Taking a vacation when you’re dealing with a long-term disability can be beneficial to your mental and physical health. It’s a great way to experience new sights, foods and cultures which can go a long way towards helping your recovery.
But you may need to take certain precautions as not every country has the same accessibility standards as Canada. It’s important to take steps to comply while your insurance claim is being reviewed and to ensure your recovery stays on track. Remember, it’s not advisable for individuals dealing with a long-term disability to just pack their bags and travel wherever they want.
It’s also a good idea to get your disability lawyer in Mississauga to approve your travel plans. Though you may seem extreme, many insurance companies consider vacation travel inconsistent with an inability to work. This is why you need to know what measures you should take while planning said vacation.
Are you thinking about taking a vacation? Dealing with a long-term disability? Here are some important things you need to know.
Vacations are important for us as they reduce anxiety and depression, so you should be able to travel even with a long-term disability.
That said, you must exercise caution when travelling, especially if you’re on an approved disability claim, or applying for one.
If your doctor has advised you to take time off work and you’re applying for disability benefits, a vacation may be seen as a red flag. This also applies to approved claims. So, you may want to rethink your travel plans and get your disability policy restrictions reviewed by an experienced lawyer.
Additionally, there are a few other things you should do.
You will find information regarding long-term disability and travel in the policy provided by your insurer. While vacations are generally not forbidden for those with long-term disabilities, your policy will outline any limitations on activities. It will also include any restrictions based on your diagnosis that do prohibit travel.
Of course, insurance policies aren’t always easy to understand, and some of the most important information may only be found in the fine print. Your disability lawyer can inform you about what your policy says you can and can’t do. For instance, some may permit you to travel inside the country but will stop payments if you travel outside Canada.
Your doctor will be able to determine whether travelling is recommended for you. If it is, they should provide a written letter that clears you to travel and make arrangements so your trip won’t affect your treatment. They will also likely ask you for contact information. However, it’s important that you go through your long-term disability plan for details on what is necessary for you to travel.
Next, present your insurance company with your doctor’s letter to inform them of your travel plans and the treatment recommended by them. A particularly long absence may require pre-approval from your insurance company to ensure your claims procedure is on the correct path.
It’s always best to keep your insurer in the loop regarding your travel plans to avoid unnecessary issues. Also, if you plan to travel for an extended period of time, you will need to find a way to receive all appropriate and necessary treatments.
When travelling, beware of surveillance set up by insurance providers, like monitoring your social media. For instance, if you’re travelling during holidays, chances are you or your loved ones will take videos and pictures and want to post them online. However, these can easily be construed by your insurance provider as evidence that is inconsistent with your long-term disability. So be careful to prevent your claim from being derailed unnecessarily.
When travelling, use caution and logic equally. If you are taking part in activities that may look bad (like skiing when you’re supposed to be wheelchair-bound), you will need to re-think them. By taking adequate precautions, you can enjoy your vacation without hassle.
Though these steps may seem like extra work, they will help you maximize your trip and avoid problems with your insurance company. Hopefully, this article removes some of the stigma surrounding travelling with a long-term disability and allows you to receive the benefits you deserve.
If you are experiencing issues related to travelling with a long-term disability, discuss your case with experienced disability lawyers near you. Reputable law firms, such as Brar Tamber (in Mississauga), offer a free initial consultation. (And, you can book one online; it’s really quick!)