Fit-to-fly Certificate
Also known as: Medical clearance, Fitness to fly letter, MEDIF form, Airline medical clearance
A fit-to-fly certificate is a doctor’s letter confirming you are medically safe to travel by air.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You break your ankle in Lisbon and have surgery with metal pins. A week later, you need to fly home. The airline requires a fit-to-fly certificate confirming you can sit for the flight duration and that the cabin pressure won't affect your surgical sites. Your Lisbon surgeon provides one for EUR 50. Without it, you'd be denied boarding.
Why travellers need to know
Airlines can require fit-to-fly certificates after recent surgery, hospitalisation, broken bones with casts, late pregnancy (usually after 28 weeks), or infectious disease. Requirements vary by airline. Some accept a simple doctor's letter; others require their own MEDIF form completed by your treating doctor. Getting this sorted before your flight avoids being turned away at the gate.
Country-specific notes
NHS GPs charge GBP 25-50 for fit-to-fly letters
NHS GPs provide fit-to-fly letters as a private service (not covered by the NHS). Costs range from GBP 25-50. Hospital consultants who performed recent surgery can also issue them, often at no additional charge as part of discharge paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
How Nomedic helps
Your Nomedic record gives the issuing doctor your full surgical and treatment history, so the fit-to-fly assessment is based on complete information.
Sources
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