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

If you’re receiving Manulife long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you may be allowed to travel — but only if the trip is medically appropriate, you follow your treatment plan, and you notify Manulife before you leave.

Travelling without permission is one of the most common reasons Manulife reviews, pauses, or terminates LTD payments.

This guide explains how Manulife handles travel for LTD claimants and what you should do before booking a trip.

Does Manulife Allow Travel While on Long-Term Disability?

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

Manulife typically requires:

• Doctor’s approval for the trip
• A clear plan to continue treatment
• Advance written notice with travel dates
• Proof the trip will not worsen your condition
• A way to stay reachable while away

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

Why Manulife Scrutinizes Travel

Manulife looks at travel because it may appear inconsistent with being unable to work. They assess whether:

• The destination requires long flights, long walks, or physical effort
• You will miss physiotherapy or medical appointments
• The trip suggests you can perform sedentary work
• Your reported limitations align with travel activities
• You remain compliant with treatment
• They can reach you for updates during the trip

Even completely legitimate travel can be misinterpreted if it contradicts medical restrictions.

Do You Need Permission to Travel While on Manulife LTD?

Yes.
Manulife expects claimants to tell them before travelling, especially for:

• Out-of-province trips
• Out-of-country travel
• Multi-week vacations
• Situations where treatment will change or pause

They often request:

• Travel dates
• Contact information
• A doctor’s letter
• Confirmation of continued treatment
• A full explanation of the purpose of travel

What Types of Travel Does Manulife Usually Approve?

Travel is more likely to be approved if:

• Your doctor confirms it’s safe
• The trip is restful
• You’re visiting family for support
• The trip benefits your mental health
• You can maintain your medication routine
• You have upcoming appointments scheduled before/after travel

Mental-health-related leave often receives more flexibility, provided it doesn’t contradict your restrictions.

Travel That Can Trigger a Manulife Review

Your Manulife LTD payments may be at risk if the travel involves:

• Long flights when you’re restricted from prolonged sitting
• Cruises, adventure travel, or physically demanding activities
• Missing physiotherapy, counselling, or medical exams
• Ignoring Manulife’s calls or emails
• Posting active vacation photos on social media
• Leaving the country for extended periods
• Failing to provide updated medical information

Even small inconsistencies can be used to justify a claim reassessment.

Does Manulife Use Surveillance Around Travel?

Yes — Manulife can increase surveillance when they believe the claimant is:

• Travelling
• Avoiding communication
• Possibly engaging in activities inconsistent with their condition
• Travelling without approval
• Near holidays or long weekends

Surveillance may include:

• Reviewing public social media
• In-person observation
• Checking for airport or travel-related activity
• Monitoring public behaviour near your home or destination

Travel is often a trigger for closer monitoring.

Travelling Outside Canada While on Manulife LTD

Manulife requires even more information for international trips because:

• Treatment can be interrupted
• Time zones complicate communication
• Medical reporting abroad can be difficult
• They may require you to attend assessments or IMEs

Manulife may ask:

• How you’ll continue treatment abroad
• Where you will get medical care if needed
• If you have upcoming appointments
• Whether the trip is consistent with your medical limitations

Manulife LTD vs CPP Disability Travel Rules

If you receive both CPP Disability and Manulife LTD:

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

Your LTD benefits are at much higher risk of being cut off due to travel than CPP.

What To Do Before Travelling on Manulife LTD

1. Get a doctor’s letter approving the trip
   It should confirm that travel won’t delay recovery.
2. Notify Manulife in writing
   Provide your travel dates, purpose, and contact info.
3. Maintain treatment
   If appointments will be missed, document alternatives.
4. Keep activities consistent with your restrictions
   Avoid anything that contradicts medical limitations.
5. Limit social media posting
   Even innocent photos can be misinterpreted.
6. Respond quickly to Manulife
   A missed call or email can stall payments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manulife LTD and Travel

Does Manulife allow travel while on LTD?

Yes — with doctor approval and advance notice.

Can Manulife cut off my LTD because I travelled?

Yes, if travel contradicts your limitations or treatment plan.

Can I travel outside Canada while on Manulife LTD?

Yes, but the rules are stricter and require detailed documentation.

Does Manulife use surveillance?

Yes — travel often triggers increased monitoring.

Can I travel for mental-health reasons?

Often yes, if your doctor supports it.

When to Speak With a Disability Lawyer

Contact a long-term disability lawyer if:

• Manulife denied your travel request
• Your benefits were cut off after travelling (a common form of long-term disability denied in Canada)
• Manulife claims your trip contradicts your disability
• You’re being questioned or heavily monitored
• You’re pressured to return to work early
• You need help responding to Manulife’s requests

Our disability lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help Canadians fight unfair Manulife LTD decisions and get their benefits restored.

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