Last reviewed and updated: August 2026 by a CPSBC-registered physician
MedLetter connects British Columbia patients with CPSBC-registered physicians who review medical documentation requests and issue letters only when clinically appropriate. No walk-in clinic visit required.
Step 1: Submit Your Secure Request - Complete a brief clinical intake form describing your symptoms, dates of absence, and documentation needs. Your information is encrypted and confidential.
Step 2: Physician Review - A CPSBC-registered physician reviews your request. If clinically appropriate, your letter is prepared. If additional information is needed, you may be asked to complete a brief audio or video assessment.
Step 3: Receive Documentation If Issued - If documentation is clinically appropriate, your signed medical letter is sent by email as a secure PDF. Timing depends on the assessment and any required follow-up.
British Columbia is experiencing a severe primary care crisis. Over 900,000 British Columbians — approximately 1 in 5 residents — do not have a family doctor as of 2026. The BC College of Family Physicians reports that the province needs an additional 1,000+ family physicians to meet demand. In communities like Surrey, Abbotsford, and Kelowna, waitlists for family doctors exceed 3 years. This means nearly a million BC residents have no straightforward way to get a simple sick note when they're ill. Walk-in clinics in Metro Vancouver regularly hit capacity by 9am, turning away patients for the rest of the day. MedLetter was built to solve this exact problem — providing same-day access to a CPSBC-registered physician for medical documentation without requiring an existing patient-doctor relationship.
Under British Columbia's Employment Standards Act (ESA), employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year. Employers may request "reasonably sufficient proof" of illness for any absence, but the BC Employment Standards Branch interprets this broadly. The key points BC workers should know: Your employer CAN request a sick note for any absence, even 1 day. However, the BC Human Rights Code protects you from unreasonable demands — your employer cannot require you to disclose your specific diagnosis. A sick note from any CPSBC-registered physician (including telehealth providers like MedLetter) satisfies the "reasonably sufficient proof" requirement. The BC Employment Standards Branch has confirmed that virtual/telehealth documentation is equivalent to in-person documentation. If your employer refuses to accept a legitimate sick note from a licensed physician, they may be in violation of the Employment Standards Act and the BC Human Rights Code.
MedLetter physicians can provide sick notes for any condition that makes you medically unfit for work or school. The most common conditions our BC patients request documentation for include:
Your specific diagnosis is never disclosed to your employer — BC privacy law (PIPA) and the Personal Information Protection Act protect your medical information.
British Columbia's diverse economy means sick note requirements vary by industry. MedLetter serves workers across every BC sector:
Sick notes are an uninsured service in BC — MSP does not cover the cost of medical documentation for employers or schools. Here's what you can expect to pay across different BC options in 2026: Family doctors typically charge $20-40 for a sick note (if you can get an appointment — average wait for a family doctor appointment in BC is 7-14 business days). Walk-in clinics charge $20-50 plus you'll wait 2-4 hours (if they're even accepting patients). After-hours clinics charge $40-75. Emergency rooms are free but completely inappropriate for sick note requests. Telehealth services range from $30-79. MedLetter charges a flat $49 with no hidden fees, no video call requirement, and same-day delivery. When you factor in lost wages from waiting 3+ hours at a walk-in clinic, MedLetter is often the most cost-effective option for BC workers.
MedLetter serves all of British Columbia including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kamloops, Prince George, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Delta, Mission, Penticton, Vernon, Courtenay, Campbell River, Cranbrook, Nelson, Trail, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Squamish, Whistler, and every city and town in between. Whether you're in downtown Vancouver or rural Northern BC, our service is available 7 days a week.
Understanding your rights around sick notes in British Columbia is critical. Here's what the law says: Under the Employment Standards Act, you are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year (as of January 1, 2022). Your employer CAN request documentation for any absence — but they CANNOT require you to disclose your specific diagnosis. Under the BC Human Rights Code, your employer cannot discriminate against you based on a disability or health condition. If your employer refuses to accept a legitimate sick note from a licensed CPSBC physician, they may be in violation of both the ESA and the Human Rights Code. You have the right to file a complaint with the BC Employment Standards Branch or the BC Human Rights Tribunal. MedLetter sick notes include all legally required elements: physician name, CPSBC registration number, your name, dates of absence, fitness-for-work statement, and physician signature. A sick note from MedLetter carries the exact same legal weight as one from a walk-in clinic or family doctor.
MedLetter sick notes are accepted by employers across all British Columbia industries. Our documentation is issued by CPSBC-registered physicians and contains all legally required elements. Major BC employers whose staff use MedLetter include: Amazon (Vancouver, Delta, New Westminster fulfillment centres), Microsoft (Vancouver), SAP (Vancouver), Electronic Arts (Burnaby), Hootsuite (Vancouver), Telus (Vancouver HQ), HSBC Canada (Vancouver), Lululemon (Vancouver HQ), BC Hydro, ICBC, WorkSafeBC, BC Ferries, TransLink, Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health Authority, Interior Health Authority, Northern Health Authority, Island Health Authority, BC Public Service, City of Vancouver, City of Surrey, Teck Resources, Canfor, West Fraser Timber, Seaspan, Jim Pattison Group, Save-On-Foods, London Drugs, Walmart Canada (BC stores), Costco (BC locations), Canadian Tire, Home Depot Canada, Loblaws/Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys/Safeway, Tim Hortons, Starbucks (BC locations), and thousands of small and medium businesses across the province. Under BC law, employers cannot refuse a legitimate sick note solely because it was issued through a virtual consultation by a CPSBC-registered physician.
If your absence is related to a workplace injury or occupational disease, WorkSafeBC (Workers' Compensation Board) has specific documentation requirements. A standard MedLetter sick note covers illness-related absences NOT caused by workplace injuries. For workplace injuries, you must file a WorkSafeBC claim and see a physician who can complete the WorkSafeBC Physician's First Report (Form 8/11). However, if you have a non-work-related illness while also on a WorkSafeBC claim, MedLetter can provide documentation for the non-occupational condition. Key distinction: WorkSafeBC claims = workplace injury documentation (not covered by MedLetter). General illness while employed = standard sick note (covered by MedLetter). If you're unsure whether your condition is work-related, consult with your physician or contact WorkSafeBC directly at 1-888-967-5377.
All British Columbia post-secondary institutions accept medical documentation from CPSBC-registered physicians for exam deferrals, assignment extensions, and academic accommodations. This includes: University of British Columbia (Vancouver and Okanagan campuses), Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, Surrey, Vancouver), University of Victoria, University of Northern British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University, University of the Fraser Valley, Royal Roads University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Vancouver Island University, Capilano University, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and all BC colleges including BCIT, Douglas College, Langara College, Camosun College, Okanagan College, College of New Caledonia, Selkirk College, North Island College, and College of the Rockies. Students should submit their MedLetter documentation through their institution's academic advising or registrar's office for exam deferrals and accommodation requests.
Yes. MedLetter does not require MSP coverage. Our service is available to all BC residents including international students, temporary foreign workers, new immigrants awaiting MSP activation (3-month waiting period), and anyone without provincial health insurance. The $49 fee covers the physician consultation and documentation regardless of your insurance status.
MedLetter documentation can support your EI sickness benefits application. Service Canada requires a medical certificate confirming you are unable to work due to illness. While MedLetter's standard sick note confirms your absence is medically justified, for EI purposes you may need the specific Service Canada medical certificate form completed. Contact us if you need documentation specifically for EI sickness benefits.
No. Under the BC Employment Standards Act, employers cannot terminate or penalize an employee for taking their entitled sick leave days (5 paid + 3 unpaid). If you are fired for using a legitimate sick day, you may have grounds for a wrongful dismissal claim under the ESA and potentially the BC Human Rights Code if the termination relates to a disability or health condition. The BC Employment Standards Branch can investigate complaints at no cost to the employee.
Under BC law, your employer CAN request documentation for any absence, including a single day. However, many BC employers have internal policies that only require notes after 2-3 consecutive days. Check your employment contract or collective agreement. If your employer does require a note for 1 day, MedLetter can provide same-day documentation for $49 — significantly cheaper than the lost wages from waiting 3+ hours at a walk-in clinic.
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) has permanently recognized virtual care as a legitimate form of medical practice. Under CPSBC Practice Standard guidelines, physicians may provide medical services including documentation through virtual means when clinically appropriate. The BC government's Virtual Care Strategy confirms that virtual consultations carry identical legal weight to in-person visits. There is no legal distinction between a sick note issued virtually versus in-person in British Columbia.
Since January 1, 2022, BC employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days per year (plus 3 unpaid days). This law does NOT eliminate the employer's right to request documentation — it simply means you get paid for those days. Your employer can still ask for a sick note for any absence. The 5 paid days reset each calendar year. Part-time employees are also entitled to paid sick days, calculated based on their average daily pay. MedLetter provides documentation that satisfies the "reasonably sufficient proof" standard under the BC ESA.
A CPSBC-registered physician may issue documentation after an appropriate virtual assessment. The physician decides whether documentation is clinically appropriate, while an employer, insurer, or school applies its own process.
Review timing varies with the assessment, request volume, and whether more information is required. Submit early and follow your employer's or school's reporting process rather than relying on a fixed delivery time.
Not always. Many requests are reviewed based on your clinical intake form alone. If a physician requires additional information, a brief audio or video assessment may be requested.
An employer applies its own lawful documentation process. If a note is issued, it identifies the physician and CPSBC registration number for credential verification; it does not guarantee a workplace decision.
MedLetter charges a $49 flat fee. Clinic document fees, appointment access, travel, parking or transit, and personal wait time vary, so ask a clinic about its current process before comparing options.
For the first 2 health-related absences of 5 consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year, BC employers cannot request a health-practitioner note. Later requests must still be reasonable in the circumstances.
The lowest advertised clinic fee is not always the lowest total personal cost. Compare the clinic fee with travel, parking or transit, the time involved, and whether an in-person visit is practical while you are unwell. MedLetter is $49 flat with no clinic trip; a physician must still decide whether documentation is clinically appropriate.
If a physician determines documentation cannot be issued based on your clinical intake, you receive a full refund. No charge unless documentation is provided.
You do not need an existing family-doctor relationship to submit a short-term illness documentation request. A physician independently assesses each request and may need further information before deciding whether documentation is appropriate.
No. MedLetter’s short-term documentation service does not provide notes for mental health concerns, ongoing treatment, disability, or chronic conditions. Seek care from an appropriate treating professional or local health service for those needs.
Review the current clinic or service fee and intake requirements before submitting a request. MedLetter’s standard short-term documentation request is $49; a physician independently determines whether documentation is clinically appropriate.
Eligible BC employees have up to 5 paid illness or injury leave days each calendar year after 90 consecutive days of employment. Check the Employment Standards Branch guidance and any workplace agreement for the rule that applies to you.
A physician may consider documentation for a recent absence based on the history and clinical assessment. Submit promptly, explain the relevant dates accurately, and do not assume a retrospective document will be appropriate.
Each institution has its own academic-consideration policy, deadline, and form requirements. Check the faculty or registrar process immediately; documentation may support a request but does not guarantee an academic outcome.
You can submit a request online on weekends. Review timing depends on the clinical assessment, physician availability, and any follow-up needed; report the absence promptly rather than relying on a fixed delivery time.
If documentation is issued, it contains the information the physician determines is appropriate for the stated short-term purpose. Ask your employer or school what documentation format it requests, and do not disclose more personal information than necessary.
MedLetter sick notes are designed for employer-required documentation for short absences. For WorkSafeBC claims, you typically need a physician who has physically examined you and can complete the specific WorkSafeBC forms. Contact us if you need guidance on your specific situation.
Yes. MedLetter serves all of BC including Prince George, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Kitimat, Smithers, and all Northern BC communities. Our online service is particularly valuable in Northern BC where healthcare access is extremely limited.
Yes. Parents can request sick notes for minor children who need documentation for school absences. Complete the intake form with your child's information and specify that the note is for a school absence.
Employers are not entitled to your diagnosis under BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). The note confirms inability to work for specified dates. If your employer requests additional medical information, they may be violating your privacy rights under PIPA and the BC Human Rights Code.
BC employment standards have specific protection for the first two health-related absences of five consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year. For other circumstances, check the official guidance, your workplace process, and any applicable agreement.
Review the intake requirements before submitting. A physician independently determines whether short-term documentation is clinically appropriate, and a request is not an automatic document or a substitute for ongoing care.
Large employers can have different workplace policies, collective agreements, and absence processes. Ask the employer what documentation is requested; an employer decides how it applies its own process to any document submitted.
Yes. MedLetter can provide documentation for a child's illness-related school absence when medically appropriate. BC school districts accept physician-signed notes for extended absences. Parents/guardians complete the intake form on behalf of the child. Note: for absences under 3 days, most BC schools only require a parent's note, check with your school first.
MedLetter sick notes are for general illness documentation only and are not a substitute for WorkSafeBC medical reports. If your absence is due to a workplace injury, you need to file a WorkSafeBC claim and see a physician who can complete Form 8/11. However, if you have a non-work-related illness and simply need documentation for your employer, MedLetter can help.
MedLetter provides physician-reviewed medical letter requests for patients in British Columbia. A letter is issued only when clinically appropriate. Some requests may require an audio or video assessment before a physician can issue documentation.