Canada Life Long-Term Disability and Travel: What You Need to Know

If you’re receiving Canada Life long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you may be permitted to travel — but only if the trip is approved by your doctor, does not interrupt your treatment, and you notify Canada Life in advance.

Many Canadians are surprised to learn that travelling without approval is one of the most common reasons Canada Life pauses, questions, or terminates LTD payments.

This guide explains how Canada Life handles travel during an LTD claim and what you should do before leaving home.

Does Canada Life Allow Travel While on LTD?

Yes — Canada Life does allow travel, but only under specific conditions. These rules are similar to general long-term disability travel restrictions.

Canada Life typically requires:

• A doctor’s note confirming travel won’t interfere with recovery
• Advance notice of travel plans
• A plan to maintain treatment while away
• Contact information for the duration of the trip
• Assurance that travel won’t contradict your medical limitations

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

Why Canada Life Scrutinizes Travel

Canada Life evaluates travel because it may conflict with your reported restrictions. They look at whether:

• You’ll miss scheduled tests, therapy, or specialist appointments
• Travel suggests you can tolerate prolonged sitting, walking, or standing
• Activities during the trip match your medical limitations
• You can be reached for claim updates
• You remain compliant with your treatment plan
• The purpose of travel is medically appropriate

Even travel intended for rest can trigger questions if Canada Life believes it contradicts your disability.

Do You Need Permission to Travel on Canada Life LTD?

Yes — Canada Life requires notice.
For out-of-province or out-of-country travel, they may also ask for:

• Written medical approval
• Details of where you’re going
• Duration of your trip
• A treatment plan
• Confirmation that important appointments aren’t being missed

Travel Canada Life Commonly Approves

Travel is more likely to be approved if:

• Your doctor confirms it supports your recovery
• The trip is low-activity
• You’re visiting family for support
• You’re taking a mental-health-focused restorative break
• You can easily maintain medication and treatment
• The trip avoids long flights or demanding physical activity

Canada Life tends to be more flexible when the travel aligns with therapeutic goals.

Travel That May Put Your LTD Benefits at Risk

Canada Life may question or deny claims if travel involves:

• Long walking distances or strenuous activities
• Adventure travel, sports, or trips involving heavy luggage
• Long flights when you’re restricted from sitting or standing
• Missed physiotherapy or counselling appointments
• Posting photos on social media that contradict your medical limits
• Staying out of the country for long periods
• Ignoring Canada Life’s requests for updates

Even innocent vacation photos can be misinterpreted.

Does Canada Life Use Surveillance When You Travel?

Yes.
Canada Life may increase surveillance when:

• They believe travel contradicts your restrictions
• They were not informed of the trip
• You have a history of inconsistent reporting
• It’s holiday or vacation season
• You’re near the date of a claim review

Surveillance may include:

• Social media monitoring
• Short-term private investigation
• Observation near your home before/after travel
• Activity monitoring consistent with public behaviour

This is not unusual — travel is a known trigger for insurer scrutiny.

Travelling Outside Canada While on Canada Life LTD

Canada Life applies stricter rules to international travel because:

• Treatment schedules are harder to maintain
• Medical documentation abroad may be difficult to obtain
• IMEs or reassessments can be missed
• Time zone differences delay communication

They may request:

• Proof of treatment access abroad
• Confirmation of medication availability
• A plan for responding to updates
• Medical follow-up scheduled before or after the trip

If you can’t maintain treatment appropriately, Canada Life may deny approval.

Canada Life LTD vs CPP Disability Travel Rules

If you are receiving both Canada Life LTD and CPP Disability:

• CPP Disability allows Canadians to travel or live outside the country.
• Canada Life LTD requires notice and medical approval.

CPP Disability will not be affected by your travel — but Canada Life can cut off or question benefits if your travel appears inconsistent.

How to Protect Your Canada Life LTD Benefits Before Travelling

1. Get your doctor’s approval in writing
   This should confirm the trip is medically safe.
2. Notify Canada Life early
   Provide dates, destination, and contact info.
3. Maintain treatment
   If appointments will be missed, arrange alternative care or follow-ups.
4. Keep activities consistent with your limitations
   Do not exceed what your medical reports say you can do.
5. Limit social media activity
   Even supportive posts can be misinterpreted
6. Respond quickly
   Delayed responses can disrupt payment schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Life LTD & Travel

Does Canada Life allow travel while on long-term disability?

Yes — with doctor approval and advance notice.

Can Canada Life stop my LTD payments because I travelled?

Yes, if travel contradicts your restrictions or treatment plan.

Can I travel outside Canada while receiving Canada Life LTD?

Yes, but approval is stricter.

Does Canada Life monitor claimants while travelling?

They can — especially when the travel appears inconsistent with reported symptoms.

Can I travel for mental-health reasons?

Often yes, if your doctor supports it.

When to Contact a Disability Lawyer

Speak with a long-term disability lawyer if:

• Canada Life denied your travel request
• Your LTD benefits were cut off after travel (a common form of long-term disability denied in Canada)
• Canada Life claims your activities contradicts your disability
• You’re under surveillance or increased scrutiny
• You’re being asked for excessive medical documentation
• You recovery or credibility is being questioned

Our disability lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help Canadians across the country fight unfair decisions and get their LTD benefits back on track.

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