Without a treating physician, navigating disability benefits in Canada becomes more challenging, but securing a successful disability claim isn’t impossible. With careful documentation, support from other medical professionals, and the right legal help, Canadians can strengthen their claims even without a family doctor.

Why a Treating Physician Matters in Disability Claims

Having a treating physician is important to a long term disability claim, because their ongoing care and clinical notes provide objective medical information that insurers require to approve your disability benefits.

Without detailed records or professional documentation, insurance companies often claim "insufficient medical evidence," which can lead to a denial of your claim. A treating physician is often asked to complete key forms and provide a medical opinion about how your condition impairs your ability to work.

• Insurance companies look for regular documentation and up-to-date clinical records before granting disability benefits.

• The doctor’s narrative helps link your symptoms and limitations to your work duties.

• “Objective evidence” and ongoing treatment plans improve the credibility of your disability claim.

Learn more about the role of doctors in disability claims: Why Doctors are Part of the Disability Claims Process.

No Treating Physician: Common Scenarios

Many Canadians experience gaps in accessing a regular doctor, but insurers may still expect comprehensive medical information for their employer or private disability claim. It’s important to identify alternate ways to obtain and organize documentation if a situation arises where no treating physician is available.

Recently Moved or New to Canada

Moving to Canada or relocating across provinces often means waiting weeks or months for a family doctor. During transitions, medical histories can be incomplete, limiting evidence for a disability claim.

• Newcomers may struggle to establish care or transfer medical information.

• Walk-in clinics or telehealth may offer short-term care but don’t always provide the continuity insurance companies are looking for.

Patients Relying on Walk-in Clinics or Telehealth

Some rely exclusively on walk-in clinics or virtual care providers, leading to fragmented records.

• Professionals at walk-ins may not know your full history, making it hard to build substantive documentation.

• Virtual assessments may not satisfy insurers for conditions that require detailed or objective physical exams. Insurance companies often request in-person functional assessments before approving disability benefits

• Clinical notes from multiple providers can lack detail and consistent follow-up.

Gaps in Medical Care For Personal or Financial Reasons

Financial hardship, rural locations, or life changes can create gaps in access to doctors, which insurers may interpret as a lack of seriousness about recovery.

• Missed appointments or incomplete medication adherence may be flagged by insurance.

• Make sure your attempts (“doctor search logs,” documented contacts) are recorded.

Learn more: The Importance of Consistent Medical Treatment in Disability Cases

Tips for Strengthening Your Claim Without a Treating Physician

If you have no treating physician, focus on supplementing your disability benefits claim with detailed logs, allied professional records, and independent medical assessments.

Keeping Detailed Symptom and Treatment Logs

A disability journal is one of the most powerful tools if regular care is unavailable. Keep meticulous records of symptoms, treatments, medications, and how your daily activities are affected.

• Write daily or weekly entries about pain, fatigue, and function.

• Include work impacts, missed days, and specific job limitations.

• Note medication changes and side effects.

• Track every interaction with health care professionals for credibility.

Learn more: Why You Should Keep a Disability Journal

Collecting Statements from Healthcare Professionals

Other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners can provide supporting letters and progress notes which are valuable if a “no treating physician” situation exists.

• Ask for written summaries documenting symptoms, treatment, and impact on work life.

• Provide these statements with your initial submission, attached to the main claim forms.

Seeking Independent Medical Examinations (IME)

For more robust, objective evidence, the insurance company, or in some cases a disability lawyer, can schedule an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with a qualified medical professional.

• IMEs can fill gaps in your documentation and offer third-party verification.

• Include both the IME report and any specialist letters in your disability claim package.

• Always retain original clinical notes and results.

More about IMEs: What You Need to Know About an Independent Medical Exam.

Daneilla’s Experience

Daneilla, 56, migrated from Venezuela and works as an office administrator. She started experiencing sharp lower back pain, likely aggravated by long commutes and sitting all day. Despite trying, she cannot find a family doctor—a common situation among newcomers. She has been paying into employee long term disability benefits and is considering applying for long term disability benefits.

• Daneilla keeps a detailed symptom journal, noting when pain starts and activity limitations.

• At every walk-in clinic visit, she requests printouts of all assessment forms and clinical notes.

• She asks her physiotherapist to write a letter summarizing her condition, including the impact on movement and work.

• After a telehealth appointment, she saves and files digital records and follow-up instructions.

Her proactive approach means a well-documented claim, even without a family physician, supporting her quest for disability benefits through her employer’s plan.

How Our Disability Lawyers Can Assist

The disability lawyers at Share Lawyers understand what “no treating physician” means for Canadian claimants and have decades of experience building successful cases regardless of gaps in care or missing medical records. They are skilled in gathering missing medical information, connecting with health care professionals, and preparing submissions that meet insurance standards.

• They help obtain detailed reports from all relevant sources.

• They can arrange for an Independent Medical Examination.

• Lawyers will communicate directly with insurers, explaining any care gaps and submitting supporting documents.

• All consultations are free, and there are no fees unless you win.

Learn more and get help: Contact Share Lawyers.

Contact Share Lawyers today and let our experience work for you. Our 35+ years of experience can help you win your case against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.