Can You Travel While on Long Term Disability?

Many people receiving long-term disability benefits wonder whether they can travel while continuing to receive payments. The answer largely depends on your insurance policy, the nature of your disability, and how your insurance company interprets travel. While most policies do not outright prohibit travel, many insurance companies impose restrictions that could impact your disability claim.

Before making any travel plans, it is essential to review your policy, obtain medical clearance, and speak with a disability lawyer to ensure that your benefits remain protected.

Travelling on a Vacation

Review Your Long Term Disability Policy

The first step in planning any vacation while receiving disability benefits is to carefully review the fine print of your insurance policy. Some policies include restrictions, requiring you to remain in Canada or limit the length of your trip to continue receiving payments. Others allow travel but require you to notify the insurance provider in advance.

Failing to comply with these limitations can be a red flag for your insurer, potentially leading to a suspension of coverage or termination of long-term disability benefits. If you’re unsure about what limitations your policy allows, consult with an experienced disability lawyer who can help you understand your rights.

Speak to Your Insurer

Even if your policy does not explicitly restrict travel, notifying you insurance company before taking a trip is a smart precaution. Some insurance providers view travel as an indication that your condition may not be as severe as claimed. If your insurer assumes you are well enough to travel abroad, they may question whether you are also well enough to return to work.

When speaking with your doctor or disability claim administrator, be clear about:

• The reason for your travel
• The duration of your trip
• How you plan to manage your condition while away
• Any medical treatments or appointments you will need during your travel period.

Providing accurate information ensures that your insurer does not misinterpret your own vacation plans or travel plans as an attempt to mislead them.

Get Medical Clearance

Your healthcare provider plays a critical role in your life by determining whether you are fit to travel while receiving long-term disability benefits. Your doctor can provide medical clearance by confirming:

• Whether travel is safe for your condition
• What precautions you should take
• If you require ongoing treatment or accommodations during your trip

Insurance companies may require a doctor’s note stating that travel will not worsen your condition or interfere with your treatment plan.

Get Travel Insurance

If you plan to travel abroad, securing travel insurance is highly recommended. Your disability insurance does not typically cover medical expenses incurred while travelling, and healthcare costs outside Canada can be substantial. Travel insurance helps protect you against unexpected health issues that could arise during your trip.

Get Approval from a Long Term Disability Lawyer

If you are uncertain about how travel may impact your disability claim, consulting an experienced disability lawyer is essential. A lawyer can answer questions about:

• Advise you on what steps to take before travelling
• Communicate with your insurer on your behalf
• Review your policy to ensure compliance
• Protect your benefits if your insurer raises concerns

If your disability insurance company questions your eligibility due to travel, our lawyer at Grillo Law can help you fight back and protect your rights.

Travel Considerations for Disability Benefits Recipients

Be Cautious of What You Post on Social Media

Many insurance companies actively monitor social media accounts to verify disability claims. If you post photos of yourself engaging in other life activities that contradict your stated limitations, it could arise red flags and jeopardize your benefits.

For example, if you claim that your condition prevents you from walking long distances, but your social media shows you hiking on vacation, your insurer may use this as evidence against you. Be mindful of what you share on the internet.

Take Steps to Comply with Your Insurance Claim

To avoid complications, ensure that you:

• Attend all medical appointments before and after your trip
• Maintain proper documentation of your condition and treatments
• Follow your prescribed treatment plan while traveling
• Provide truthful information to your insurer at all times

Can You Leave Canada While on Long Term Disability

Leaving Canada while on long-term disability may be allowed under certain policies, but some insurers limit international travel or require prior approval.

If your policy has restrictions, violating them could lead to a suspension or termination of your benefits.

Before leaving the country taking a vacation, check:

• Whether your policy allows international travel
• If your insurer requires advance notice
• Whether you need to complete any medical exams before traveling
• If travel abroad affects your eligibility for continued benefits

Contact Our Long Term Disability Lawyer

If your uncertain about how travel may impact your disability claim, consulting an experienced disability lawyer is essential. A lawyer can answer questions about:

• Review your policy to ensure compliance
• Advise you on what steps to take before travelling
• Communicate with your insurer on your behalf
• Protect your benefits if your insurer raises concerns

If you are receiving disability benefits and have concerns about how travel restrictions may impact your claim, contact Grillo Law today for a free consultation. Our team will provide expert legal advice to ensure that your rights and benefits remain protected.