Fit to Fly Certificate – medical clearance for air travel

In short

Send a booking request

What is a Fit to Fly Certificate?

A Fit to Fly Certificate is a medical document completed by a licensed doctor confirming that you are medically fit to travel by air. Airlines or travel insurance companies may request this certificate if you have recently had surgery, suffered an injury, are pregnant, have a chronic medical condition, or are recovering from an illness.

The terms Fit to Fly Certificate, Fit to Fly Medical Certificate and Fit to Fly Letter are generally used interchangeably — the purpose is the same. A certificate can only be issued after a medical evaluation by a licensed physician.

When is a Fit to Fly Certificate needed?

Most travellers do not need a Fit to Fly Certificate. Airlines usually request one only when there are medical concerns, for example:

• recent surgery
• a fracture or a cast
• pregnancy with complications
• a chronic or serious medical condition
• recovery from a recent illness
• when special medical assistance is required during the flight

Requirements differ between airlines. Always check your airline's current medical travel policy before booking a medical assessment. Some airlines have their own medical form (for example a MEDIF form) that your treating physician must complete — bring it to your appointment if one exists.

Flying with a cast or after surgery

Whether you can fly with a fracture, a cast or after an operation depends on the individual situation — for example which bone is fractured, how recent the injury or surgery is, the risk of swelling or blood clots, wound healing and the length of your flight. A medical assessment is often recommended before travelling, and the airline may ask for documentation.

Get a Fit to Fly assessment in Sweden

Snabbintyg arranges medical assessments with an affiliated licensed doctor. Simpler assessments can sometimes be handled digitally in Sweden; after an injury or operation a physical examination in Gothenburg may be required. The fee is 1 400 SEK.

How it works:

1. Send a free booking request and describe your situation and travel date.
2. State what your airline or insurer requires (and any form they use).
3. The doctor reviews whether the assessment can be handled digitally or requires a physical visit.
4. If the request can be accepted, you receive an appointment.

Send a booking request Svensk version (Fit to Fly-intyg)

Sending a request does not guarantee that a certificate can be issued. The doctor decides after an individual medical assessment. Snabbintyg is a booking and referral service and is not a healthcare provider.

Good to know

A Fit to Fly Certificate is not a government-regulated document — it is a doctor's medical assessment. The exact format and content are set by the airline or the party requesting it. Airline medical requirements vary and change, so always confirm the current policy directly with your airline before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 1 August 2026.

In a medical emergency

A Fit to Fly assessment is not emergency care. In a medical emergency, call 112. For health advice in Sweden, call 1177.

Related pages

• Fit to Fly-intyg (svenska)
• Pregnancy and air travel (Swedish)
• Prices

Frequently asked questions

What is a Fit to Fly Certificate?

A Fit to Fly Certificate is a medical document completed by a licensed doctor confirming that you are medically fit to travel by air. Airlines or travel insurers may request it after recent surgery, an injury, pregnancy, a chronic condition or when recovering from an illness. It can only be issued after a medical assessment.

Is a Fit to Fly Certificate the same as a Fit to Fly Medical Certificate?

Yes. The terms are generally used interchangeably. Both describe a medical certificate stating whether a person is medically fit for air travel. Some airlines use different wording, but the purpose is the same.

What is a Fit to Fly Letter?

A Fit to Fly Letter is another name commonly used for a Fit to Fly Certificate. Some airlines, employers or insurers refer to the document as a medical letter rather than a certificate. Check exactly what documentation the airline or organisation requires before your appointment.

Do airlines provide a Fit to Fly Form?

Some airlines provide their own Fit to Fly Form or medical information form that must be completed by your treating physician. If your airline has a specific form, bring it to your appointment. If no form exists, a standard Fit to Fly Certificate may be sufficient depending on the airline's requirements.

Can I receive my Fit to Fly Certificate as a PDF?

In many cases, yes. After your medical assessment, the certificate can usually be delivered electronically as a secure PDF, provided that the receiving airline or organisation accepts digital documentation. If an original signed paper document is required, confirm this before your appointment.

Do all airlines require a Fit to Fly Certificate?

No. Most healthy travellers do not need one. Airlines usually request a certificate only when there are medical concerns, for example after recent surgery, fractures, serious illness, pregnancy complications, or when special medical assistance is required during the flight. Always check your airline's current policy before booking.

Does Ryanair require a Fit to Fly Certificate?

Ryanair may request medical documentation in certain situations, particularly after recent surgery, when special assistance is required, or when a medical condition could affect air travel. Requirements depend on your individual circumstances — always verify the latest policy directly with Ryanair before travelling.

Can I fly with a broken bone or a cast?

Possibly. Whether you can fly depends on factors such as which bone is fractured, how recent the injury is, whether swelling is expected, whether the cast needs to be split, the length of your flight and your overall medical condition. A medical assessment is often recommended before travelling.

Can I fly after surgery?

Many people can travel safely after surgery, but the appropriate waiting period depends on the type of surgery, your recovery, the risk of blood clots, wound healing, pain control and possible complications. Your doctor will assess whether air travel is medically appropriate in your specific situation.

How long is a Fit to Fly Certificate valid?

There is no universal validity period. Some airlines require the certificate to be issued within 24–72 hours before departure, while others accept certificates issued earlier. Always check your airline's requirements before your appointment.

Who can issue a Fit to Fly Certificate?

A licensed physician must determine whether you are medically fit to travel. The doctor reviews your medical history, current condition and any relevant documentation before deciding whether a certificate can be issued.