Sun Life Long-Term Disability and Travel: What Canadians Need to Know

If you’re receiving Sun Life long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you may be allowed to travel — but only if the trip is medically appropriate, you follow all treatment requirements, and you get Sun Life’s approval before you leave.

Travelling without notice can lead to your LTD benefits being reviewed, suspended, or terminated, even when you’re legitimately unable to work.

Here’s a simple guide to understanding how Sun Life handles travel for LTD claimants.

Does Sun Life Allow Travel While on Long-Term Disability?

Yes — Sun Life does allow travel.
But you must meet three conditions:

1. Doctor approval
2. No interruption to treatment
3. Advance notice to Sun Life

Sun Life applies specific rules across its disability claims, which are outlined in more detail in our guide on Sun Life long-term disability in Canada.

Why Sun Life Watches Travel Closely

Sun Life analyzes travel because it may appear inconsistent with the disability claim. They look for signs such as:

• Activities that contradict your restrictions
• Long flights or demanding trips
• Missed medical appointments
• Sudden disappearance from regular communication
• Social media posts that raise questions

This doesn’t mean you can’t travel — it means Sun Life expects proof that the trip won’t affect recovery.

Do You Need Sun Life’s Permission to Travel?

Yes.
Sun Life requires claimants to notify them before travelling, especially for trips outside Canada.

They typically ask for:

• Travel dates
• Purpose of the trip
• Doctor’s written confirmation
• Contact information
• A plan for continuing treatment
• Confirmation you remain unable to work

Travel Sun Life May Approve

Sun Life often approves travel when:

• You have doctor support
• The trip is restful, not strenuous
• You are visiting family for support
• The trip won’t interfere with appointments or treatment
• The travel is helpful for mental health recovery (e.g., burnout, anxiety, trauma)

Many people on LTD take trips that their doctors consider part of their healing plan.

Travel That May Cause Sun Life to Question Your Claim

Sun Life may reassess or deny benefits if the travel involves:

• Long-distance flying despite restrictions
• Heavy walking or physical activities
• Adventure or high-activity vacations
• Missing physiotherapy or therapy sessions
• Inconsistent social media content
• Ignoring Sun Life requests while away

Sun Life doesn’t judge the trip alone — they judge whether the activities match your medically supported limitations.

Travelling Outside Canada While on Sun Life LTD

Sun Life applies even stricter scrutiny to international travel because:

• It’s harder to continue treatment
• Appointments may be missed
• Medical documentation can be delayed
• Communication may be interrupted
• Activity levels vary widely depending on the destination

Sun Life may request:

• Proof of treatment availability abroad
• Confirmation you’ll maintain medication
• A plan to stay reachable for updates

Does Sun Life Use Surveillance During Travel?

Yes — surveillance is common around:

• Holidays
• Family events
• Vacations
• Long trips
• Times when claimants leave the country

Surveillance might include:

• Social media review
• Private investigators
• Airport observations
• Monitoring public activity

Sun Life may compare your trip with your reported restrictions.

Sun Life vs CPP Disability Travel Rules

Important distinction:

• CPP Disability allows Canadians to travel or live outside the country.
• Sun Life LTD requires approval and ongoing treatment.

If you’re receiving both, always follow Sun Life’s travel rules, because LTD benefits are at the higher risk of being cut off.

How to Protect Your Sun Life LTD Benefits Before Travelling

1. Ask your doctor for written approval
   Keep a note that confirms the trip will not interfere with recovery.
2. Notify Sun Life
   Provide travel dates, location, and contact info.
3. Confirm you can continue treatment
   Document how you’ll maintain therapy or medication schedules.
4. Keep activities consistent with your restrictions
   If you can’t walk long distances, avoid activities that suggest otherwise.
5. Be careful with social media
   Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted.
6. Respond quickly to Sun Life requests
   If they can’t reach you, benefits may be suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Life LTD and Travel

Does Sun Life allow travel while on LTD?

Yes — with advance approval.

Do I need a doctor’s note to travel?

Yes. Sun Life may deny the trip without medical support.

Can Sun Life cut me off because I travelled?

Yes, if the travel contradicts your limitations or treatment plan.

Can I travel outside Canada on Sun Life LTD?

Yes, but Sun Life applies additional scrutiny.

Does Sun Life use surveillance?

Yes. Travel often triggers more monitoring.

When to Speak With a Disability Lawyer

You should contact a long-term disability lawyer if:

• Sun Life denied your trip request
• Your LTD benefits were cut off after travelling (a reason for long-term disability denied in Canada)
• Sun Life claims your activities contradict your disability
• You’re being accused of dishonesty
• You need help responding to Sun Life requests
• You’re receiving mixed messages about your approval

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our disability lawyers help Canadians challenge unfair Sun Life LTD decisions and restore their benefits quickly.

• ✅ Free consultation
• ✅ No upfront fees
• ✅ Millions recovered for Canadians denied disability
• ✅ Canada’s most-reviewed disability law firm