Fit-to-Fly Certificate Canada: 6 Things to Know Before Your Flight in 2026

1. What Is a Fit-to-Fly Certificate?

A fit-to-fly certificate is a medical letter from a licensed physician confirming that a patient is medically safe to travel by air. Airlines require them because the cabin environment -- reduced air pressure, lower oxygen levels, limited mobility -- can worsen certain medical conditions.

The certificate is not a guarantee that nothing will happen during the flight. It is the physician's professional opinion that, based on their assessment, the patient is unlikely to experience a medical emergency or deterioration during air travel.

2. When You Need One

Airlines may require a fit-to-fly certificate for a range of medical conditions and situations. The most common triggers include:

• Recent surgery (within 10-14 days)
• Pregnancy beyond 28 weeks
• Fractures with a cast (especially leg casts)
• Respiratory conditions or recent pneumothorax
• Recent heart attack or stroke
• Infectious diseases
• Need for supplemental oxygen during flight

3. What the Certificate Must Include

A valid fit-to-fly certificate must contain specific information for the airline to accept it. The required elements are:

• Patient's full name and date of birth
• Date of the medical assessment
• Confirmation that the patient is fit to fly
• Any special requirements (oxygen, wheelchair, etc.)
• Physician's name, credentials, and signature
• Date of certificate (must be recent -- typically within 72 hours to 7 days of travel)

Some airlines, particularly for international flights, may also require the physician to complete the airline's own MEDIF (Medical Information Form). Ask your airline whether a general fit-to-fly letter is sufficient or if their specific form is needed.

4. How Much It Costs

The cost of a fit-to-fly certificate varies depending on where you get it.

Provider	Typical Cost	Wait Time
Family doctor	$50 - $150	Days to weeks
Walk-in clinic	$50 - $100	1 - 4 hours
Telehealth (MediNote)	$100 flat	Same day

Fit-to-fly certificates are considered uninsured services in Canada, meaning they are not covered by provincial health insurance. The fee covers both the physician's assessment and the signed letter.

5. Getting a Certificate Through Telehealth

MediNote offers travel consultations including fit-to-fly certificates for $100 flat. Our physicians will assess your condition, determine if you are safe to fly, and issue the certificate -- all through a phone consultation. Same-day service is available.

This is particularly convenient when:

• You are already travelling and need a certificate from your current location
• Walk-in clinics near you have long wait times
• You need a certificate quickly before an upcoming flight
• Your family doctor cannot see you within the required timeframe

6. Pregnancy-Specific Requirements

Pregnant travellers face the most common fit-to-fly requirements, and airline policies vary by gestational age.

Most airlines allow pregnant passengers to fly without restriction up to 28 weeks. Between 28 and 36 weeks, a fit-to-fly certificate is typically required. After 36 weeks (or 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies), most airlines will not permit travel regardless of certification.

Your physician will assess factors like blood pressure, risk of preterm labour, and overall pregnancy health before issuing clearance.

Always check with your specific airline for their medical clearance requirements. Requirements may differ for domestic and international flights. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.