What Is a Medical Clearance and When Do You Need One Before Travelling?

🩺 What Is a Medical Clearance and When Do You Need One Before Travelling?

If you've recently been ill, had surgery, or are recovering from a medical condition, your airline may ask you for a medical clearance before allowing you to travel. This is a standard procedure designed to ensure that both you and other passengers can fly safely.

But what exactly does "medical clearance" mean, and how can you get it quickly — especially if you're abroad? Let's break it down.

🔹 What Is a Medical Clearance?

A medical clearance (sometimes called a fit-to-fly assessment) is a written confirmation from a licensed doctor stating that you're medically fit to travel by air. It assures the airline that your condition is stable and that you don't pose a health risk to yourself or others during the flight.

This clearance can take the form of:

• A Fit-to-Fly Certificate issued after an online consultation
• A Medical Information Form (MEDIF) required by certain airlines for specific medical conditions

🔹 When Do Airlines Request Medical Clearance?

Not all passengers need one. Airlines usually request it if you:

• Have had a recent hospitalisation or surgery
• Are recovering from an illness such as pneumonia, flu, or Covid-19
• Are pregnant, especially beyond 28 weeks
• Have a chronic condition (heart, lung, or neurological issues)
• Have used oxygen therapy or mobility aids recently

Each airline has slightly different policies, so it's always best to check before your flight.

🔹 How to Get Medical Clearance Online

If you don't have time to visit a doctor in person, an online medical evaluation can provide the clearance you need:

1. Book an appointment online. Choose a time slot that fits your schedule.
2. Speak with a licensed doctor. During the consultation, the doctor reviews your recent health history and current condition.
3. Receive your medical clearance certificate. If you're fit to travel, the document is issued digitally — including your name, date, and the doctor's credentials — and sent to your email.

💬 At Vesiacare, Spanish-licensed doctors provide professional evaluations recognised by most major airlines worldwide.

🔹 Why Medical Clearance Matters

Air travel can temporarily affect your body — changes in pressure, oxygen levels, and cabin humidity can all have an impact. Medical clearance helps:

• Ensure your safety during the flight
• Prevent complications for passengers with ongoing conditions
• Avoid travel disruptions at the airport due to missing documentation

It's not just a formality — it's a professional safeguard for both you and the airline.

🔹 Conclusion

Medical clearance is a simple but essential step for passengers recovering from illness or surgery. Thanks to telemedicine, you can now obtain your fit-to-fly evaluation online — quickly, securely, and without visiting a clinic.

👉 With Vesiacare, you can speak to a Spanish doctor online within minutes and receive official documentation confirming your fitness to travel.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need medical clearance to fly?

No. It's only required in specific cases such as recent illness, pregnancy, or surgery.

How long does it take to get one online?

Usually less than 30 minutes from consultation to receiving your digital certificate.

Is online medical clearance accepted by airlines?

Yes — most airlines accept professionally signed digital certificates issued by licensed doctors.