Last updated: February 2026
While planning a trip, the last thing you want is to get sick or injured before or during your trip. Unfortunately, medical problems can arise unexpectedly and can complicate your travel insurance claims. In these cases, a sick note is important to make sure that you are covered by your travel insurance.
This guide explains what a sick note for travel insurance in the UK is, when you need one, and how to claim if you have to cancel a holiday due to illness.
What Is A Sick Note For Travel Insurance?
A sick note for travel insurance, also known as a doctor’s note or a medical certificate, is a written statement by a licensed healthcare professional that says you are unfit to travel due to your illness or injury.
It usually includes information about your medical condition, how severe it is, and if you are able to go ahead with your planned trip.
Travel companies often require this document to process your claims related to illness, injury or other medical problems that are preventing you from travelling.
In the UK, this certificate is typically issued by a doctor registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Insurers usually require confirmation from a GMC-registered medical practitioner.
Be aware that GPs in the UK usually charge a fee for completing travel insurance forms, as this is considered private work outside of the NHS contract.
Sick Note vs Medical Report vs “Fit to Travel” Letter (Quick Clarity)
- Sick note / medical certificate: usually confirms you are not fit to travel (unfit to travel) for a defined period, due to illness or injury. Many insurers explicitly accept / require a medical certificate completed by your doctor for cancellation claims.
- Medical report / letter (often from abroad): if you need medical care while overseas, insurers commonly ask for a report / letter from the treating doctor / dentist abroad confirming the illness / injury and treatment.
- Fit to travel certificate: sometimes requested by airlines / tour operators or for return travel after a medical event. Requirements vary by provider and are not identical to travel insurance evidence. Always check what your insurer (and carrier) specifically needs.
Is an NHS Fit Note the Same as a Travel Insurance Sick Note?
No, not necessarily.
In the UK, a standard NHS “fit note” (also known as a Statement of Fitness for Work) issued through the National Health Service is designed for employment purposes.
It confirms whether you are fit for work — not whether you are fit to travel.
Many travel insurers require a separate medical certificate explicitly stating that you are medically unfit to travel during a specified period.
Some insurers may also ask your GP to complete their own claim form or medical certificate template in addition to providing a letter.
Always check your insurer’s wording before submitting an NHS fit note as evidence.
Why You Might Need a Sick Note For Travel Insurance Claim
There are many situations that can require a sick note to validate your travel insurance claims. These situations may include;
- Trip cancellations
- Delays or interruptions to your trip
- Medical treatment during your trip
- Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Check your policy excess. If the cost of your lost trip is lower than your excess, you won’t receive a payout.
In Practice, What Insurers Often Mean by “Medical Evidence”?
Depending on your policy and claim type, insurers frequently request a combination of:
- Medical evidence (medical certificate / doctor’s note; or treating doctor’s report abroad)
- Proof of travel and costs (booking invoice, travel tickets, itinerary, cost breakdown)
- Proof of cancellation/refunds (cancellation invoice showing refunds due for unused parts)
- Receipts for expenses incurred (medical, dental, taxi, ambulance, extra accommodation, etc.)
Major UK insurers such as Aviva, AXA, and Allianz commonly require written medical evidence for cancellation and curtailment claims, although specific requirements vary by policy.
What Should a Sick Note Include?
A UK travel insurance sick note should clearly show:
- Why you could not travel
- From what date
- For how long
Medical certificates in the UK commonly include:
- Doctor’s full name and signature
- Clinic details
- GMC registration number
Practical Checklist: Key Items to Ask Your GP / Medical Practitioner to Include
- Your name (matching your booking / policy)
- Date of assessment (consultation date)
- A statement that you are unfit to travel (or advised not to travel) due to illness / injury
- Relevant dates: when symptoms started (signs and symptoms), and the period you should not travel
- Doctor / clinic details and authentication (signature / stamp)
- Doctor’s GMC Reference Number (commonly used on UK medical certificates)
Privacy note: Some certificates use a general description rather than a detailed diagnosis. However, for insurance, providers may request more detail or follow-up reports to verify a medical diagnosis and severity. Share only what’s required by your insurer and policy terms.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim Using a Sick Note
Step 1: Check Your Policy and Claim Section First
Different travel insurance policies have different terms and conditions, exclusions, and evidence requirements. Many insurers explicitly state you need proof you were unable to travel (such as a medical certificate) for cancellation claims.
Step 2: Notify the Insurer As Soon As Possible
Delays can create problems. Most UK policies require you to notify the insurer as soon as reasonably possible once you know you cannot travel. Some policies specify timeframes (for example, 24–48 hours), but this varies by provider.
Step 3: Get the Right Medical Evidence for Your Claim Type
Use this quick mapping:
|
Claim scenario |
Medical evidence that is commonly requested |
Other documents often requested |
|
Trip cancellation (before departure) |
Medical certificate/doctor’s note proving you were unable to travel |
Policy certificate + booking invoice + cancellation/refund breakdown |
|
Curtailment (cutting trip short) |
Treating doctor abroad report; sometimes GP report if a close relative at home is the reason |
Proof of unused parts/refunds; insurer may require authorisation via assistance service |
|
Medical treatment abroad (emergency medical expenses) |
Treating doctor/dentist report abroad confirming illness/injury |
Receipts / invoices |
Step 4: Contact Medical Assistance if Required (Especially Abroad)
Some UK private medical insurers recommend contacting their 24/7 medical assistance before receiving treatment, where possible. This can help with authorisations, referrals, and arranging care.
UK travellers should note that the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), issued through the National Health Service, provides access to state healthcare in some countries but does not replace travel insurance. Some insurers may request GHIC details when assessing overseas medical claims.
Step 5: Submit a Clean, Complete Claim Pack
A common reason for the claim stall is missing paperwork. For many insurers, a “complete” file includes:
- Policy certificate
- Booking invoice / travel dates and costs
- Cancellation / curtailment invoice showing refunds (if relevant)
- Medical certificate or treating doctor report
- Receipts for expenses incurred
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Why the Sick Note Alone May Not Be Enough
If your claim relates to a pre-existing medical condition, insurers often expect that condition to have been declared and sometimes “medically screened” when you bought the policy (often at the time of booking the trip / when getting your quote online).
If you do not comply with medical declarations, insurers may refuse or reduce claims. This is a common policy position across providers.
Practical tip: If you have any ongoing conditions, recent tests, planned surgery, or medication changes, treat this as a medical screening / declaration topic and document what you disclosed and when.
Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Delays or Rejected Claims
- The note doesn’t clearly say you were unfit to travel (or lacks dates).
- Submitting certification from a clinician who does not meet your insurer’s requirements (some may request your usual NHS GP; others accept any GMC-registered doctor).
- Late notification to the insurer (some policies impose tight reporting expectations).
- Missing booking / cancellation invoices or refund details (insurers calculate loss after refunds).
- Not contacting emergency assistance where the policy expects authorisation / support (especially for curtailment or major medical expenses).
- Pre-existing condition not declared / not screened (can invalidate cover for related claims).
Final Thoughts
A sick note for travel insurance in the UK is more than a formality — it is formal medical evidence that supports your claim.
If you need to cancel a holiday due to illness, ensure you obtain a clear unfit-to-travel certificate from a GMC-registered medical professional and submit all required documents promptly.
Checking your policy wording before making a claim can prevent unnecessary delays.
Next best action: Check your travel insurance policy wording and claim form requirements (especially around “usual GP,” medical screening, and timelines), then gather the medical certificate and supporting documents in one complete pack before you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some insurers accept online medical certificates, but always check your policy wording before relying on one.
Yes, in most cases you will need a doctor’s note to claim travel insurance. When you file a claim for illness related cancellations or medical expenses, the insurance company usually requires a proof from a licensed medical professional that you are unable to travel.
To claim travel insurance for sickness, you’ll have to follow these steps;
1. Notify your insurance company as soon as you realise that your sickness will prevent you from travelling.
2. Get a doctor’s note as proof of your sickness.
3. Submit documentation along with required forms to your insurance company.
4. Wait for the claim decision.
Some airlines may accept online medical certificates, but many require specific documentation or their own medical assessment forms (such as a MEDIF form). Always check the airline’s medical policy before relying on an online sick note.
Yes, you can get a sick note to cancel a holiday if your illness or injury makes it impossible for you to travel.
