Can You Travel While on Medical Leave From Work in Canada?

Yes — you can sometimes travel while on medical leave from work in Canada, but only if the trip is medically appropriate, your doctor approves it, and the travel does not interfere with treatment or recovery.

Employers often misunderstand travel during medical leave. Even legitimate trips can lead to questions about whether you are truly unable to work — especially if the travel appears inconsistent with your medical restrictions.

Here’s what employees need to know before travelling while on medical leave.

Is Travel Allowed During Medical Leave?

Yes — travel can be allowed when:

• Your doctor confirms the trip won’t interfere with recovery
• Travel will not worsen your medical condition
• You continue required treatment, even while awa
• The trip is for medical, mental-health, or family-support reasons
• You remain reachable for employer communication when appropriate

Why Travel Raises Employer Concerns

Travel can seem inconsistent with being unfit for work.
Employers may question:

• Your credibility
• Whether you’re following your treatment plan
• Whether the trip contradicts your limitations
• Why you can travel but can’t perform modified duties
• Whether your medical leave is still justified

Even safe, restful trips may raise concerns if the employer wasn’t notified in advance.

You Must Follow Your Doctor’s Restrictions — Even While Travelling

Your ability to travel depends entirely on your medical restrictions, such as:

• No long walking
• No heavy lifting
• No prolonged sitting or standing
• No stressful environments
• Need for frequent rest
• Need for ongoing therapy or treatment

Do You Need to Tell Your Employer You Are Travelling?

Yes — you almost always should.

Failing to inform your employer can lead to:

• Discipline
• Accusations of dishonesty
• Loss of trust
• Questions about your medical leave
• Termination in serious cases

Does the Type of Medical Leave Matter?

1. Sick Leave / Medical Leave (Employment Standards or HR Policy)

Travel can be allowed as long as treatment isn’t interrupted.

2. Stress Leave / Mental Health Leave

Travel is often more acceptable — rest or family support may be part of treatment.

3. Workplace Injury (WSIB or WCB)

Travel rules are stricter. You may need approval if you are missing therapy or required assessments.

4. Pregnancy-Related Leave

Travel may be permitted if your doctor confirms it is safe.

5. STD or LTD While on Leave

If you are receiving disability benefits, you must follow both employer rules and insurer rules. For more details, see our guides on travel while on STD and travelling while on long-term disability.

Can Travel During Medical Leave Lead to Termination?

It can — but not automatically.

You can be disciplined or terminated if:

• Travel contradicts medical restrictions
• You misled your employer
• You failed to follow your treatment plan
• You refused modified work discussions without valid medical reasons
• You disappeared without notifying your employer
• You engaged in activities inconsistent with being unable to work

Travel That May Be Medically Appropriate

You are more likely to be cleared for travel when:

• The trip is restful
• You are visiting family support
• Your doctor recommends a change of environment
• The trip is planned around medical appointments
• You can maintain therapy or medication
• You are dealing with stress, burnout, or trauma

A note from your doctor explaining why the trip supports your recovery is extremely helpful.

Travel That May Raise Concerns

The following often trigger employer skepticism:

• Ski trips, hiking, or physical activities
• Long and demanding international travel
• Cruises, adventure travel, or high-activity vacations
• Trips that require heavy luggage
• Trips posted on social media that appear inconsistent with your condition
• Missing physiotherapy, counselling, or follow-up appointments

It’s not the travel itself — it’s whether the activities match your medical restrictions.

What to Do Before Travelling While on Medical Leave

1. Get written medical approval
   A simple note confirming the trip will not delay recovery
2. Notify your employer
   Tell them you will be out of town and unavailable for appointments.
3. Don’t overshare details
   You don’t need to explain your condition or itinerary — just confirm you remain medically unable to work.
4. Maintain treatment
   Attend appointments before and after the trip, or arrange remote alternatives.
5. Stay consistent with restrictions
   Everything you do on the trip should match your medical limitations.
6. Be careful on social media
   Posts can be misinterpreted or taken out of context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer stop me from travelling while on medical leave?

No — unless the travel contradicts your medical restrictions or treatment plan.

Can travel be grounds for firing?

Yes, if it undermines your medical leave or involves dishonesty.

Does my employer need to approve the trip?

They can’t “approve” or “deny” it — but you must notify them and follow your doctor’s restrictions.

Do I need to stay home during medical leave?

No. Medical leave is about being unable to work, not house confinement.

Can I travel for mental-health reasons?

Often yes — and doctors frequently recommend restorative travel.

When to Speak With an Employment or Disability Lawyer

Contact a lawyer if:

• Your employer is disciplining you for travelling
• They’re demanding private medical details
• They’re pressuring you to return to work early
• Your medical leave is being questioned
• You’re being accused of dishonesty or misconduct
• You’re receiving both medical leave and STD/LTD benefits

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our team of employment lawyers and disability lawyers help non-unionized employees protect their rights and stop unfair treatment during medical leave.

• ✅ Millions recovered
• ✅ Canada’s most-reviewed employment and disability law firm