Virtual care and telehealth options are transforming how Canadians access health care and build medical evidence for private or employer-based disability benefits. By streamlining access to Canadian healthcare professionals and documentation, these platforms offer vital support and flexibility for those with mobility challenges, remote living situations, or busy schedules.

However, while telehealth makes it easier to collect and organize information for a disability claim, there are important limitations to consider: insurance companies may be hesitant to accept medical proof based solely on virtual appointments.

Understanding Telehealth & Virtual Doctors

Telehealth provides Canadians with safe, virtual access to health care for initial consultations, diagnoses, prescriptions, and specialist referrals. These services have become essential for people applying for private or employer-based disability benefits, allowing them to collect documents needed for claims and manage ongoing conditions without leaving home.

Telehealth platforms in Canada allow claimants to access medical documentation, specialist opinions, and ongoing care all from home by leveraging virtual care. This is especially helpful for those who struggle to travel due to limited mobility or living in remote locations.

Sophie's Story: How Virtual Care Helps

Sophie, a 52-year-old store owner located three hours from Toronto, knew she needed help for her mental health after struggling with anxiety and depression. With no nearby specialists available, Sophie turned to telehealth and connected with a Canadian psychologist online. She was able to access:

• Immediate access to professional mental health care

• Ongoing appointments and consistent treatment without long travel times

• Virtual documentation supporting her diagnosis and symptoms

Sophie's mental health records and treatment notes were easily organized and shared when she applied for her disability benefits. Her insurer asked for an in-person assessment, so Sophie combined her virtual documentation with new reports from a local doctor. Together, these records created a compelling case, showing insurers that virtual care can provide continuity, real medical evidence, and meaningful patient progress.

How Virtual Doctors Can Support Your Disability Claim

Convenient Access to Medical Documentation

Virtual care makes it much easier to keep records up to date:

• Quick digital transmission of test results, letters, and treatment plans

• Easy electronic communication with insurance adjusters and legal teams

Continuity of Care for Limited Mobility or Remote Locations

• Regular online visits ensure symptoms and treatment updates are documented

• Virtual care removes travel barriers, reducing missed work or hardship

• Medical notes show insurer that claimant is “under active care,” a requirement for benefits

Communication with Specialists

• Direct, virtual referrals for pain, psychiatric, or neurological assessment

• Centralized records to support expert opinions, easier to share and review

Limitations of Telehealth in Disability Claims

Skepticism from Insurers

Insurers may question the reliability of evidence from virtual care, doubting notes that rely heavily on self-reported symptoms. This means mental health and “invisible illness” claims, in particular, require extra documentation and specialist support.

Challenges in Proving Physical Limitations

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, especially for chronic pain or mobility loss.

Technical & Privacy Issues

Most virtual platforms are secure, but insurers may still raise concerns about privacy and records. Occasional data or tech issues can interrupt care and documentation.

Best Practices When Using Telehealth for Your Disability Claim

A checklist for using virtual care wisely for your LTD claim:

• Request detailed reports after each virtual appointment

• Ensure doctors describe how your symptoms impact your work

• Save copies of prescriptions, referrals, and all written communications

• Attend in-person appointments if requested by your insurer, bringing all virtual records

• Communicate regularly with both virtual and in-person care providers

• Consult a disability lawyer for guidance if denied benefits; do not appeal on your own

Contact Our Disability Lawyers For Guidance On Your Claim

If your insurance company doubts your virtual documentation or delays your disability benefits, reach out to Share Lawyers:

• Free consultation and no fees unless we win

• Extensive experience of almost 40 years fighting back against Canadian disability insurers

• Help supplement virtual care records with in-person medical opinions when needed

• Full support gathering, organizing, and submitting documents for your disability claim

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.