Can You Travel on Short Term Disability in Canada?
Being on disability shouldn’t stop you from remaining active in your personal life. A disability can affect your work without impacting other aspects of your life. People with disabilities can engage in various activities outside the home, including travel. Before you book your tickets, however, you need to understand whether your travel plans can affect your short term disability benefits.
Can you travel on short term disability in Canada? Share Lawyers’ experienced disability lawyers can help you understand your situation.
Can You Travel on Short Term Disability in Canada?
When considering traveling while receiving disability benefits, exercise caution as it could impact your benefits. Ensure you fully understand your situation before making any plans.
Typically, if your doctor approves, you can travel without affecting your benefits. However, you should review your insurance policy to understand how your provider handles travel.
Short term disability insurance policies vary in travel regulations, as do providers. Some require notification for all travel, others only for international trips.
Limits may apply to duration or provincial travel.
Tips on How to Protect Short Term Disability Benefits When You Travel |
1. Check your short term disability policy thoroughly before travelling to ensure it won't negatively impact your benefits. |
2. Some policies may have specific conditions related to travel, such as:
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3. Obtain medical clearance from your doctor before travelling, even for regular family vacations, to ensure safety. |
4. Whenever possible, obtain medical clearance in writing, which may include a form provided by your policy. |
5. Ensure that your doctor’s note confirms travel safety, any restrictions, and assurance that the trip won't disrupt ongoing treatment. |
6. Inform your short-term disability case manager about your planned travel to ensure it complies with policy rules, and provide contact information during the trip. |
Seek medical clearance from your doctor before any trip, even a family vacation, regardless of what your policy states. Obtain written clearance whenever possible and notify your case manager after receiving clearance to travel to ensure you're following the rules and to provide contact details during travel.
Share Lawyers Fights for the Benefits You Deserve
At Share Lawyers, we recognize that individuals receiving short term disability benefits still lead active lives. This often includes the need to travel, whether for leisure or out of necessity. We can provide the guidance you need to tackle your situation with confidence.
For over 35 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping Canadians obtain the benefits they deserve, so they don’t have to worry about anything other than their health. It all starts with a free consultation.
Can you travel on short term disability in Canada? Share Lawyers provides the guidance you need.
Contact Share Lawyers today and put our experience to 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.
