Introduction: Can a Doctor’s Note Help You Cancel a Hotel Stay Without Fees?
Many hotels have strict cancellation policies, often charging non-refundable fees if a guest cancels too close to the check-in date. However, if a medical condition prevents you from traveling, a doctor’s note may allow you to cancel without penalties.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, we assist patients dealing with chronic pain, spinal conditions, post-surgical recovery, and other mobility impairments in obtaining the necessary documentation to support medical travel cancellations.
This guide explains when you may need a doctor’s note to cancel a hotel stay, how to obtain one, and how to submit it to the hotel for a refund or credit.
When Can a Doctor’s Note Help You Cancel a Hotel Stay?
Hotels may accept a medical-based cancellation request if you experience:
• Severe back pain, herniated discs, or spinal injuries that make traveling or extended sitting painful
• Post-surgical recovery requiring limited movement or restricted travel
• Mobility impairments that prevent safe transportation to the hotel
• Severe illness, infections, or conditions that could worsen during travel
• Doctor-advised travel restrictions due to blood clots (DVT), respiratory issues, or recent medical treatments
If your doctor determines that staying at a hotel would negatively impact your health, they can provide a formal medical letter supporting your cancellation request.
How to Obtain a Doctor’s Note for Hotel Cancellation
1. Schedule an Appointment with Your Healthcare Provider
Visit your chiropractor, primary care physician, or specialist and explain why you cannot travel due to your medical condition. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and determine whether canceling your reservation is medically necessary.
2. Request a Formal Medical Letter
Your doctor’s note for hotel cancellation should include:
• Your full name and date of birth
• Your diagnosis and reason for the cancellation (without excessive medical details)
• A statement confirming that you are unfit to travel
• The doctor’s recommendation for a hotel cancellation or deferral
• The doctor’s name, signature, medical license number, and contact information
Most hotels require the note to be on official letterhead for verification purposes.
3. Submit the Doctor’s Note to the Hotel
Once you have your medical documentation, follow the hotel’s cancellation procedure:
• Call customer service to explain the situation and ask about medical cancellation policies.
• Submit the doctor’s note via the hotel’s website, email, or fax.
• Follow up with the hotel to confirm that your request has been processed.
Hotels That Accept Medical Cancellation Requests
Each hotel chain has different policies regarding medical cancellations. Here’s a general overview of how major hotels handle doctor’s notes for refunds:
Marriott Hotels
• Some non-refundable reservations may be refunded if a medical emergency is documented.
• Guests must submit a doctor’s note and a formal cancellation request to customer service.
Hilton Hotels
• Hilton may allow refunds or rescheduling if a guest provides medical documentation.
• Some locations require proof of hospitalization or a severe illness.
Hyatt Hotels
• Hyatt offers case-by-case medical cancellations with proper documentation.
• Refund requests must be submitted through Hyatt Guest Services.
IHG Hotels (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental)
• Guests with medical emergencies may qualify for fee waivers.
• Refund requests must be accompanied by a doctor’s note confirming the inability to travel.
Airbnb
• Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy allows refunds for serious medical conditions with proper documentation.
• Guests must submit a doctor’s note and supporting medical records within 14 days of cancellation.
What to Do If Your Medical Cancellation Request Is Denied
If a hotel rejects your request for a medical refund, you have options:
• Appeal the decision with additional documentation from your doctor.
• Ask about rescheduling options if a full refund is not available.
• Check your travel insurance policy—many policies cover medical cancellations.
• Dispute the charge with your credit card company if your medical condition qualifies under consumer protection laws.
Final Steps: Ensuring a Smooth Medical Cancellation Process
• Review the hotel’s cancellation policy before submitting your request.
• Obtain a doctor’s note from a licensed healthcare provider.
• Submit your request promptly and follow up with the hotel.
• Keep a copy of all documents in case additional proof is required.
If you are struggling with chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or any condition that makes traveling unsafe, Unity Chiropractic Wellness can provide the medical documentation needed for hotel cancellations.
If you need assistance with a hotel cancellation due to medical reasons, schedule an appointment today to discuss your options.