Get a signed unfit to travel certificate from a UK GMC-registered doctor, delivered to your email inbox within just a few hours.
An Unfit to Travel Medical Certificate confirms that you are not fit to travel or fly due to illness. It may also be called an Unfit to Fly Certificate, Not Fit to Fly Letter, or Unfit to Travel Letter — all mean the same thing.
Travel insurers, airlines and holiday providers often request this document as evidence when you need to cancel, reschedule or claim a refund for your trip.
At Merlin Health, we make the process simple. Your certificate is:
This gives travel providers the confidence to accept your claim and helps you avoid unnecessary delays or disputes.
Getting your Unfit to Travel Medical Certificate with Merlin Health takes just a few minutes — no waiting rooms, no GP delays. Here’s how it works:
Complete our secure online form with information about your illness and why you’re unable to travel. This helps our doctors understand your situation properly.
One of our UK GMC-registered doctors reviews your information carefully. If more detail is needed, we may contact you before issuing the certificate.
If appropriate, your Unfit to Travel Letter will be prepared and sent to your inbox the same day. Every document is signed by a doctor and includes a QR code for verification, so it can be trusted by airlines and insurers.
To get an Unfit to Travel Medical Certificate, you’ll be asked to complete our secure online form. This ensures our doctors have all the details they need to assess your case properly and issue a certificate.
The whole process is handled online — no appointments or waiting rooms. If our doctors need more details, they’ll simply get in touch before issuing your certificate.
“When illness disrupts travel plans, the last thing you need is added hassle. At Merlin Health, our online service makes it simple to obtain an Unfit to Travel certificate in just a few hours. Our doctors review each request carefully and issue certificates quickly, so you can focus on rearranging your plans. Every certificate is trusted by airlines and insurers, giving you one less thing to worry about.”
Dr Michael Jones, Co-Founder & Lead Doctor at Merlin Health
“When illness disrupts travel plans, the last thing you need is added hassle. At Merlin Health, our online service makes it simple to obtain an Unfit to Travel certificate in just a few hours. Our doctors review each request carefully and issue certificates quickly, so you can focus on rearranging your plans. Every certificate is trusted by airlines and insurers, giving you one less thing to worry about.”
Dr Michael Jones, Co-Founder & Lead Doctor at Merlin Health
Every Unfit to Travel Medical Certificate from Merlin Health includes:
Our medical certificates are recognised by major carriers across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Yes — they refer to the same type of medical document. An Unfit to Travel Certificate, also known as a Not Fit to Fly Letter or Unfit to Fly Medical Certificate, confirms that you are unable to travel due to illness or medical reasons.
Airlines, insurers, and holiday providers often require this document to support a refund, rescheduling, or insurance claim. With Merlin Health, you’ll receive a single certificate that’s signed by a UK GMC-registered doctor and trusted by travel providers worldwide.
If your health prevents you from flying or continuing your travel plans, our doctors are here to help. At Merlin Health, we provide a fast, reliable online service designed to fit around you — no appointments, no long waits.
Here’s what makes us different:
A doctor’s letter may be required whenever a health issue makes it unsafe or unsuitable for you to travel. Some common examples include:
Our doctors assess each case before issuing a certificate, ensuring it meets the standards required by airlines and insurers.
Most airlines and travel insurers require medical evidence if you need to cancel, postpone, or modify a booking due to health reasons. Without proper documentation, your claim may be delayed or refused.
A doctor’s letter for travel cancellation provides written confirmation that you were medically unfit to travel at the time of your trip — helping you:
Yes. Our certificates are accepted by travel insurers worldwide and include the medical details insurers typically require. This includes a clear explanation of your illness or condition and confirmation that travel was not medically advised.
Every document is signed by a UK GMC-registered doctor and can be verified instantly using a QR code, giving insurers confidence that your certificate is genuine.
Yes, absolutely. If your illness or injury prevents you from flying, our unfit to fly certificate can be used to support your request for flight cancellation, rebooking, or refund.
Yes. Although our doctors are based in the UK, our online assessment system allows us to issue Unfit to Travel Certificates to people around the world. As long as you can complete the form and provide accurate information, we can assess your case and issue a certificate digitally.
In some cases, yes — your NHS GP can issue a doctor’s note for travel cancellation. However, many NHS practices are unable to provide these certificates due to appointment pressures, administrative policies, or insurance restrictions.
That’s where Merlin Health offers a faster, simpler solution. Our doctors can review your case the same day and issue your Unfit to Travel Certificate within hours — without the need to wait for an appointment or contact your GP surgery.
A doctor’s note for travel cancellation (also called an Unfit to Travel Medical Certificate) is a signed document confirming you’re not medically fit to travel. It’s used by airlines, travel insurers and holiday providers to support refunds, rescheduling or insurance claims.
A Not Fit to Fly Certificate confirms you shouldn’t travel by air for medical reasons. It can help you cancel or change flights and supports insurance claims, subject to your airline’s or insurer’s policies.
Unfit to Travel can cover any mode of travel (flights, cruises, trains, coaches). Not Fit to Fly is specific to air travel. Merlin Health can issue a certificate that covers both, if needed.
Apply online with Merlin Health:
Complete the secure form with your health details and travel plans.
A UK GMC-registered doctor reviews your case (we may contact you if we need more info).
If appropriate, we issue your certificate the same day and email it as a signed PDF with QR verification.
All certificates are issued the same day, often within a few hours (submissions before 9PM UK time receive same-day service).
A GMC-registered UK doctor assesses your information. If the medical criteria are met, we’ll issue your certificate and email it to you the same day. If we need more detail, we’ll get in touch first.
We’ll reach out by email or phone to clarify details (e.g., symptoms, timing, documents).
Yes. If our doctor decides a certificate isn’t clinically appropriate, we’ll provide a full refund.
Yes. Upload any additional forms with your application. A £25 processing fee applies per extra document.
Merlin Health offers same-day Unfit to Travel / Not Fit to Fly certificates for £49, delivered by email with QR verification.
If we cannot issue a medical letter after assessment, you’ll receive a full refund. Once a certificate has been issued, refunds aren’t available.
Common uses include:
Flight cancellation, rebooking or credit
Travel insurance claims
Hotel/accommodation changes
Tours, excursions, car hire or package holiday refunds
Often, yes. A medical certificate strengthens refund or rebooking requests, but outcomes depend on your fare rules and airline policy. Always check the T&Cs.
Many airlines will consider it. A doctor-signed Not Fit to Fly letter can support date changes or credits, subject to your airline’s policy and fare conditions.
Yes. A parent or guardian completes the form on the child’s behalf. A GMC-registered doctor will assess the information before issuing the certificate.
Yes. We serve clients worldwide. Complete the online assessment from wherever you are; if appropriate, we’ll email your certificate as a signed PDF with QR verification.
Each certificate includes:
A clear summary of your condition and why travel isn’t advised
A medical recommendation regarding your booking
The doctor’s name and GMC number
Digital signature and a QR code for instant verification
Merlin Health contact details for checks
Got a question or special requirement? Email us at info@merlinhealth.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
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