Do I need medical clearance to travel?

Every operator asks you to complete a medical questionnaire, and many want a physician-signed fitness form — routinely for older travellers or anyone declaring a chronic condition. Well-managed conditions are rarely a barrier: people travel to Antarctica with diabetes, heart conditions in stable treatment, IBD in remission and more. What operators screen for is anything likely to need hospital care mid-voyage, because the nearest hospital can be several days away and evacuation insurance is mandatory.

Answer the questionnaire honestly and raise concerns with the operator before you pay — being turned away at embarkation over an undeclared condition is the outcome everyone wants to avoid.