For emergency medical situations The document must provide a diagnosis and include the doctor's name and signature. Prescriptions are not accepted as valid documentation. Refunds and waived fees are always at the discretion of the airline and never guaranteed.

Yes, you can cancel a flight due to illness, but whether you receive a refund or a travel credit depends on the fare type and the airline's specific policies in 2026. Most "non-refundable" tickets will only offer a travel credit (minus any applicable fees) unless you have purchased "Cancel for Any Reason" insurance. However, in cases of a documented medical emergency, many airlines have internal "Compassion Policies" that allow for more flexibility. In 2026, the DGCA (in India) and similar bodies globally have introduced rules requiring airlines to offer refunds or "credit shells" if a passenger or an immediate family member on the same PNR is hospitalized. For standard illnesses like a flu or COVID-19, most airlines will allow you to change your flight for the cost of the fare difference, but a cash refund to your original payment method is rare without a "fully flexible" ticket. If you have travel insurance through your credit card, you can often file a claim for a full refund by providing a signed "Physician's Statement" confirming you were unfit to fly. Always notify the airline before the flight departs to avoid being marked as a "no-show," which typically voids the entire value of the ticket.