I have a similar background as yours, a gap of 1 year, 5 years of experience and I joined a startup 2 days back. I dint really felt any difference in the way companies treat people with or without a break, if you are technically sound nothing else matters. But, a few companies might negotiate for salary as you don't have any offer in hand.
It's always good to do small projects and upgrade your skill set during the break.
Anyways you have medical reason, so it shouldn't be a problem.