How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Ontario? (2025-2026)
One of the most common questions Ontario workers ask is how much a sick note costs. The answer depends on where you get it — but here's the key fact: sick notes are NOT covered by OHIP. They are classified as uninsured services, meaning you pay out of pocket regardless of where you go.
Before paying anything, check: if this is one of your first 3 sick days this year, your Ontario employer CANNOT legally require a note under the ESA. If you do need one, here's a complete cost comparison for 2025-2026.
Sick Note Costs by Provider Type in Ontario
Ontario sick note costs vary significantly depending on where you go. Here's a realistic breakdown of what you'll pay in 2025-2026, including hidden costs like time and travel.
- Walk-in clinic: $20-$50 for the note + 2-5 hours of waiting + travel time
- Family doctor: $20-$30 (some charge, some don't) + days/weeks to get appointment
- Telehealth Ontario: FREE but they do NOT issue sick notes
- Virtual care apps (Maple, Tia): $50-$100 per consultation
- MedLetter: $49 flat fee, same-day delivery, no clinic visit
- Hospital ER: NOT appropriate for sick notes (do not go to ER for documentation)
Why Aren't Sick Notes Covered by OHIP?
OHIP covers medically necessary services — diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions. Sick notes are classified as administrative documentation, not medical care. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has long advocated for eliminating sick note requirements entirely, arguing they waste healthcare resources.
This is actually one of the reasons Ontario's ESA was amended to prohibit sick note requirements for the first 3 days — to reduce unnecessary strain on the healthcare system and save workers money.
The True Cost: Time + Money + Lost Wages
The sticker price of a sick note doesn't tell the full story. When you factor in time, travel, and lost wages, the true cost of getting a sick note at a walk-in clinic is much higher.
- Average walk-in wait in Ontario: 3-5 hours (Toronto), 2-4 hours (other cities)
- Travel time: 30-60 minutes round trip
- Lost wages: $60-$150+ depending on your hourly rate
- Total true cost of walk-in note: $100-$250 when you factor everything in
- MedLetter total cost: $49, 5 minutes of your time, no travel, no waiting
- Net savings with MedLetter: $50-$200 in time and wages
Can Your Employer Make You Pay for a Sick Note?
This is a grey area in Ontario law. The ESA prohibits employers from requiring notes for the first 3 sick days, but doesn't explicitly address who pays when a note IS required. In practice, most employees pay for their own sick notes. Some employers reimburse the cost, and some collective agreements require employer payment.
If your employer requires a note beyond your 3 ESA days, you're generally responsible for the cost. However, if they require a specific form or examination beyond a standard note, they may need to cover additional costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sick note free with OHIP?
No. Sick notes are uninsured services in Ontario — OHIP does not cover them. You will pay out of pocket at any provider, including your family doctor (though some GPs waive the fee for regular patients).
Can I get a free sick note anywhere in Ontario?
Some family doctors don't charge regular patients for simple sick notes. University health services sometimes provide free notes for students. Otherwise, all providers charge for this service.
Why does MedLetter cost $49?
The $49 covers the physician consultation, clinical review, and signed documentation with same-day delivery. There are no hidden fees, no follow-up charges, and no clinic visit required.
Is it worth paying for a sick note if I don't legally need one?
If you're within your 3 ESA-protected days, you don't need a note and shouldn't have to pay for one. However, some employees choose to get one for their own records or to maintain good workplace relations.
Do I need to pay for a sick note if my employer demands one illegally?
If your employer demands a note for ESA-protected sick days, they're violating the law. You can refuse, cite the ESA, and file a complaint. You should not have to pay for documentation that isn't legally required.
Prices listed are accurate as of 2025. Walk-in clinic fees vary by location and provider. MedLetter's $49 fee includes physician consultation and documentation. Additional services (priority delivery, extended notes) may have additional fees.
Get a Sick Note — $49