diff --git a/modules/elasticsearch/src/main/java/org/elasticsearch/action/admin/indices/refresh/TransportRefreshAction.java b/modules/elasticsearch/src/main/java/org/elasticsearch/action/admin/indices/refresh/TransportRefreshAction.java
index 2b9d6fa2180..35061fbba53 100644
--- a/modules/elasticsearch/src/main/java/org/elasticsearch/action/admin/indices/refresh/TransportRefreshAction.java
+++ b/modules/elasticsearch/src/main/java/org/elasticsearch/action/admin/indices/refresh/TransportRefreshAction.java
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ import org.elasticsearch.common.settings.Settings;
 import org.elasticsearch.index.engine.Engine;
 import org.elasticsearch.index.shard.IllegalIndexShardStateException;
 import org.elasticsearch.index.shard.service.IndexShard;
+import org.elasticsearch.indices.IndexMissingException;
 import org.elasticsearch.indices.IndicesService;
 import org.elasticsearch.threadpool.ThreadPool;
 import org.elasticsearch.transport.TransportService;
@@ -84,6 +85,9 @@ public class TransportRefreshAction extends TransportBroadcastOperationAction<Re
         if (actual instanceof IllegalIndexShardStateException) {
             return true;
         }
+        if (actual instanceof IndexMissingException) {
+            return true;
+        }
         return false;
     }