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How to Get a Refund on Your Flight Due to a Medical Emergency 

ram mohan

Life doesn’t come with a pause button. One moment, you’re excitedly packing for your dream vacation or an important work trip, and the next, you’re faced with a medical emergency that turns everything upside down. Whether it’s your own health or a loved one’s unexpected illness, these situations remind us that there are things in life that are much more important than stressing over travel arrangements.

Simply, as you move around an emotional rollercoaster owing to an unforeseen crisis, the last thing you need to add to your woes is cancellation and refund tussle. But what if we told you there is an easy way to get it done so that you concentrate on what really matters: your health and loved ones?  

The following blog provides step-by-step instructions on how to get a medical certificate outlining your own health issue or for caregiving emergencies for flight cancellation and refunds.

What is a Medical Certificate?

A medical certificate is an official document issued by a registered medical practitioner, which means you are unable to travel because of either your health conditions or your loved one’s health conditions.

Types of Medical Certificates Accepted by Airlines

  1. General Illness Certificate – Confirms a passenger is medically unfit to travel due to an illness.
  2. Fit-to-Fly Certificate – Confirms a passenger is medically fit to travel due to good health or despite having a medical illness or undergoing a medical treatment.
  3. Post-Surgery Recovery Certificate – Needed for passengers who are recovering or have recovered from surgery and to confirm they are fit to fly post surgery.
  4. Contagious Disease Clearance Certificate – Ensures that a passenger is not infected with an infectious disease that may endanger others.
  5. Pregnancy-Related Travel Certificate –This is for pregnant passengers who are around 28 weeks to ensure they are fit to fly.
  6. Mental Health Travel Clearance – Ensures that passengers with mental illness can travel independently without requiring in-flight support.
  7. Caretaker Certificate – For a passenger who is the primary caretaker of a sick person and is unable to travel due to caretaking responsibilities..

The above certificates offer you prima facie verification of your health conditions to secure the refund or rescheduling of your flight without penalties.

Why Do Airlines Ask for a Medical Certificate?

Air travel is typically planned in advance, but unforeseen medical situations can arise anytime, making it difficult or even impossible for travelers to fly. In such cases, airlines require a medical certificate as official proof of the medical condition that talks about why they can’t travel.

1. To Approve Refunds or Flight Rescheduling

All airlines follow strict refund and cancellation rules, usually issuing non-refundable tickets or charging hefty cancellation fees. Nonetheless, they have exceptions for medical emergencies. A legitimate medical certificate allows passengers to:

  1. Claim a refund or credit
  2. Change the flight without incurring extra charges
  3. Escape cancellation charges

In the absence of a valid medical document, airlines can refuse to refund or reschedule, even in genuine cases.

2. To Ensure Passenger Safety and Prevent In-Flight Medical Emergencies

Some medical conditions may deteriorate during flying because of cabin pressure, low oxygen levels, and limited availability of instant medical facilities. Medical certificates are mandatory for airlines to check if a passenger is fit to travel, particularly in the case of:

  1. Post-surgical recovery
  2. Respiratory or cardiac diseases
  3. Infectious diseases that may infect other passengers
  4. Pregnancy

In other instances, airlines can also ask for a “fit-to-fly” certificate from a physician if a passenger has an existing condition but still wants to fly. 

3. To Meet Airline and Government Requirements

Numerous nations and airlines adhere to international aviation health standards that require medical clearance for certain conditions. This applies especially to:

  1. Pregnant women after 32-36 weeks
  2. Passengers with serious medical conditions needing special in-flight care
  3. Current hospitalization or severe illness that might be hazardous for the flight

A medical certificate guarantees that the passengers are up to the health standards before departure.

4. To Avoid Misuse of Refund Policies

Refund policies are intended to serve real medical emergencies, but they are sometimes abused. Travelers may try to cancel a non-refundable ticket by making a false medical claim. A requirement for a verified medical certificate is meant to separate legitimate claims from fraud cancellations.

5. To Provide Special Assistance for Passengers in Need

For travelers who are still required to travel in spite of a medical condition, airlines can make special arrangements for further assistance depending on their medical certificate. This could be:

By confirming a passenger’s health condition, airlines can provide them with the right assistance during their travel.

Why Do Airlines Accept Medical Certificates?

Airlines function as commercial enterprises, yet they are managed by individuals who acknowledge that emergencies can arise unexpectedly. Although many airlines maintain rigorous cancellation policies, exceptions are often made for legitimate medical crises. Here are some reasons for this approach:

  1. Compassionate Policies: Airlines understand that health issues are out of a passenger’s hands. By providing refunds or eliminating fees in these situations, they demonstrate compassion and support during tough times.
  2. Legal and Ethical Obligations: Numerous airlines must comply with consumer protection laws requiring them to assist passengers under exceptional circumstances, including medical crises.
  3. Building Trust: Demonstrating flexibility in the face of emergencies helps airlines cultivate long-term trust and customer loyalty.
  4. Global Standards: Global aviation regulations often promote the establishment of compassionate practices within airlines for travellers encountering genuine difficulties.

Medical Certificate Requirements for Flight Cancellation/Rescheduling

For Domestic Flights in India

To cancel or reschedule a flight within India due to a medical emergency, airlines typically require:

  1. Medical Unfit-to-Fly Certificate – Issued by a registered medical practitioner indicating the passenger is medically unfit to fly.
  2. Caretaker Certificate – If the passenger is the primary carer of a person who is medically unfit to fly.
  3. Hospitalization Proof – Discharge summary or hospital admission papers, if required.

For International Flights are more stringent, and passengers can be required:

  1. Comprehensive Medical Certificate – This certificate must be prepared by a licensed physician and should include a diagnosis, details of any travel restrictions, and an estimated recovery period.
  2. Airline-Specific Medical Form – Some international airlines require passengers to complete their official medical evaluation forms, which must be signed by a physician.
  3. Fit-to-Fly Certificate (in case of rescheduling) – If a passenger is recovering and needs airline approval for future travel, this certificate may be necessary, especially in cases of rescheduling.
  4. Caretaker Certificate – If a flight is canceled because the passenger is a caregiver for a sick family member, this certificate may be required.

Each airline may have specific formats and additional requirements, so it’s best to check with the respective airline before submitting a request.

Which Airlines Accept Medical Certificates?

The domestic airlines of India operate regularly between major cities and regional airports to make air travel simple for all passengers. Several domestic airlines including Air India, Vistara and Alliance Air together with IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go First, AirAsia India and Akasa Air and TruJet and Star Air facilitate seamless journeys for work-related and leisure travel.

Major global destinations are accessible through the leading international travel airlines that serve India. The route network of Emirates links destinations between Dubai and London, New York and Sydney while Qatar Airways operates between Doha and New York, Paris and London. 

The international flight schedule of Singapore Airlines takes passengers to Singapore together with Los Angeles, Tokyo and Sydney while Lufthansa operates flights to Frankfurt Munich London and Toronto.

The airline sector comprises vital carriers Etihad Airways which operates routes between Abu Dhabi and London, New York, Paris, as well as British Airways which serves London and Toronto and Frankfurt from New York and Air France which provides services between Paris, Amsterdam, New York and Rome.

The route network of Thai Airways extends through Bangkok to Tokyo and Sydney and concludes in Hong Kong whereas Cathay Pacific connects Hong Kong to Los Angeles and Vancouver and Tokyo. 

The airline network operated by Turkish Airlines consists of Istanbul, London, Paris, and Toronto routes and Malaysia Airlines provides services between Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Tokyo, and Auckland. Sri Lankan Airlines operates flights that connect Tokyo to Colombo as well as Melbourne to Colombo and Tokyo to Bangkok.

The majority of airlines permit patients and caretakers to receive refunds or postpone flights through the presentation of medical certification. 

Cancelling a Flight for Medical Reasons? Here’s What to Do 

Step 1: Review the Airline’s Refund Policy

Before canceling a flight, check the airline’s policy on medical emergencies. Some airlines might refund in full, whereas others might allow free rescheduling.

Step 2: Obtain a Medical or Caretaker Certificate

If, however, you cannot visit the doctor in person, then apply through MedicalCertificate.in to get a certificate online. You first have to fill in the required information. It will be reviewed by a licensed doctor who will issue the certificate in just a few minutes.

Step 3: Contact the Airline

Reach out to the airline’s customer support team and explain your situation. Provide your booking details (PNR number, flight number, etc.) and mention that you need to cancel due to a medical emergency.

Step 4: Get the Certificate

Most airlines will ask you to upload the certificate through their website or email it to their customer care team. Also, make sure you include all additional documents, such as your booking confirmation and medical certificate.

Refund Policies of Popular Booking Platforms

Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate the refund policies of major booking platforms in India during medical emergencies:

1. Flight Cancellation with MakeMyTrip – Website: www.makemytrip.com

Refund Policy:

2. Flight Cancellation with Cleartrip Website: www.cleartrip.com

Refund Policy:

3. Flight Cancellation with Goibibo Website: www.goibibo.com

Refund Policy:

4. Flight Cancellation with Yatra Website: www.yatra.com

Refund Policy:

5. Flight Cancellation with EaseMyTrip Website: www.easemytrip.com

Refund Policy:

6. Flight Cancellation with Skyscanner Website: www.skyscanner.com

Refund Policy:

7. Flight Cancellation with Expedia Website: www.expedia.com

Common Scenarios When Are Medical Certificates Accepted?

Airlines generally accept these certificates under certain circumstances:

  1. Sudden Illness: If the passenger or their close family member experiences a sudden illness.
  2. Surgery Recovery: If the passenger has undergone surgery due to an accident and cannot travel.
  3. Serious Illness: The patient has a severe or potentially life-threatening illness that requires attention on a constant basis.
  4. Chronic Conditions: Long-term illness needing constant attention and supervision.
  5. Sudden Hospitalization: An unforeseen medical emergency whereby caring for the patient is left to you.

Common Situations When a Medical Certificate Is Refused by Airlines?

  1. Issued by an Unregistered Physician: Airlines need certificates from registered medical professionals. If the issuing physician is not verified, the certificate is invalid.
  2. Missing Vital Medical Information: Certificates lacking vital information such as diagnosis, recovery time, or physician’s contact information can be refused.
  3. Non-Compliance with Carrier-Specific Formats: Certain carriers have certain fields or templates that need to be completed. Failure to adhere to this can result in the document being rejected.
  4. Misuse or Alteration of Documents: Using a forged or modified medical certificate can result in rejection, and even prosecution, if found out.
  5. Non-Conformity Passenger Records: When the passenger records in the medical certificate information do not match the ticket details of the passenger, airlines may query its authenticity.

How to Obtain a Medical Certificate from MedicalCertificate.in?

At MedicalCertificate.in, we’ve made obtaining medical and caretaker certificates intuitive, quick, and hassle-free. Here is how.

Step 1: Visit Our Website

Go to www.medicalcertificate.in. Select either a Medical Certificate or a Caretaker Certificate.

Step 2: Fill out the Application Form

Submit the information requested:

  1. Your name and contact information.
  2. The patient’s name and medical condition (if applicable).
  3. Details regarding travel and the reason for cancellation.

Step 3: Consultation With a Licensed Physician

Our licensed doctors examine your application and prepare to consult with you for any other information if needed.

Step 4: Get Your Certificate

Upon approval, the certificate will be emailed within a few hours. You can then download and print it to present it to the airline.

Step 5: Submit to the Airline

Upload or email the certificate to the airline with the booking details to customer service.  Add a suggestion that a flight cancellation prescription along with a certificate is usually mandatory.

What to Do If Your Medical Certificate Is Not Accepted by the Airline?

If your medical certificate is rejected, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

  1. Determine the Reason for Rejection

Typical reasons are missing information, documents that cannot be verified, non-adherence to airline formats, or expired certificates.

  1. Call the Airline Immediately

Talk to customer care of airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Emirates, or Qatar Airways to understand the reason and see if resubmission is possible.

  1. Confirm Your Certificate Source

Make sure your certificate is issued by a registered physician. Airlines cross-check documents with medical councils, so use reliable sites like MedicalCertificate.in for verification.

  1. Ask for a Reissued Certificate

In case more information is needed, request your physician to issue a reissued version with:

Passenger’s name, diagnosis, and medical advice

Physician’s credentials and hospital information

  1. Provide Additional Supporting Documents

Prescriptions, hospital discharge records, laboratory reports, or caretaker certificates may be asked for by some airlines for verification.

  1. Escalate If Necessary

If the rejection continues, escalate by:

Filing an appeal with the medical board of the airline

Call your travel agency (MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Yatra, etc.)

Reaching out to aviation regulators such as DGCA, FAA, or IATA

  1. Look at Alternative Options

In case a refund is not given, request rescheduling of the flight, travel credit, or insurance claim.

Get Your Online Medical Certificates Hassle-Free with MedicalCertificate.in

At MedicalCertificate.in, we understand how overwhelming medical emergencies can be, especially when they disrupt your travel plans. That’s why we are here to help you with a fast, reliable, and hassle-free way to obtain the right medical or caretaker certificate for flight cancellations, rescheduling, and travel insurance claims.

Our certificates are widely accepted by major domestic and international airlines and leading travel booking platforms, ensuring you don’t face unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. Whether you need a Fit-to-Fly, Unfit-to-Fly, or a medical emergency certificate, we make sure our documents meet airline requirements worldwide.

With our 100% online process, you can apply from anywhere without visiting a doctor in person. Our registered medical professionals issue authentic, verifiable certificates and provide emergency processing, ensuring you receive your document within hours when needed.

Have to cancel your flight because of a medical emergency or to provide care? Simply obtain your medical or caretaker certificate through MedicalCertificate.in and get your refund or reschedule without any hassle. Apply Online Now! 

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