Yes. In most cases, moving to another province doesn’t automatically end your long-term disability benefits.
Your right to LTD benefits depends on your insurance policy and whether you continue to meet its definition of disability—not simply which province you live in.
However, moving can affect your medical treatment, communication with the insurance company, assessments and return-to-work planning. Review your policy and deal with these issues before you relocate.
On This Page:
- Will LTD Continue?
- Do You Need Permission?
- Should You Tell the Insurer?
- Doctors and Treatment
- Medical Assessments
- Return to Work
- If Benefits Are Cut Off
Will Your LTD Benefits Continue if You Move Provinces?
Moving from one Canadian province to another doesn’t normally make you lose your LTD benefits automatically.
Your continued eligibility is based mainly on whether:
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You continue to meet the definition of disability in your policy
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Your medical evidence continues to support your inability to work
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You continue reasonable treatment
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You provide medical updates and other information the insurer reasonably requires
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You continue to follow the terms of your LTD policy
Check your actual policy before moving. Some policies can contain rules about where you live, travel, medical care or how assessments are handled.
Do You Need the Insurance Company’s Permission to Move?
Not necessarily. There isn’t one rule that requires every LTD claimant in Canada to get an insurer’s permission before moving to another province.
The answer depends on your policy and your claim.
Before moving, check for terms dealing with:
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Your place of residence
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Ongoing medical treatment
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Medical examinations
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Providing proof that you remain disabled
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Notice of changes to your contact information
If you aren’t sure what your policy requires, ask the insurer in writing before the move.
Should You Tell Your LTD Insurer That You Are Moving?
Yes. Tell the insurance company about your change of address and make sure it can continue to contact you.
You should also explain any changes that could affect the administration of your claim, such as:
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Changing doctors
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Moving your treatment to another province
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Changing pharmacies or treatment providers
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Needing to reschedule an assessment because of the move
Keep the communication simple and in writing. You don’t need to justify every personal reason for moving unless it is relevant to the LTD claim.
What Happens to Your Doctors and Treatment After You Move?
One of the biggest LTD issues when moving provinces is keeping your medical treatment and evidence consistent.
If you need to change doctors or specialists:
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Arrange for your medical records to be transferred
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Try to avoid unnecessary gaps in treatment
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Keep following treatment recommendations where possible
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Make sure your new doctor understands your condition and why you remain unable to work
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Tell the insurer who will now be providing medical updates
A move can create delays in finding a new family doctor or specialist. If that happens, keep records showing the steps you are taking to continue your care.
Don’t allow a temporary gap caused by the move to look like you simply stopped seeking treatment.
What if the Insurer Wants a Medical Assessment After You Move?
Your insurer can continue reviewing your LTD claim after you relocate.
That can include asking you to attend an independent medical examination or another assessment.
If the insurer schedules an assessment in your old province after you have moved, ask:
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Whether an appropriate assessor is available closer to your new home
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Whether the assessment can be completed virtually, where appropriate
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What travel expenses the insurer will cover if you must travel
Don’t simply refuse or miss an assessment. Raise the issue with the insurer and get legal advice if the request is unreasonable or difficult because of your medical condition.
Can You Move Provinces While Your LTD Claim Is Still Being Reviewed?
A move doesn’t automatically prevent an LTD application from being approved.
If your claim is still under review:
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Give the insurer your new contact information
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Continue responding to requests for medical information
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Make sure your new treatment providers have the medical history they need
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Keep copies of all forms and correspondence
If you are just starting the LTD process, see our guide to applying for long-term disability benefits.
Can Moving Affect a Return-to-Work Plan?
Potentially.
If your insurer is discussing a gradual return to work, rehabilitation or another occupation, moving far away from your previous workplace can affect how that plan is carried out.
A move doesn’t prove that you are medically capable of returning to work. However, tell the insurer about the move before agreeing to any return-to-work plan so that the plan reflects where you now live and your actual medical abilities.
Is Moving Provinces Different From Travelling While on LTD?
Yes. A permanent move and a temporary vacation aren’t the same thing.
A permanent move is more likely to affect your doctors, treatment providers, address and any future assessments. Travel is generally temporary and can raise different questions about treatment, activities and policy restrictions.
If you are planning a trip rather than relocating, read our guide to travelling while on disability in Canada.
What Should You Do Before Moving Provinces on LTD?
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Review your LTD policy. Look for any terms dealing with residence, treatment, examinations or notice requirements.
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Tell your insurer about the move. Provide your new address and contact information in writing.
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Plan for continued medical care. Arrange records and referrals before you leave where possible.
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Keep your medical evidence current. Your insurer can continue asking for proof that you remain unable to work.
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Keep copies of everything. Save communications with the insurer and records relating to changes in treatment.
What if Your LTD Benefits Are Cut Off After You Move?
Moving to another province by itself doesn’t mean that you are medically able to return to work.
If your insurer stops your benefits after the move, get the reason in writing.
The insurer could raise concerns about:
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A gap in medical treatment
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Missing medical information
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Failure to attend an assessment
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A policy requirement it says wasn’t followed
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Whether you continue to meet the definition of disability
Find out exactly what the insurer says changed and speak with a disability lawyer about the decision.
If your benefits have been stopped, read our guide on what to do when your long-term disability claim is denied or terminated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Provinces on Disability
Can I Move to Another Province While on Long-Term Disability?
Yes. Moving to another province doesn’t automatically end your LTD benefits. You must continue to meet the requirements of your insurance policy and provide medical information when required.
Will My LTD Payments Stop if I Move?
Not simply because you changed provinces. Problems can arise if the move causes you to stop treatment, miss assessments or fail to meet another requirement of the LTD policy.
Do I Have to Tell My Insurance Company That I Moved?
You should give the insurer your new address and contact information and tell it about changes to doctors or treatment that affect your claim.
Can I Change Doctors While on LTD?
Yes. If you need a new doctor after moving, arrange to transfer your medical records and try to avoid unnecessary gaps in treatment.
Do I Need Permission From My Insurer to Move Provinces?
Not in every case. Check your LTD policy for any rules about residence, medical treatment, assessments or notice before relocating.
Can My Insurer Make Me Travel Back for an IME?
An insurer can require reasonable medical assessments when allowed by the policy. If you have moved, ask whether the assessment can be arranged closer to you and what travel costs will be covered.
Get Help With Your LTD Benefits After Moving
Moving provinces shouldn’t automatically cost you your long-term disability benefits.
If the insurer is questioning your move, creating unreasonable problems with assessments or treatment, or has stopped your benefits, get legal advice.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps people with long-term disability insurance claims across Canada, excluding Quebec. If you’re denied LTD, we can get you what you’re owed.