Can You Travel While on Long Term Disability?
What is Long Term Disability
Long Term Disability (“LTD”) is an income replacement benefit that is intended to support you if you become unable to work due to a medical condition. The benefit is often available through your group insurance policy provided by your employer.
Can you travel while on long term disability?
If you are wondering whether you can travel while on LTD, it’s best to check your policy. Most policies will have provisions addressing travel. It is also important to ensure you receive clearance from your doctor before traveling. It also depends on whether you’re traveling internationally or domestically. It’s essential to check your policy!
Domestic vs. International Travel?
Some LTD policies may limit payment of benefits if you are traveling for a certain amount of time or if your trip takes you outside of Canada. A travel exclusion clause may indicate:
“No long-term disability benefits are payable while an insured is outside of Canada unless approved by the insurer”
This means the claimant has a duty to report the travel and get approval from the insurance company before the scheduled trip.
Be aware, insurers will often conduct surveillance to observe any activities you’re able to do through pictures or videos uploaded onto social media. It’s important to be mindful of balancing your medical restrictions and limitations with enjoying your trip.
What are the rules and are there exceptions?
To simplify, the following checks are recommended before planning a trip if you are on LTD.
- Check your policy to see if travel impacts your LTD benefit,
- If it does, evaluate how (i.e.: Is international travel okay? Do I need the insurance companies’ approval? Does the policy only address international and not domestic travel?)
- If you can travel internationally with the approval of the insurer, ensure you have your doctor’s approval and advise your insurer.
Can you travel while on long term disability? The answer is it depends on your insurance policy. However, Be Aware! Insurers might use your ability to travel against you. If your insurance company is giving you a hard time for a trip you took or one that’s on the horizon, it’s time to call a lawyer. Contact Whitten & Lublin and book a consultation with their disability lawyer. Call 416 640 2667 or contact us online to schedule your free disability consultation.
Author – Aman Chaggar