accept an online sick note?
Yes. Our notes are issued by CPSA-registered physicians and meet all requirements set by Alberta universities. We've served thousands of students at U of C, U of A, MRU, SAIT, NAIT, MacEwan, and other institutions without a single rejection.
Can I get a sick note after I already missed my exam?
Yes. You can request a sick note retroactively. The physician will assess your reported symptoms and issue a note confirming you were ill on the date(s) in question. Most universities accept retroactive notes within 48-72 hours of the absence.
How quickly will I receive my sick note?
Most notes are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. If you submit after hours, you'll receive it by the next morning. Rush delivery is not available, but our standard turnaround meets most university deadlines.
Can I use MedLetter for an exam deferral?
Yes. Exam deferrals are the most common reason international students use our service. Your note will include the specific dates of incapacity and a statement that you were medically unable to write the exam.
Is the sick note in English?
Yes. All notes are issued in English, which is the language required by Alberta post-secondary institutions. The note includes all standard fields that registrars expect.
What if my university contacts the physician to verify?
Our notes include the physician's CPSA registration number and clinic contact information. Universities can verify the note's authenticity at any time. We welcome verification as it demonstrates legitimacy.
Can I use my international student health insurance (like Guard.me or StudentGuard)?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 fee directly. You may be able to submit the receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement under 'virtual healthcare' or 'telemedicine' benefits. Check your specific plan's coverage.
Get Your Note - $49