Travelling On Long Term Disability: What You Need To Know
For those on Long Term Disability (LTD) planning a vacation can have some complications. There are many things you need to know before you travel on long term disability. Your insurance company may see travelling as being inconsistent with being disabled from gainful employment, so it is very important to know the correct measures to take when planning a trip.
Travelling is a wonderful way to experience new cultures, foods, and sights. Whether it’s to see a whole new place for the sake of knowing what it’s like, or making the journey to visit friends and family, experiencing time in new places can be rewarding, rejuvenating, and provide lifelong memories!
Review your policy before you travel on long term disability
Before planning your trip, review your disability policy. It may have certain restrictions prohibiting your right to travel on long term disability. Going on a holiday is not usually under the scope of these restrictions about your right to travel, so read closely.
Get medical clearance
Ask your healthcare professional to put in writing that your treatment plan will not be affected by your travel. They will ask you to provide contact information. Make sure to check your LTD plan for what may be required for your travel. Be advised - for longer absences from the country, pre-approval may be required. Some policies will not continue payments if you leave Canada.
Contact a disability claim administrator
If you’ve reviewed your policy and can’t find any reason why you shouldn’t be able to take your holiday, contact your Disability Claim Administrator to be double sure you are in the clear to leave. It’s worth double-checking.
Travel Medical Insurance Denied?
Keep a journal
If you are anxious about leaving, keep a journal that chronicles your activities. In your journal, include how you are feeling and what you may have had issues with. Also, include how your disability prohibited you from engaging in certain activities. For example, you couldn’t go horseback riding, take long walks, weren’t able to play with the children, etc. This can serve as a way to show that you traveled for relaxation, but your activities were still restricted.
Be wary of surveillance & social media
There is a possibility of surveillance while you are away. It’s especially important to be mindful of how public images, videos, and posts come across on social media. There’s the chance your insurance company may misunderstand. They may misconstrue you having a good time and relaxing as inconsistent with having a disability.
Everyone deserves rest and relaxation. If you take the necessary precautions before leaving on your trip, there should be no reasons to worry or stress about taking some time for yourself.
Denied your long term disability claim?
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. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless you win your case. Watch our web show, Your Disability Lawyers, on YouTube, or listen to the podcast on Google Podcasts.
