Can I Go on a Vacation on Long Term Disability

July 11, 2025

Many people wonder: Can I travel while on long-term disability? The good news is that it’s often possible (in some cases), as long as you take the right steps, pay attention to the details, and steer clear of any red flags that could jeopardize your benefits.

Whether your vacation plans involve a weekend in another province or international travel to visit family, you need to protect yourself from misunderstandings with your disability insurance company. The wrong move could interfere with your coverage, trigger restrictions, or raise questions you’re not prepared to answer.

Before you book a trip, you need to understand how insurance companies assess travel, how to get proper prior approval, and how to avoid certain activities that might be used as evidence against you.

Travelling While Receiving Long Term Disability Benefits

If you receive disability benefits, travel isn’t automatically restricted but isn’t simple as just booking a ticket. Your insurer expects you to stick to your treatment plan, attend appointments, and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Leaving the country or even travelling domestically can complicate things if it interferes with medical care, rehabilitation, or the ability to answer questions from your insurer.

Here’s what you need to know before taking a vacation while receiving disability payments:

• Keep your treatment plan intact. Missing appointments without approval can raise red flags.
• Double-check policy limitations. Most policies outline travel restrictions, including specific activities that should be avoided.
• Stay mindful of timing. Avoid conflicts with key medical appointments or therapy sessions.

Can I Travel While on Long-Term Disability?

The short answer is Yes. However, there are things to consider – whether the travel or the activities you are doing will be harmful to your health/recovery or could be construed to suggest you can work. Insurance companies want to make sure everything lines up with your health when you travel. Even a small, innocent social media post might be seen the wrong way or trigger questions, which could cause delays, extra reviews, or even affect your benefits. It’s always good to be cautious and mindful of what you share online.

To protect your benefits:

1. Speak with your doctor first.
2. Obtain medical clearance from your healthcare provider.
3. Ensure you are following your treatment protocols and you are not doing activities that could do further harm to your condition.

Review Your Insurance Policy with Your Legal Team

Before finalizing your travel plans, it’s a good idea to go over your long-term disability insurance policy with your legal team. Insurance providers often have specific limitations, and the details can sometimes be complex.

Some policies might require you to notify them if you’re planning trips longer than a certain duration, while others could have overall travel restrictions if you’re receiving disability payments. Taking a moment to review these details can help ensure everything goes smoothly and you’re well-informed.

Your lawyer can:

• Identify coverage gaps or vague language.
• Provide guidance on how to effectively communicate with the insurance company.
• Help you avoid unintentional breaches that could cost you disability payments.

 

Confirm Your Doctor Has Approved Your Travel

Getting medical clearance is really important. Your healthcare provider understands your treatment plan, your medical expenses, and the kind of medical care you’ll need while you’re away.

If you don’t obtain the proper approval, your insurance company may claim that you ignored medical advice, which could lead to some issues. It’s always best to check with your provider to keep everything smooth.

Make sure your doctor’s approval includes:

• Confirmation that travel won’t harm your health.
• Guidance on treatment while away.
• Restrictions on certain activities.

Understand How Travel Could Affect Your LTD Benefits

Your LTD benefits depend on ongoing proof that you are unable to work as defined in your policy. Travel can raise suspicions for insurance companies, especially if you appear more active than you claim.

Common red flags:

• Skipping medical appointments without rescheduling.
• Posting photos on social media accounts showing strenuous activities.
• Engaging in travel that contradicts your treatment plan.

Protect yourself by keeping evidence of all medical care and following the precautions recommended by your healthcare provider.

Discuss Your Plans with a Disability Lawyer

A disability lawyer is here to support you through travel restrictions, liaise with your insurance company, and stand up for your rights. If your insurer tries to cut or deny disability payments based on your trip, they can also help step in.

Plus, working on a contingency basis means you won’t have to worry about legal fees unless your case is successful so that you can concentrate on your health and well-being without upfront costs.

Do You Need To Contact Your Insurer

This depends on your specific policy of insurance. It is important to review your policy with your lawyer to determine your requirements.

Keep a Journal

A travel journal is more than a keepsake; it also serves as proof of policy compliance. Record medical appointments, treatments, and insurer communications during the trip.

Watch What You Share on Social Media

It goes without saying that insurance companies sometimes monitor claimants’ social media accounts. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context to suggest you’ve recovered or can engage in certain activities.

Precautions:

• Limit posting while away.
• Avoid showing activities that contradict your claim.
• Stay mindful of comments from friends and family.

Will Travelling Affect My Long-Term Disability Benefits?

It can, especially if you don’t follow the proper steps. Failing to discuss with a doctor or get medical approval, skipping treatments, or engaging in activities outside your medical restrictions can give your insurance company grounds to question your eligibility.

Know the Rules Before You Leave Canada on LTD

If your trip involves international travel, double-check coverage for medical expenses abroad. Some long-term disability policies require staying in Canada unless you have explicit approval. And, as you might expect, leaving the country without it can result in reduced or suspended benefits, for better or worse.

Contact Our Experienced LTD Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you’re taking a vacation while receiving disability benefits, don’t risk losing coverage over a misunderstanding. Speak with an experienced disability lawyer who can review your policy, guide you through the approval process, and protect your benefits. Contact us today to discuss your situation and receive personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.