Guide · Updated June 2026

How much does a doctor's note cost in Ontario?

Why OHIP doesn't pay for sick notes, what walk-in clinics and the main online services actually charge, and how to avoid surprise document fees.

The short version: A doctor's note is an uninsured service in Ontario — OHIP doesn't pay for it, so almost everyone pays out of pocket, with or without a health card. In-person walk-in clinics typically charge a visit fee plus a separate document fee; online services range from about $49 to $99 per visit depending on the platform and time of day. Doctor Fran is a flat $82 with the note included and no health card required.

Why doesn't OHIP cover a doctor's note?

In Ontario, writing a sick note or medical note is considered an uninsured service — it isn't billed to OHIP. That's why even patients with OHIP are usually charged for a note, and why clinics list a fee for it. The cost you pay depends on where you go and whether the price bundles the consultation and the note together or charges for each separately.

What a doctor's note costs in Ontario (2026)

Here's how the most common options compare. Prices are published rates as of mid-2026 and can change — always confirm the current fee before you book.

OptionTypical costNotes
Walk-in clinic (no OHIP) ~$50–$150 visit, plus ~$10–$50 for the note Uninsured visit fee plus a separate document fee; in person; wait times vary.
Walk-in clinic (with OHIP) ~$10–$30 for the note The visit may be OHIP-covered, but the note itself is uninsured and charged as a document fee.
Maple (online) ~$49 weekday daytime, ~$79 weekend/holiday, ~$99 overnight Note included in the consultation fee; video assessment; membership plans also offered.
Rocket Doctor (online) ~$55–$65 per visit Private-pay in Ontario (no longer OHIP-covered for on-demand visits).
Tia Health (online) Free general visit with a health card; sick note charged separately (paid services from ~$69) You need a valid health card for the free visit; the sick note is an uninsured, paid add-on.
Doctor Fran $82 flat — note included Same price any time of day; phone consult; no OHIP or health card needed; same day.

Watch for two hidden costs: a separate "document fee" on top of the visit, and time-of-day surcharges — several online services charge more on weekends, holidays, or overnight, which is often exactly when people need a note for the next day.

So which is cheapest?

It depends on your situation, and we'd rather be straight with you than pretend there's one answer:

Where Doctor Fran fits

Doctor Fran isn't always the lowest sticker price — but it's flat and predictable: $82 for the consultation with the note included, the same price at 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., with no separate document fee and no subscription. And crucially, it works without OHIP or a health card, which is why it's a practical option for the many people in Ontario who can't use the free, health-card-only services. (Insurance and disability forms are the one exception — they're priced separately and shown in the app before you book.)

One flat price, note included

$82, any time of day — a licensed Ontario physician by phone, no OHIP or health card needed.

Get your doctor's note

Frequently asked questions

Does OHIP cover a doctor's note?

No. Sick notes are an uninsured service in Ontario, so they aren't billed to OHIP. Even patients with a valid health card are typically charged a fee for the note itself.

How much is a sick note at a walk-in clinic?

For an uninsured patient, expect roughly $50–$150 for the visit plus around $10–$50 for the note as a separate document fee. If your visit is OHIP-covered, you'll usually still pay a document fee of about $10–$30 for the note.

Is it cheaper to get a doctor's note online?

Often, yes — online services usually bundle the note into the consultation and skip the travel and wait. But prices vary by platform and time of day (from about $49 up to $99), so compare the all-in cost, including any document fee or surcharge.

Why do online prices vary so much?

Three main reasons: whether the note is included or billed as a separate document fee; time-of-day pricing (weekends, holidays and overnight often cost more); and whether you have a health card (some services are free with OHIP but charge uninsured patients).

Does Doctor Fran charge extra for the note?

No. The note is included in the flat $82 consultation fee, with no separate document fee and no subscription. The only exception is insurance and disability forms, which are priced separately and shown before you book.

Sources & references (rates as published, mid-2026 — verify current pricing): Maple consultation pricing (getmaple.ca); Rocket Doctor (rocketdoctor.ca); Tia Health (tiahealth.com); typical uninsured walk-in and document-fee ranges from Ontario clinic pricing. Doctor Fran pricing is current in-app. This article is for general information and is not financial, medical, or legal advice; third-party prices are subject to change.