Medical Certificate for Travel Cancellation - Doctor's Note for Flight Cancellation
A travel cancellation certificate is a medical letter from a GMC-registered doctor confirming you are unfit to travel due to illness or injury.
Required by most travel insurers when making a cancellation or curtailment claim, a holiday cancellation medical certificate provides the official documentation your insurer needs to process your claim without delay.
✔ Accepted by travel insurers, airlines & holiday providers.
✔ Same day for most or by 9AM next-day. Only £39.
✔ Full refund if the GP cannot issue.
Get my certificate 
Dr Maria Knobel Medical Director 
Receive a full refund if we can’t provide a certificate
How It Works
Complete a short online questionnaire
No appointment required. Complete a short medical questionnaire and upload any supporting evidence.
Doctor reviews your evidence
A GMC-registered doctor reviews your submission individually. No automated approvals.
✔ Full refund if the GP cannot issue.
Receive your certificate
Certificates arrive most same day, all by 9AM next morning, delivered as a signed PDF direct to your inbox.
Very happy, I ordered my Medical Certificate in the early morning hours and before noon time of same day I had it on my inbox. Speedy service and they present the health condition precisely, get to the point.
They meet the incredibly fast turnaround stated (certificate/letter sent before 9am the following morning if the doctor feels that a letter/certificate is appropriate) which is incredibly quick and I am really grateful for the help provided!
Very easy and quick to get my certificate. And the certificate was approved from the specific company to travel with my dog. I will use them again. Well done.
Second time using this company and they are fabulous! Always great, fast, friendly service. Highly recommend!
This was my second time using Medical Cert, and once again the service was exceptionally quick and professional. Everything was handled efficiently, with clear communication throughout.
I found the service very straight forward and quick. Exactly what I needed to get my Padi medical form signed before our holiday. Thank you very much.
Process was easy and responses were quick. I would recommend their service.
Fast efficient service for medical certificates. I used the not fit to fly service and was provided with a certificate the next day, the price is very reasonable and enabled a flight credit refund with my airline. Would recommend and would use again if needed.
A fast and efficient service. It wasn't complicated and the Fit-to-fly note was accepted by the Airport without any further questions. Thank you.
Ideal for me, I am looking to get a certificate for some medical issues I have. So this is the perfect solution for me, uploading docs was easy and the forms very straightforward to fill in. Will definitely use them again. Many thanks.
Excellent service. Easy to use and certificate issued in less than 24 hours. £39 as opposed to the £150 my GP charges. Highly recommended.
Quick and reasonably pain-free. Received their standard certificate as well as my requested bespoke certificate, by email, by 9am the following morning. Both completed properly, signed and stamped as required. More expensive than my GP, but infinitely quicker and easier.
One of the best experiences. It's easy to get a GP note.
Excellent. My GP refuses to issue DWP MED 3 Fit Notes to students. MedicalCert were excellent and extremely helpful in providing a necessary certificate. Highly recommended.
You were amazing, you kept me updated and replied promptly to any queries I had. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
They helped me, they were very professional and nice.
Very pleased. Quick service with very professional letter provided.
Great service, pretty straight forward and easy to use the website.
I was recommended Medical Cert by a friend and was so impressed with the service received. I would recommend using a laptop rather than a phone. Overall a fantastic and fast service.
Medical Certificate for Travel Cancellation and Holiday Insurance Claims
When illness or injury prevents you from travelling, airlines, travel providers, and holiday companies require a medical certificate for travel cancellation — a signed document from a registered doctor confirming you were unfit to travel at the time. Without it, most travel insurance claims for cancellation or curtailment will not be processed.
MedicalCert issues doctors notes for travel cancellation following individual clinical review by a GMC-registered UK GP. No appointment needed — complete a short online questionnaire, upload evidence of your condition, and receive your signed certificate same day or by 9AM next morning.
GMC-registered GP
Every certificate is clinically assessed and signed by a registered UK doctor — not a template or automated approval.
Same day delivery
Delivered as a signed, verifiable PDF to your inbox — same day or by 9AM next morning, when you need it most.
Accepted by insurers
Includes all the details travel insurers require — condition, onset, impact on travel, and verified doctor credentials.
What Is a Medical Certificate for Travel Cancellation?
A medical certificate for travel cancellation is a doctor-signed document confirming that a medical condition prevented or advised against travel on a specific date or during a specific period. It is the primary form of evidence your travel insurance company or airline needs to assess a cancellation or curtailment claim.
This document is known by several names depending on who is asking for it:
Regardless of the name your insurer uses, MedicalCert can issue the appropriate documentation following clinical review. If your insurer has a specific form or wording requirement, upload it with your application and our doctor will complete it where possible.
Doctor's Note for Flight Refund or Travel Cancellation
If illness has stopped you from travelling and you need to claim a refund or rebook, your airline, tour operator, or insurer will almost always require written medical evidence. A doctor's note for flight refund confirms, in writing, that a GMC-registered GP assessed your condition and that travel was not clinically appropriate on your booked departure date. Without it, most cancellation claims are declined or held in review.
A MedicalCert doctor's note for travel cancellation is issued as a signed PDF on UK doctor letterhead, includes a QR verification code, and names the condition, onset, and impact on travel in the language airlines and insurers expect. The format is the same whether your insurer calls it a doctor letter for flight cancellation, a medical cancellation note, or a travel cancellation certificate.
Common scenarios where this certificate is needed
Airline refund or rebooking
Carriers including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, and Emirates require a dated GP letter confirming the condition and that you were unfit to travel on the booked date.
Travel insurance claim
Insurers regulated by the FCA require medical evidence dated close to the original departure date. A retrospective letter weeks later is harder to substantiate — submit promptly.
Tour operator or package holiday
Operators including TUI, Jet2holidays, On the Beach, and Loveholidays follow the same evidentiary standard as insurers. One certificate typically supports both claims.
Cruise or rail cancellation
Cruise lines and rail operators accept the same document. A travel cancellation certificate covers all transport modes booked, not flights alone.
What Does the Medical Certificate Include?
A MedicalCert medical certificate for travel insurance claims contains all the information travel insurers and airlines typically require to process a cancellation or refund request. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) provides guidance that medical evidence for cancellation claims should confirm the condition, onset date, and clinical impact on travel — all of which are included as standard.
Your full name, date of birth, and address
Details of your medical condition or illness, including onset of symptoms
Confirmation of whether the condition was ongoing or resolved
Statement that travel was not medically advised during the relevant period
Issuing doctor's full name, GMC registration number, and signature
Unique reference number and QR code for insurer verification
When Do You Need a Medical Certificate for Travel Insurance?
Most UK travel insurance policies require medical evidence when you make a cancellation or curtailment claim. The certificate establishes that your reason for cancelling was genuinely medical rather than a change of plans. Without it, your claim is very likely to be rejected. The table below covers the most common scenarios.
| Scenario | Medical certificate typically required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| You fall ill before departure | ✔ Yes | Certificate must confirm you were unfit to travel on the departure date |
| You are injured before departure | ✔ Yes | Certificate should describe the injury and why travel was inadvisable |
| You need to cut your trip short (curtailment) | ✔ Yes | Certificate covers medical grounds for early return |
| A travelling companion falls ill | ✔ Yes (for the companion) | Your insurer may also need a certificate for the person who is ill |
| A close relative at home falls seriously ill | Depends on policy | Some insurers accept a medical letter confirming the relative's condition |
| Pre-existing condition flare-up | ✔ Yes | Coverage depends on whether the condition was declared when the policy was purchased |
Common medical reasons covered
Acute illnessFlu, gastroenteritis, chest infections, and similar conditions severe enough to prevent travel.
InjuryFractures, sprains, or other injuries sustained before or during travel that make the journey unsafe.
Post-operative recoveryWhere surgery or a medical procedure prevents travel during the recovery period.
Pregnancy complicationsWhere a clinical development during pregnancy makes travel inadvisable.
Chronic condition flare-upA significant worsening of an existing condition that prevents safe travel.
Mental health deteriorationAcute mental health crisis preventing travel — assessed individually by the reviewing doctor.
What UK Travel Insurers Typically Require
Major UK travel insurers — including Aviva, AXA, and Allianz — are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and require written medical evidence when processing cancellation claims. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) sets industry guidance on the standard of medical documentation expected. Understanding exactly what they need helps you submit a complete claim first time and avoid delays.
Standard insurer requirements for a medical cancellation claim
- ✔ A signed medical certificate for travel cancellation from a GMC-registered doctor confirming you were unfit to travel
- ✔ Details of your condition — nature of illness, onset date, and whether ongoing or resolved
- ✔ A statement that travel was not medically advised during the relevant period
- ✔ Doctor's name, GMC number, and contact details for verification
- ✔ Proof of booking costs and cancellation charges (from your airline, hotel, or tour operator)
- ✔ Evidence of any refunds already received (insurers pay the net unrecovered loss)
Some policies specify that medical evidence must come from "your usual GP." A MedicalCert certificate from a GMC-registered doctor is accepted by most insurers, but check your policy wording if this clause applies. If your insurer has a specific requirement, contact them before applying.
Cancellation Certificate vs Unfit to Fly Certificate — Which Do You Need?
These are two distinct documents that are often confused. Understanding the difference ensures you request the right certificate for your situation.
Medical certificate for travel cancellation
- ✔ You cancelled before travel began
- ✔ You need to claim on travel insurance
- ✔ Airline or holiday provider requires medical evidence for a refund
- ✔ You were too ill to travel on the departure date
- ✔ Used for flight, hotel, cruise, and package holiday cancellations
Unfit to fly certificate / not fit to fly
- ✔ You need written confirmation you cannot fly specifically
- ✔ Airline requires documentation before allowing rebooking
- ✔ You have a condition that makes air travel medically unsafe
- ✔ Post-surgery where flying carries specific risk
- → Unable to fly letter available here
In many cases the same certificate covers both — if you were unfit to travel and could not fly, the cancellation certificate typically satisfies both the insurer and the airline. If you are unsure which you need, apply for the travel cancellation certificate and note in your application that you also need confirmation of inability to fly.
Not Fit to Fly Certificate NHS vs Private — What Is the Difference?
Many people search for a not fit to fly certificate from the NHS or a free doctors note for travel insurance from their GP. Here is what you need to know about both routes.
Can you get a travel cancellation certificate from your NHS GP?
Yes — your NHS GP can write a letter confirming you were unfit to travel. However, NHS practices are not required to provide these letters and many decline, particularly for insurance purposes. When they do provide them, there is typically a private letter fee of £20 to £60, and you may wait 1 to 2 weeks for an appointment. Most insurance policies require notification within 48 hours of cancellation — this is often too slow.
A not fit to fly certificate from the NHS is not automatically more accepted by insurers than a private certificate. What matters is that the letter is signed by a GMC-registered doctor and contains the required clinical information. MedicalCert certificates are signed by fully registered GPs, delivered the same day, and accepted by UK travel insurers.
If your policy specifically states it requires a certificate from "your registered NHS GP," contact your insurer before applying privately, as some policies enforce this clause.
How to Get a Medical Certificate for Travel Cancellation or Insurance
Complete the online consultation form
Provide your travel details, the dates involved, and a description of your medical condition. Include your booking reference if available — some insurers ask for this on the certificate.
Upload supporting evidence
A short video describing your symptoms, plus any supporting documentation — prescription, discharge letter, or pharmacy receipt. A photo ID to confirm your identity is also required.
GMC-registered doctor reviews your case
Your submission is reviewed individually by one of our GPs the same day. If the clinical evidence does not support issuing a certificate, you receive a full refund automatically.
Receive your signed certificate
Delivered as a signed PDF to your inbox — same day or by 9AM next morning. Includes QR code and unique reference number. Forward the medical certificate directly to your insurer or airline.
Medical Certificate for Travel Cancellation — FAQs
Clinically reviewed by Dr Maria Knobel, Medical Director
GMC Registration: 7495073 | Last reviewed: May 2026
Sources: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Association of British Insurers (ABI), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), GOV.UK, General Medical Council (GMC)