How to claim on travel insurance for illness: what documentation you actually need.
Travel insurance claims for illness are rejected far more often than they should be — usually because the medical documentation provided is incomplete, issued too late, or the wrong type. This guide explains exactly what insurers require, how to get the right certificate, and how to avoid the most common reasons for rejection.
Cancellation vs Curtailment: Which Claim Type Applies to You?
The type of claim — and the documentation required — depends on whether you fell ill before your trip or during it. These are treated differently by insurers and require different evidence.
Fell ill before departure
You were too unwell to travel on the day of departure, or a doctor advised against travel in advance. You need documentation confirming you were unfit to travel on or before the departure date.
Fell ill during travel
You became unwell after departure and had to cut your trip short or seek medical treatment abroad. Your insurer will typically require overseas medical records in addition to a UK doctor’s confirmation.
Unfit to Travel vs Fit to Fly: Which Certificate Does Your Insurer Need?
These two certificates are often confused but serve completely different purposes. Using the wrong one is one of the most common reasons travel insurance claims are delayed or rejected.
An unfit to travel certificate confirms that a patient was medically unable to travel on a specified date due to illness or injury. This is the document required for most travel insurance cancellation claims. An unfit to travel certificate is not the same as a fit to fly certificate — a fit to fly certificate confirms suitability for air travel, not the inability to travel.
What your unfit to travel certificate must contain:
How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim for Illness
Acting quickly and collecting the right evidence from the start gives you the best chance of a successful claim. Most insurers have a time limit for submitting claims — often 28–31 days from the date of cancellation or return.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible
Do not wait until after your trip dates have passed. Notify your insurer immediately when you know you cannot travel. Most policies require prompt notification — delayed reporting is a common reason claims are rejected. Keep a record of when and how you contacted them.
Obtain a medical certificate from a doctor
For cancellation claims, you need an unfit to travel certificate from a GMC-registered doctor confirming the illness and that travel was not medically possible on your departure date. If your NHS GP is unavailable, a private medical certificate issued following clinical review is accepted by most UK travel insurers.
Gather supporting documentation
In addition to the medical certificate, insurers typically require proof of the trip booking and cost, cancellation confirmation from the airline or operator, any refunds already received, and evidence that the condition was not pre-existing and undisclosed at the time of booking.
Submit within the claim window
Check your policy for the exact deadline. Most insurers require all documentation to be submitted within 28–31 days of the cancellation date or return from travel. Missing this window is one of the most avoidable reasons claims are declined.
Why Travel Insurance Claims for Illness Are Rejected
The majority of declined claims come down to avoidable documentation or process errors. Understanding these in advance significantly improves your chance of a successful outcome.
Pre-existing condition not declared
If the condition that caused you to cancel was known at the time of booking and not declared to your insurer, the claim will almost certainly be rejected. Always disclose medical conditions when purchasing cover.
Wrong type of certificate provided
Submitting a fit to fly certificate when an unfit to travel certificate is required — or a general sick note when a travel-specific letter is needed — leads to rejection. Make sure the document explicitly states unfitness to travel on the relevant date.
Claim submitted too late
Most policies have a strict window for submitting claims — typically 28–31 days. Missing this deadline is one of the most common and most avoidable reasons for rejection.
Certificate lacks required detail
A certificate that does not explicitly state the condition, the dates of incapacity, and a clear statement of unfitness to travel on the departure date gives the insurer grounds to query or reject the claim.
Insurer not notified promptly
Waiting until after the travel dates to notify your insurer, rather than at the point the decision to cancel was made, gives them grounds to argue the claim was not handled correctly.
Clinical Review & Eligibility
Travel cancellation certificates issued through MedicalCert are reviewed individually by GMC-registered UK doctors. Every application is assessed on its own clinical merits.
Limitations & When In-Person Care Is Required
A private medical certificate supports a travel insurance claim but does not guarantee it will be approved. The insurer makes the final decision based on their own policy terms. The following situations are outside the scope of this service:
Final acceptance of any medical certificate is determined by your insurer. MedicalCert cannot guarantee a successful claim outcome. This service operates within UK jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a Travel Cancellation Certificate?
If you need an unfit to travel certificate for a travel insurance claim, MedicalCert’s GMC-registered doctors can review your case and issue documentation where clinically appropriate — no GP appointment needed.
Get a Travel Cancellation Certificate →
Subject to clinical review. Certificate does not guarantee insurer approval.