Yes — you can travel while on disability benefits in Canada, including short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), and CPP Disability.
But there are rules. Your insurance company or the government may limit how long you can be away, require approval before you leave, and expect you to continue treatment and monitoring while travelling.
If you travel without following the rules, your benefits can be paused, denied, or cut off.
This guide explains everything you need to know before you leave Canada.
What You Need to Know Up Front
Travelling while on disability is allowed — but only if:
- Your doctor supports the trip
- You follow all medical treatment
- You notify your insurer before you go
- Your absence doesn’t prevent assessments or appointments
- Your policy doesn’t include specific travel limits
- You remain genuinely unable to work
Insurance companies often treat travel as a red flag, even when it’s medically appropriate.
Can You Take a Vacation While on Disability Benefits?
Yes, but a vacation can raise concerns for insurers if
- The trip requires walking, driving, flying, or activities inconsistent with your reported limitations
- You miss medical appointments
- You leave the country without informing them
- You appear “active” on social media
Insurers commonly argue that travel means you’re well enough to work, even when that’s not true.
Always speak with your doctor first, and give your insurer notice in writing.
How Long Can You Leave the Country While on Disability?
There’s no single national rule.
It depends on your benefit type:
- Short-term disability – stricter limits, often requiring you to remain close to treatment
- Long-term disability – policies may allow extended travel with approval
- CPP Disability – can be paid while living or travelling outside Canada
- Employer medical leave – depends on workplace policies and medical restrictions
Most LTD insurers require written permission and may restrict travel to a maximum number of days.
Travelling While on Long-Term Disability (LTD)
You can travel while on LTD, but only if:
- Your doctor approves medical suitability
- You continue all required treatment
- You inform your insurance company before you leave
- You remain unable to work during the entire trip
Why insurers question travel on LTD:
- Travel is sometimes viewed as “inconsistent” with disability
- They may increase surveillance before or during your trip
- They may schedule medical assessments while you’re away
- They may claim you’re non-compliant with treatment if you miss appointments
Travel rules can vary by insurer. See our insurer-specific guides:
Travelling While on Short-Term Disability (STD)
STD is meant for active recovery, so travel rules are tighter.
You may be allowed to travel if:
- Your doctor confirms the trip won’t delay recover
- You remain reachable for update
- You don’t miss physiotherapy, testing, or other requirements
Travel that interferes with treatment is a common reason STD claims are denied or stopped.
Can You Travel While on Medical Leave From Work?
Yes — but only with:
- Doctor approval, stating the travel won’t delay your recovery
- Consistent treatment during the trip
- Notice to your employer, especially if policies require you to remain available
- Clear documentation showing the trip is medically appropriate
Employers sometimes treat unauthorized travel as:
- Misconduct
- Abandoning treatment
- Not genuinely disabled
CPP Disability: Can You Leave Canada?
Yes.
CPP Disability can continue even if you:
- Travel outside Canada
- Temporarily stay in another country
- Move abroad
You must still:
- Remain disabled as defined under CPP
- Complete forms when requested
- Attend assessments if asked (sometimes arrangements are made abroad)
There is no automatic cutoff simply because you leave Canada.
Does Travel Affect Your Disability Claim?
Travel can cause problems if:
- You appear more active than your medical reports
- You miss appointments or testing
- Your insurer believes you’re not following treatment
- You do not disclose the trip
- Social media contradicts your symptoms
Before travelling, ask yourself:
- Can I safely continue treatment while away?
- Will I be able to rest as needed?
- Do I need medical resources on the trip?
- Is my doctor documenting support for this trip?
What You Should Do Before You Travel
To protect your benefits, always:
- Get written medical approval
A short note from your doctor explaining why the trip is medically appropriate. - Notify your insurer in writing
Explain where you’re going, for how long, and how you’ll continue treatment. - Keep copies of medical records
In case anything is questioned later. - Do not exaggerate “vacation activities” online
Insurers review public social media. - Stay reachable
If they need updates or paperwork, respond promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do insurers monitor people who travel while on disability?
Often, yes. Surveillance increases around major life events like travel.
Do you have to tell your insurer you’re leaving the country?
Yes — failing to notify them can be treated as non-compliance.
Can you be denied LTD or STD because you travel?
You can, especially if the insurer believes the trip contradicts your disability or interferes with treatment.
Is travel outside Canada allowed on CPP Disability?
Yes. Your CPP Disability payments can continue outside Canada.
Can your employer discipline you for travelling while on medical leave?
If the trip contradicts your medical restrictions, yes.
When to Speak With a Disability Lawyer
If your insurance company is questioning your credibility, stopping payments, or saying your travel means you’re “fit to work,” you should get legal advice immediately.
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our disability lawyers have helped tens of thousands of Canadians fight unfair disability benefits denied in Canada and recover compensation.
- ✅ Free consultation
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- ✅ Canada’s most-reviewed disability law firm