Are You Allowed to Travel While on Workers’ Compensation?

Many injured workers ask whether they are allowed to travel while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The short answer is yes, but there are important limitations to keep in mind. 

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide medical care and wage replacement while you recover from a work-related injury. However, travel can raise concerns about your recovery process or compliance with medical treatment. If you are considering traveling, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and requirements to avoid putting your benefits at risk.

At Alta Legal, we have years of experience helping injured workers throughout Utah and Arizona with their claims. Our attorneys work to ensure clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Medical Treatment and Travel Restrictions

One of the biggest concerns about traveling while receiving workers’ compensation is maintaining regular medical treatment. Missing doctor’s appointments or rehabilitation sessions could be considered non-compliance, which may result in a suspension or reduction of benefits. Before making any travel plans, it is important to consult with your treating physician to confirm that travel will not interfere with your recovery.

If your doctor approves travel, you must continue any prescribed treatments while away. This is especially critical for individuals undergoing physical therapy or other ongoing medical care. Those working with a workers’ compensation attorney in Utah must document all medical visits and ensure they follow any restrictions their physician sets. Our practice areas page provides more information on available legal services.

Employer and Insurance Company Requirements

Insurance companies closely monitor workers’ compensation claims to prevent fraud. If your travel plans suggest that you are engaging in activities beyond your stated physical limitations, the insurer may question your claim. For example, if you claim limited mobility but engage in physically demanding activities, your benefits could be at risk.

We strongly advise informing your employer and workers’ compensation insurer about your travel plans if they might impact your medical treatment or availability for check-ins. Our Utah workers’ compensation lawyers can provide guidance if you are unsure about your obligations. For more information about our services in Utah, visit our Utah office page.

Traveling for Medical Reasons

In some cases, injured workers may need to travel for specialized medical treatment that is not available locally. When this happens, workers’ compensation may cover travel expenses, including transportation and lodging. However, reimbursement policies vary, and prior approval is often required.

Utah law allows injured workers to be reimbursed for mileage when traveling for authorized medical care. If you are unsure whether your travel expenses qualify for reimbursement, our workers’ compensation attorneys in West Jordan UT can help. Learn more about our team and how we fight for injured workers.

Out-of-State or International Travel

Traveling out of state or internationally presents additional challenges. Workers’ compensation benefits are governed by state law, and traveling to another state could create jurisdictional issues. If your claim is active, you may need to coordinate medical care at your destination to remain compliant.

International travel presents even greater risks since workers’ compensation policies typically do not extend beyond U.S. borders. If you experience a medical emergency while abroad, your treatment may not be covered. Before making travel plans, our Utah workers’ compensation lawyers can assess potential risks and ensure your claim remains in good standing. For legal representation in Arizona, visit our Arizona office page.

Protecting Your Benefits While Traveling

To protect your workers’ compensation benefits while traveling, we recommend the following steps:

• Obtain Written Medical Approval: Get a written statement from your doctor confirming that travel will not interfere with your recovery.
  
• Keep Up With Medical Appointments: If travel overlaps with scheduled medical visits, reschedule in advance or arrange for treatment at your destination.
  
• Avoid Activities That Could Harm Your Claim: Engaging in activities beyond your physical restrictions could be used against you by the insurance company.
  
• Notify Relevant Parties: If travel impacts your medical treatment, inform your employer and insurance provider.
  
• Consult a Legal Professional: If you have concerns about how travel may affect your benefits, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Taylorsville, UT, can provide legal guidance.

Ensure Your Workers’ Compensation Remains Secure

Workers’ compensation laws can be complicated, and making a mistake could put your benefits at risk. If you have questions about traveling while on workers’ compensation, Alta Legal is here to help. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing injured workers throughout Utah and Arizona. With offices in Provo, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Phoenix, and Spanish Fork, we are committed to protecting your rights. Contact us today to discuss your case.