I am trying to cancel a ticket for my father who was supposed to travel on Monday but has since been hospitalized.

When I got to cancel online, it says "This reservation has no refundable value if cancelled. A refund will not be credited." Is this the proper way to cancel? How does he receive the fare credit for a future booking?

Furthermore, would his situation with a doctor's note fall under the reasons he could get a full refund minus a $50 fee (despite being a non-refundable ticket)?

I am thinking I should click the "cancel" button for the flight, and then use the United website to submit a refund request along with a doctor's note.

Can anybody confirm or deny if this is the best way to go about it? Thank you!