Flight Change Due to Sudden Illness? Get the Medical Certificate You Need Online!

Published on November 27, 2025
Tourist enjoying traditional Japanese experience in yukata

You've been dreaming of your trip to Japan — strolling through the bustling streets of Tokyo, visiting the beautiful temples of Kyoto... But what if you are suddenly struck by a high fever or other unbearable symptoms?

Will you be able to find a trustworthy English-speaking doctor in an unfamiliar land?

Where and how can you get an official medical certificate required by airlines for flight cancellation or change due to illness?

Such worries can truly ruin your trip.

However, you don't have to worry anymore.

There is an easy and reassuring solution for when you suddenly fall ill in Japan and need a medical certificate for a flight change or cancellation.

There is no language barrier, and no need to trek to a hospital. All you need is your smartphone.

Get the ultimate peace of mind for your travel "what if" scenarios.

Difficulty obtaining a medical certificate when feeling unwell overseas

Sick woman feeling unwell and in need of medical attention

If you're enjoying your sightseeing in Japan and are suddenly struck by a high fever or illness, it's natural for a sick tourist in Japan to feel anxious.

Especially if you don't recover in time and need to change your flight, the airline may ask you to submit a medical certificate.

Arranging a certificate in an unfamiliar foreign country while feeling unwell is incredibly difficult.

Tourists often face several barriers in navigating the Japanese medical system.

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor

The first hurdle when you are feeling unwell and vulnerable is the language barrier.

Even when you search "what to do if sick in Japan," much of the information may be in Japanese.

To accurately describe your symptoms and receive appropriate treatment, an English-speaking doctor is essential.

In Tokyo, you might find international clinics like the Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic, but it can be challenging to find an English-speaking doctor at a convenient time if you are in a tourist area or a rural region.

Since most medical facilities primarily operate in Japanese, you might feel uneasy about the communication with a Japanese doctor.

Access and Hours

You might think, "I need to see a doctor immediately," but searching for the nearest open clinic for an online consultation, or traveling there with a heavy, unwell body for an in-person consultation is a huge burden.

If you walk in without an appointment, you might face a long wait.

Most medical clinics operate during the daytime on weekdays and are often closed at night or on weekends.

Finding a nearby clinic, open now, that can handle a sudden fever is a race against time.

Getting a Medical Certificate Issued

The medical certificate required for a flight change is not just a simple note.

Airlines (especially for international flights) often require a specific format, the doctor's signature and seal, and a clear description of the symptoms.

Furthermore, many medical certificates issued by Japanese doctors and healthcare facilities are in Japanese.

The airline may require you to arrange for a professional translation yourself, adding significant hassle and time in an unfamiliar country.

How to Get a Medical Certificate Online for Flight Changes

Man preparing for travel with planning documents

To prepare for such a "what if" scenario, there is an online Japanese medical service specifically designed for foreign tourists: HOTEL de DOCTOR 24.

Here is the procedure for obtaining the necessary medical certificate without ever having to leave your hotel room:

1. Make an Online Reservation

First, access the HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 website from your smartphone or PC and make an online medical appointment.

There is no need to travel to a clinic while feeling unwell.

You can make an online medical appointment anytime from the comfort of your hotel room.

Once the reservation is complete, you will be notified of the consultation time and how to connect online.

2. Consultation with an English-Speaking Doctor

At the scheduled time, you will connect with a doctor online and receive a consultation.

This online medical consultation service includes a specialized medical interpreter, so there is no need to worry about the language barrier.

Accurately convey your current symptoms, pre-existing conditions, allergies, and the need for a medical certificate for a flight change to the doctor.

The doctor will confirm your symptoms via video and make an appropriate diagnosis through the online medical consultation.

3. Medical Certificate Issued Online

If the doctor determines that your condition requires a flight change, they will issue the necessary medical certificate online.

This is an official document issued by a Japanese doctor with a Japanese medical license.

The document is quickly sent to you via email in an electronic file format (such as PDF), so you can submit it to the airline immediately.

The certificate is typically issued in Japanese, but an English medical certificate can be issued upon request.

This process eliminates all the hassle of clinic visits, travel, and arranging the medical certificate.

If medication is required, the online doctor will issue a prescription and can arrange for the medication to be sent to a pharmacy according to your preference.

Important: For Emergency Cases

Man leaning against wall feeling dizzy or unwell

Online medical consultations are suitable for non-urgent, general conditions, such as a mild cold, minor gastroenteritis, skin issues, or mild influenza.

They help to alleviate anxiety during your trip and provide quick documentation.

If you have any of the following symptoms, please call the Japanese emergency number "119" without hesitation:

  • Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness or fainting
  • Heavy bleeding or severe head trauma
  • Signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech or paralysis on one side

When you call "119," say "Medical emergency." In major city fire command centers, translation services in English and other languages are available.

The use of an ambulance is free, but you will incur charges for treatment at the hospital you are transported to.

Do not bottle up your anxiety; if your symptoms are life-threatening, seek specialized emergency medical care immediately.

Benefits of Online Medical Consultation

By using a service like HOTEL de DOCTOR 24, foreign tourists can enjoy significant benefits:

  • Stress-Free Consultation with No Travel Required: When you are unwell, there is no need to search for a medical clinic near you, and you can receive a consultation safely and securely in your hotel room.
  • Elimination of the Language Barrier: A specialized medical interpreter is present, allowing you to accurately convey your symptoms and fully understand the treatment plan and medication.
  • Rapid Medical Certificate Issuance: You can quickly receive the medical certificate required for flight changes or insurance claims.
  • Medication Arrangement: The prescription from the online doctor can be sent to the nearest pharmacy, and arrangements can be made to receive the necessary medication (such as general painkillers or stomach remedies).

HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 is a modern online medical service in Japan that brings peace of mind and a solution to the worst-case scenario of sudden illness during travel.

About HOTEL de DOCTOR 24

HOTEL de DOCTOR 24 is an online medical service established to provide safe and secure medical access to foreign visitors to Japan.

We sympathize with the anxiety of illness or injury during travel and offer high-quality consultation by specialist doctors, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Whether you need a medical certificate for a flight change or suddenly become unwell at night, we support your peace of mind during your journey.

If you are considering using HOTEL de DOCTOR 24, please visit the website below.

For more information, see here:

www.hoteldedoctor24.com

References and Guideline Sources

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.