Question about getting a refund on flights due to medical condition

BoltonWanderer

Hi guys,

I recently bought tickets to fly out to America for a holiday but I have an ongoing medical condition that I'm worried is going to limit my ability to travel and, if that is the case, I'm concerned I won't be able to get a refund on my flights.

The medical issue I have is scarring on my eyes which leads to severe eye infections, blurring of my vision and extreme sensitivity to light. This is treated by steroid drops and even strong antibiotics are ineffective. However, if I go to the doctors to ask for a medical note, it'll only be classed as an 'eye infection' and I wonder if that will be enough to be able to get a refund from the airline? I wouldn't want to fly if an infection did flare up but as I've never dealt with getting a refund on a cancellation before, I wondered whether I could ask you guys for advice on whether it's something they'd accept or not?

I'm really concerned about this and I'm worried that if I'm unable to fly, the medical note will be dismissed as not being enough and I will lose out on a significant amount of money for the flights. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

If it makes a difference, the company I booked with is Expedia and the arline is United.

Thanks for any help!

tomtontom

You have taken out travel insurance and declared this as a pre existing condition, haven't you? Even with a medical note you won't get a refund directly from the airline, unless of course you have purchased a refundable ticket.

Alan_Bowen

Yes this has to be an insurance claim, airlines do not give refunds, apart from the taxes in some circumstances, so if you have no valid insurance, the money is gone.