Doctor's note for travel cancellation: Fill out & sign online (2024)

FAQs

Do airlines verify doctor's notes? ›

There is a chance that you could get in trouble if your airline finds out your doctor's note is fake. You may be asked to leave the plane, and you could also face legal penalties. It is important to be honest with your airline and provide them with accurate information. Absolutely.

Ask your doctor (or a nurse or someone at the front desk) politely, and make it as easy for them as possible to provide a doctor's note. Provide the airline with as much information as possible about your medical condition, ask nicely, and follow up to check on the process of your cancellation fee waiver claim.

The unexpected death, illness, or injury of you and/or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel, by order of a licensed physician. The hospitalization or death of a non-traveling family member.

I am writing to ask for your consideration to cancel their pending flights with you due to unforeseen medical circ*mstances. If you need additional clarification, or if additional information is required, my office will be happy to provide it. You may contact our clinic at [OFFICE PHONE NUMBER].

In some cases, airlines will grant waivers and refund your ticket due to severe medical reasons but only on a case by case basis. Airlines will require some sort of documentation from your doctor. You will need to contact the airline directly to inquire if you can get a refund.

As his attending physician, I can attest to the severity of his condition and the urgent need for him to receive medical treatment. Due to this unforeseen circ*mstance, it was necessary for Mr. Doe to cancel his flight. He was unable to provide advance notice of his cancellation due to the sudden nature of his injury.

Now, if you need to delay your trip for illness, you can usually do so without penalty. Most airlines now allow changes with Economy tickets. When you are well enough to travel, you'll just have to pay the difference in cost for an airline ticket (if there is one for your new dates).

Carry a doctor's letter

It's a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor detailing any prescription medicines you are taking with you. This should include the name of the medicine, how much you are taking and state that it is for your personal use only.

Original unused tickets, copies of invoices, proof of payments and other documents that substantiate the cost or occurrence of the trip cancellation or interruption.

How to prove sickness for travel insurance? ›

Travel insurance with Trip Cancellation coverage will cover you if you, a traveling companion or family member come down with an illness before your trip and an in-person visit to a doctor certifies that you're too sick to travel.

You may also require medical clearance to fly with certain preexisting conditions or if you require special in-flight accommodations for medical reasons. Regulations may vary from airline to airline, so travelers and their physicians should check with the airline's medical department.

Department of Transportation rules require all airlines to offer customers a refund if their flights are canceled for any reason, but customers may be entitled to additional compensation if a cancellation is within the airline's control. Weather is outside of airline control.

Infectious Diseases

An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious (infect other passengers).

Most people's best case scenario will be to obtain a credit for future travel, rather than an outright refund. Keep in mind that the airline reps do have a certain amount of latitude in what they will allow a passenger to recoup, but outright refunds are usually reserved for only the most serious situations.

You might as well ask.

As airline expert Gary Leff says, “Official policy aside, it's quite common for airlines to waive change fees with a doctor's note.” Be polite, and if the first agent refuses, call back or ask to speak to a supervisor.

If you don't cancel in time, you lose the ability to use that credit toward future travel. Generally, you are going to need a doctor's note or a medical letter proving illness.